Kilburn Restaurant Guide

“Chicken with amazing sides” is the winning formula at Romain Bourrillon’s rotisserie chain, which imports its chooks from France. “Nice brunch”, too.

This “well-established” Kilburn curry house – purportedly the first to offer South Indian cuisine in the UK – celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Little has changed since it opened, with its “plain good cooking”, “authentic recipes” including dishes not found elsewhere and “lovely vegetarian meals” pleasing happy locals as well as a string of celeb visitors ranging from the late Michael Winner to Diana Ross, Harrison Ford and the Indian cricket team.

“Super southern Indian dishes at reasonable prices too” win a following for this family run Keralan in Kilburn. It’s either “brilliant and low key” or “very good but with slightly disappointing surroundings” depending on your tastes.

2021 Review: “Seriously tasty Afghan food” has made this “niche venue” a long-time north London favourite (the original Ariana was founded by another branch of the family in New York in the 1980s). It’s “handy for the Kiln Theatre” (formerly the Tricycle) and “BYO so very cheap ’n’ cheerful indeed”. Top Tip – “the mantu (minced lamb in steamed pastry) are worth the trip alone”.

“Interesting Israeli/Middle Eastern dishes” served in a “fun, vibey setting” have created a big winner for the Berber & Q team at this Queen’s Park two-year-old: a “great neighbourhood addition”. “There are super veg options, but also fab meat and fish ones too”. “The large shared table might not be for everyone” although there is also some more conventional seating (mostly for couples). Top Tip – the small terrace in summer is particularly “nice, as there are no cars outside”.

“Really succulent rendang” is a menu highlight at this “great new Malaysian eatery”: a ‘kopitiam’ (café-style) venture which opened in Queen’s Park in late 2022. It’s the creation of siblings Fatizah and Irqam Shawal, whose parents opened London’s most venerable Malaysian – Satay House – in 1973.