Hampstead is a small borough of London known for its charming cobbled streets, the green expanses of Hampstead Heath, and its density of millionaires.
Hampstead is the perfect place to wander around the unique little shops, cute cafes, and ridiculously good restaurants.
But with so many narrow streets with hidden delightful eateries, how do you choose where to go?
The Best Restaurants in Hampstead: a Map
Luckily, we’ve done the leg work and put together a list of the best restaurants you won’t regret visiting if you’re in Hampstead. So keep reading to find out where you should visit next.
Ham: Best Elevated Classics (Brunch or Dinner)
If you’re in the market for an upscale, British classic in an unpretentious setting, Ham is the place to be. Ham serves up modern British grub for brunch, lunch, and dinner, perfect for an impromptu stop when you don’t know what time you’re eating.
The decor is tasteful and bright, with some comfy bench seating to lounge on. It’s usually pretty busy and alive with the sound of chatter and cutlery clatter – no awkward vibes here, that’s for sure! They also have a few seats outside if you want to enjoy some sunshine while you eat.
Although the portions aren’t the biggest, they’re enough to fill up and satiate most stomachs. If you’re particularly starving, consider ordering something from the ‘nibbles and starters’ menu to calm the hunger pangs, so you can relax and enjoy your main meal.
Ham holds a good reputation in Hampstead, so if you’re planning on heading there for dinner, especially at the weekend, I recommend booking online or on the phone.
Address: 238 W End Ln, London NW6 1LG, United Kingdom
L’Antica Pizzeria: Best Italian Restaurant
L’Antica Pizzeria serves up true Italian classics, creating mouth-watering pizzas in their wood-fired pizza oven. No soggy bottoms here!
They also offer a variety of pasta, gnocchi, salads, and desserts. Tiramisu, affogato, and Nutella pizza – your sweet tooth will definitely be satisfied!
The vibe here is great, with friendly and quick service and a view of the chefs working hard in front of the fiery pizza oven. L’Antica is (in my opinion) the best Italian restaurant in Hampstead, and it will not disappoint.
Like any good Italian restaurant, L’Antica offers a wide selection of wines, beers, and Aperitifs!
L’Antica provides intimate, homely vibes with its small seating area and exposed brick walls. However, the restaurant is super small, and they don’t have many tables, so try to book in advance! If you’re out of luck table-wise, they also offer takeaway so that you can enjoy a crispy pizza in Hampstead Heath instead or at home.
Address: 66 Heath St, London NW3 1DN, United Kingdom
Phone: 020 7431 8516
Related: The Best Pubs in Hampstead
Bonoo Indian tapas: Best Indian (+ Best Vegetarian Options)
If the 4.9 stars on Google, with over 1700 reviews, aren’t enough to convince you to visit Bonoo, maybe this review will.
Since opening in 2016, Bonoo Indian tapas has repeatedly won the London Curry Awards. An impressive accomplishment, considering the amount of competition there is!
Situated in West Hampstead, this restaurant aims to give customers a curry experience – with flavourful samples of India to help you explore options outside your usual chicken masala. They offer small Indian tapas plates, great for sharing with a partner or a few friends.
I personally love the quirky floral decor – they’ve definitely made an effort to make their restaurant stand out against all the other dark and dated Indian restaurants out there.
The menu is extensive and clear about what dishes are plant-based, gluten-free, and whether they contain dairy or nuts. So there really is something for everyone here!
The friendly, attentive service completely caters to your needs, enhancing the dining experience. While dinner might lean towards the pricier side, it’s not your everyday dining encounter, making it a treat that’s certainly worth the expense!
Address: 675 Finchley Rd, London NW2 2JP, United Kingdom
Jin Kichi: Best Japanese Restaurant
Many Japanese restaurants just serve up sushi – but not at Jin Kichi. They have a fired grill bar where they cook up delicious, smokey charred meats and fish.
The menu is lengthy, but it is worth reading. They have dozens of sushi, noodle, rice, and grilled options. They have a decent selection of vegetarian dishes, too – so not only the hardened sushi enthusiasts can be happy here.
When you enter, the smell of the smokey grill will make you crave some charred meat; lean into the temptation and sample some of their skewers! I recommend the grilled mackerel, which can be accompanied by sake if you want an authentic Japanese experience.
The cozy, minimalist layout means they have limited seating – so if possible, head to their website to make a reservation. The aesthetic is very much no-frills and open plan, but you may not want to lounge here for hours because it is a little cramped.
Address: 73 Heath St, London NW3 6UG, United Kingdom
28 Church Row: Spanish & Italian Restaurant with Romantic Vibes
28 Chruch Row steals the best from Spanish and Italian culture to serve up delicious small plates perfect for sharing during a candle-lit date.
The cosy decor and mood lighting combined with the stellar wine selection will make you want to stay here for hours. The wine list isn’t fixed and is constantly updated to include wines from smaller wineries, allowing you to sample wines you won’t have seen before.
They let the quality ingredients shine, cooking them simply, authentically, and with care. They even bake their own bread every day – what a treat!
The service is amazing; they treat every meal as a special occasion. They can advise on what dishes to go for and what wines to pair with them.
The intimate setting means the place has limited seating – so if you’re heading in the evening, try to book online first.
Address: 28 Church Row, London NW3 6UP, United Kingdom
Phone Number: 020 7993 2062
Related: Cool Pubs and Bars in West Hampstead
Banana Tree: Best Pan-Asian food
Banana Tree serves up the best dishes from across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. So no matter what Southeast Asian food you’re craving, Banana Tree will scratch that itch.
Their menu includes a wide variety of curry, noodles, grilled meat, salads, and some seasonal specialities.
The chic industrial aesthetic is stylish and modern, and unfussy. The food is delicious and will have you wondering why you cook the same three dishes at home all the time.
The cocktails aren’t cheap, but they offer 2-for-1 happy hour, all day, every day, so you can bag a deal! Plus, kids eat free on Sundays – how sweet!
They even offer some outdoor seating with large heaters, so you can people-watch while sipping on a cocktail. They also offer some vegan chicken satay skewers – which is such an unusual treat for those vegetarians in the crowd.
Portion sizes are decent, and the price is reasonable.
Address: 237-239 W End Ln, London NW6 1XN, United Kingdom
Tetto’s Hampstead: A Rooftop Delight
Tetto’s Hampstead stands out on the bustling local scene, with top reviews pouring in for its stellar service. You can’t help but feel at home here. The star of the show is the rooftop terrace. Adjustable to all weathers, it’s a cosy spot perfect for any time of year.
The food at Tetto’s shines, especially the steaks, hailed by many as the best in town. The bruschetta and chicken skewers also hit the mark. When it comes to drinks, their cocktails steal the spotlight. The strawberry daiquiris are divine, and if you’re into an Old Fashioned, you’ve found your new favourite spot.
Inside, the elegance of the interior design offers a pleasing ambience. Plush seating and tasteful decor hit the right notes, creating a desirable indoor dining experience.
While individual tastes may vary, my verdict is clear – Tetto’s Hampstead is worth your time. With its rooftop atmosphere, praiseworthy service, and tantalising cocktails, it’s a reliable choice for a memorable Hampstead dining experience.
Address: 240 Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, London NW3 2AE
Phone: 020 7226 5000
Meekhun Thai Bistro: Authentic Thai Delights
Meekhun Thai Bistro Hampstead is a Thai cuisine haunt that offers a truly authentic dining experience. A range of dishes standout, including the likes of Tom Kha soup, Kiew Wan Curry, and Pad Thai. I can personally vouch for the Kiew Wan Curry, it’s a real comfort dish on a cold London day.
They have a well-priced lunch menu, offering a diverse array of delectable options that make for a quick, satisfying midday meal. Value and variety in a lunch set is a welcome treat, and Meekhun delivers it well.
There’s a homely touch to the service here, which is generally friendly and attentive. Dining at Meekhun feels warm and inviting, a characteristic we thoroughly appreciated during our visit.
While some dishes and experiences at Meekhun might be hit or miss, the highlights make it worth considering. Armed with the knowledge of its best dishes and welcoming service, it could be just the spot for your next Thai meal out.
Address: 77 Heath St, London NW3 6UG
Phone: 020 7433 3455
Oak&Poppy: An Art Deco Dream with Unforgettable Quirks
Oak&Poppy – it’s a name that’s been buzzing around town, but what’s the actual scoop? Let’s delve in.
You walk into Oak&Poppy, and you’re greeted with a scene straight out of an art deco dream. It’s all chic and mid-century, with a particularly impressive glass roof. The place feels light, airy, and full of promise.
You’ll be salivating over the menu, it’s teeming with tasty morsels. The fritters and bao buns are a triumph, while the sole and mac & cheese croquettes are delightfully decadent. Don’t get me started on the pancakes – pure brunch bliss.
What’s even more delightful than the food? The staff. Chirpy, cheery and generally on their A-game. Even the manager doesn’t mind getting stuck in and accommodating special requests. It’s refreshing to see.
The vibe? Well, that’s another feather in Oak&Poppy’s cap. It’s buzzing with energy and yet has a local, welcoming feel about it that is, quite frankly, irresistible.
In conclusion, Oak&Poppy is more than a winner – it’s a trendsetter. Grab a fritter, nestle under the glass roof, and soak in the ambiance – you’re in for a treat, quirks and all.
Address: 48 Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 1NH
Phone: 020 3479 4888
La Cage Imaginaire: A Cosy Nook for Authentic French Fare
Stepping into La Cage Imaginaire, you’re immediately swept into a cosy, quaint little corner of France right here in Hampstead. The place exudes charm, but if you’re expecting cutting-edge decor, this might not be the place for you.
The prices are reasonable, particularly for the fixed-price lunch menu. It’s a welcome rarity to find French cuisine this easy on the pocket in Hampstead.
Their French onion soup is a thing of beauty – a rich, brothy, and flavourful concoction that you simply have to try. Authentic French dishes like the rabbit, coq au vin, dauphinoise potatoes, and Tarte Tatin also manage to hit the mark more often than not.
The service? It’s a mixed bag. The staff are pleasant, no doubt about it, but the pace can be leisurely, and not always in a good way.
There are some shortcomings, however. Inconsistency in food quality can dampen the experience. I’ve heard stories of dishes that were overcooked or overly oily, which isn’t ideal.
So, to sum up, La Cage Imaginaire? It’s got potential. It’s a cosy nook for a romantic dinner or a lazy lunch, but do go in knowing about its idiosyncrasies. It’s not perfect, but with that French onion soup, it’s hard to resist.
Address: 16 Flask Walk, London NW3 1HE
Phone: 020 7794 6674
Tips for a Great Evening in a Restaurant in Hampstead
- Book in advance if possible. Hampstead is a renowned dinner spot, and many restaurants are small and require reservations. Your chances of a walk-in table being available are definitely higher if you’re heading in for lunch!
- If you’re visiting via public transport, you have two options. Either head for Hampstead Station on the Northern Line, or get off at Hampstead Heath when on the Overground Line.
- Plan where you park if you are taking the car. Check whether the restaurant has parking – many are situated down narrow, residential streets and don’t provide parking. So plan where you want to park to save yourself the stress.