London Hampstead Restaurant Guide

“Sit at the counter and you might almost think you were in Tokyo… until you step outside and walk back to town over Hampstead Heath” from this “favourite Japanese” – one of NW3’s best claims to culinary fame. “A small place, it feels so down-to-earth and unassuming, and then blows you away with delicious sushi and yakitori grilled dishes, with even humbler items like seaweed salad made to perfection”. We’ve rated it in accordance with its long-term trend, but – having closed for much of the last year – it reopens in summer 2022 almost doubled in size. Here’s hoping they’ve kept the best facets of its former quaint and “most authentic” style.

“A cosy gem” – this postcard-pretty Grade II listed Georgian tavern in a “lovely location” down a narrow street has been a must-visit in Hampstead village since Dr Johnson dropped in. It’s an “expensive” place to eat by pub standards, but it’s by no means a standard pub. “Go just for the real fire!”.

“Classic old-school Italian” in a “lovely setting in Hampstead”, with white linen and walls living up to its name. Even some who consider it “an old favourite” acknowledge that the experience is “hit ’n’ miss”, with sometimes “snooty service” but it still draws an enthusiastic crowd: “my business days are over, but judging by the other diners there must be plenty of business going on!”

Serving “the best tapas in Hampstead” – this “wonderful little hideaway” serves “simply exceptional vegetable plates” as well as “great fish and meat”, with Italian as well as Spanish dishes on the menu. In the gracious approach to St John-at-Hampstead – it’s “a brilliant conversion: they really got the ghost out of this basement”, ensuring a “fun visit every time”.

This “ever-popular” haunt serves “excellent coffee”, while “the food menu is perfectly acceptable”, and includes a “really precise and delicious shakshuka”. Any negatives? – “finding a spot can be a trial”.

With its “authentic Thai food” (the mother restaurant is in Bangkok), this international group is still a “go-to Thai brand in the capital” for many reporters, especially if you want an experience “more up-market than at many of its competitors”. Restaurateur Khun Patara Sila-On opened her first London branch in South Ken 33 years ago, and has added five more in central London, Hampstead and Wimbledon.

“Possibly the best overall eating experience in NW3” – this characterful Georgian tavern in Hampstead (run for two decades by Beth Coventry, sister of the veteran restaurant critic Fay Maschler) is a great all-rounder. The “consistent food is excellent for a local pub”, “the setting is delightful” (choose from three different dining rooms) and “it’s a friendly place that combines well with a walk on the Heath”.

A new Japanese restaurant and omakase counter from the team behind Taku Mayfair. Taku's chef-patron Takuya Watanabe has installed his protégé Law Kwok Meng as head chef. INÉ is Japanese for 'rice'.