London Maida Vale Restaurant Guide

“Same group as the Pelican with food that’s similarly as good” – that’s the verdict on the Public House Group’s makeover of this big Maida Vale boozer – “more restaurant than pub”, but “very comfortable and cheery and with a nice choice of dishes”. Like its sibling it can become a tad “noisy and busy”, and some diners sniff a slight whiff of hype about the place (“it’s nothing earth- shattering, unlike some reviews seem to imply, even if it does do dependable pub food…”; “it should be genuinely good, but instead it lives off positive social media”).

“Try to get a window table by the canal” if you visit this “lovely venue”, which has a “great setting right on the water” in Little Venice. Appropriately, it serves a mainly fish menu – and results remain consistently well-rated. The jauntily themed interior complete with open kitchen is very pleasant too, lit partially by large sky-lights.

A “cheap ’n’ cheerful” recommendation in Maida Vale, just off the Harrow Road: this Greek- Cypriot venue features a big grill as you enter. You can eat à la carte, but there’s a more ‘blow out’ option of £37.50 per person (min 2, must include the whole table) to sample all their starters plus a selection of mains from the grill and oven.

2023 Review: This tiny Japanese near Little Venice is “well worth seeking out”. “The food is served in a friendly manner and the sushi and sashimi is always very fresh”.

Catherine Parisot was in her twenties and fresh off the boat from France when she started this “small, old-school Gallic restaurant” in St John’s Wood, and over its 44-year existence it has become a “go-to” destination for many regulars, especially for a “memorable”, “romantic” celebration. “It is the sort of place that makes one feel good”: “a gem” with a “calm and peaceful atmosphere” and “wonderful” and “authentic” cuisine bourgeois. Its ratings scored something of a bounceback this year: “the menu is still largely the same (best pea soup and lamb anywhere) and the quality of everything else as high as ever… plus the indomitable patronne”.

This “reliable neighbourhood Japanese” is “highly recommended” by Maida Vale locals – especially for the “exceptional sushi, created and overseen by master sushi-chef, Toro”. “The food would be no better in the West End, but it would cost three times as much”. Set in a shopping parade, it has a covered terrace at the front.

“Like eating in a French living room with very jolly service” – this “romantic” little spot in Maida Vale has a “great, traditional Gallic vibe (including most of the staff!)” and provides an “impeccable” meal. “The French bistro-type food is good enough but maybe a bit secondary to the rest of the experience”. (“Please don’t tell anyone about it though. Our little secret.”)

2023 Review: “Top butter chicken and a great selection of chaats” win a thumbs-up for this snazilly decorated Punjabi fixture in Maida Vale.