London Chiswick Restaurant Guide

“A lovely, local independent coffee shop” on the distant borders of Chiswick and Gunnersbury combining “laid-back music on vinyl (some of which you can buy)” and a “cosy” vibe with “great pastries” and other simple fare, plus some fine brews (using Union coffee).

This “enviable local star” from former Sticky Fingers director Lorraine Angliss knows exactly its doing after more than 15 years in Strand-on-the-Green – and its ratings are always very dependable. The menu may not be the most exciting in town, but it’s “varied” and contributes to a “totally relaxing” meal. In September 2019, its Barnes sibling gave up the ghost – perhaps the closure of Hammersmith Bridge was knocking trade?

“A taste of the real Tuscany in W4” can be “a just fantastic experience” at this “lovely Chiswick local”. Named after the ancestral home near Siena of the owners, a 500-year-old Chianti dynasty who wanted a London showcase, its strengths are a “warm welcome”, “some real ambience” and – as you might expect – “a great wine list”.

Slightly “hard to find” on the Chiswick/Acton border, this “lovely” panelled pub serves “surprisingly good”, “ambitious”, yet “unfussy” food with a distinct Mediterranean accent. Service is “friendly”, and there’s an “amazing garden” for the summer months.

“Consistently good food” and a “lovely French atmosphere” earn solid ratings for this long-running bistro – an unusually “authentic Gallic experience” by Acton Green. It’s “excellent value”, too, “if you choose carefully”.

“Vibrant”, “thoughtful” cuisine is very consistently produced at both Michael Nadra’s eponymous restaurants, in Chiswick and Camden Town. Both sites, though, are awkward in their way: the former “is a small space that’s a bit of a squeeze” (window tables are best); while the latter, right next to the Regent’s Canal, is a little stuck out-on-a-limb, and can seem “a little morgue-like” when it’s not busy. Both sites, though, are pepped up by their “friendly” staff.

“A beautiful situation on the river” in picturesque Strand-on-the-Green is the prime reason to seek out this “friendly local”, but its pub grub is consistently well-rated too. In summer there are small terraces with table service to the front and rear of the pub too.

“A suntrap outside and buzzy atmosphere” help make this fashionable Soho House haunt – prominently situated near Turnham Green Terrace – Chiswick’s premier brunch spot. Fans say the “food’s always good” too, but critics are less convinced (“imagine your worst greasy spoon breakfast, then multiply the bill by five…”)