London Hammersmith Restaurant Guide

A short step from Hammersmith Town Hall and its ongoing surrounding property developments – this “spacious” and stylish pub was taken over by an Indian restaurant during the pandemic (although you can still just drop in for a pint). The food is fair value and “very good” from “an extensive menu with some unusual dishes”; and the owners have invested heavily in the large and comfortable garden.

The “absolutely delicious” South Indian vegan and vegetarian food at this quintet of low-key cafés – stretching from Harrow to Covent Garden – is “good enough to keep carnivores quiet”: in particular “the dosas, which are just what you want from a dosa: crispy, tender, flavourful”. The formula is “simple but it works, even if the menu is always the same”; and it helps that the experience comes at “very reasonable prices”.

“Proper” Japanese food at a “very affordable price” (“the sushi is seemingly no more expensive than Yo! Sushi, but so much better quality”) ensures that these Tokyo-inspired pitstops are “always busy” and there are “often queues”. “The canteen atmosphere and sometimes inflexible service doesn’t make you want to linger” but no-one cares given the “extensive menu – made with fresh ingredients and served up super quick – that’s good overall value”. Top Tip – “the bento boxes are tasty and authentic”.

2021 Review: “The best kimchi in London” – apparently “voted by the South Korean Embassy!” – is found at this drab-looking stalwart, near Ravenscourt Park tube. Despite the name, the place is Korean-owned and run – and it’s the “fantastic Korean dishes” that garner the plaudits this year: “sweet, savoury, spicy and with generous portions”. But the Japanese dishes are also excellent and “service is always personal”.

Its “appearance is very basic”, but this “slightly shabby” Hammersmith pit-stop is acclaimed by its local fans as “still some of the best Indian food in London, regardless of price”. “The host in charge is very charming”, too.

Reaching “classic” status after almost two decades of “outstanding food and great service”, this Ravenscourt Park venue is a haven of “superb Indian cuisine”, thanks to chef-patron Manoj Vasaikar’s “well-spiced” cooking and “quality ingredients”. The late Michael Winner was an early fan.

2022 Review: In November 2020, this gastropub-with-rooms newcomer (from the Big Smoke Brew Company) opened on a Hammersmith site formerly known as The Rook’s Nest, following extensive refurbishment. Eats are hearty, including smoked meats from the pub’s wood-fired Bertha oven, while at weekends, there’s bottomless brunch and Sunday roasts.

“Good home-cooked Thai food” at “bargain” prices keeps guests coming back to this trio of Hammersmith neighbourhood cafés, distinctively crammed full of retro bric-a-brac. They serve English breakfasts and afternoon teas by day.

This “historic” venue on Hammersmith’s Upper Mall (owned by local brewer Fuller’s since 1798) is unquestionably “one of the nicest pubs in London”: with its “delicious” pub grub, “cosy log fire in the winter, a terrace overlooking the river in the summer – what else would you want?”. Top Menu Tip – yummy burgers.

This “lovely local Italian” near Ravenscourt Park tube is getting back into its stride after “a dreadful time with lockdown followed by a flood at the premises”. Ex-Zafferano chef Andy Needham and his team offer a “really warm welcome and a beautifully executed short menu”. Top Menu Tip – “excellent pasta and specials”.

“This unassuming pub tucked around the back of Hammersmith’s one-way system serves good and hearty Mediterranean food”, in particular some “lovely pasta dishes” – “don’t miss the penne with Italian sausage ragu”. It’s also a “top sun trap for early-evening drinks on the patio”.

“Now under new management”, this “small and friendly” pub – in the picturesque Hammersmith backstreets known as ‘Brackenbury Village’ – has gone from good to better. It has always been a “solid, welcoming local, with good food and well-kept beer” and its new incarnation is just that bit ‘next-level’: with its “well judged and executed seasonal menus and quality wines by the glass” it’s “buzzing”.

“A true find” – jazz bassist Tim Thornton’s lockdown pizza project-gone-permanent goes from strength to strength, serving “top sourdough pizzas” at his original pizzeria on King Street in Hammersmith and a more recent addition across the river in Barnes. “Lovely staff and a great atmosphere” add to the package.

This “very decent” small café near Stamford Brook tube makes “a good change from the usual Japanese”, with “yakitori grilled skewers the real draw”. “The room is a little jaded but a seat at the grilling bar is an entertaining winner” (“the friendly chef chats all through the meal”). Top Menu Tip – “the grilled mackerel is truly holy”.

A superior backstreet boozer in the cute enclave near Hammersmith’s posh St Peter’s Square – a “lovely spot” with a sweet garden serving a menu that’s ambitious for pub cooking.

“Good home-cooked Thai food” at “bargain” prices keeps guests coming back to this trio of Hammersmith neighbourhood cafés, distinctively crammed full of retro bric-a-brac. They serve English breakfasts and afternoon teas by day.

“Sam himself is very much in evidence” at his “glamourous” brasserie, which has an “ideal location on the Thames” – “with a close-up view of Hammersmith Bridge” – and whose popularity is making it “a destination restaurant” for a huge fan club spread across west London. “You could describe it as the perfect local – but it’s smarter than that”, with a “lovely” (and expensively decorated) interior and “super vibe”. “The menu is full of well-crafted crowd- pleasers” and – though not hugely ‘gastro’ – its “seafood orientation” (and “wonderful seafood platters”) makes anything pescatarian a top choice. “Packed to the rafters”, it’s “a great night out”.

“A go-to favourite vegetarian… they have been going for 30 years” – this small group “still maintains high standards” with “very imaginative dishes that will even please your meat-eating friends”. The W6 original – a characterful space, above a church behind Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo – is the most popular, but its spin-offs near Sadlers Wells and in Seymour Village are also well-regarded.