London Maida Vale Restaurant Guide

On a corner of civilised Maida Vale, this sizeable gentrified boozer has been through a number of foodie incarnations in recent times. With the departure of Henry Harris to Bouchon Racine, it has fallen to the team behind Notting Hill’s Pelican (see also) to take up the mantle here. You’ll find stripped-down interiors and ‘nostalgic British food’ in the main bar, plus a smarter Grill Room upstairs. In his May 2024 review, the Evening Standard’s David Ellis had one excellent trip food wise – one less so – but said the old place was looking terrific (what he actually said was that it’s a “Dezeen wet dream of stripped wood and plaster walls, of barley leg stools and candle-topped tables”). Reports please!

“Watch the barges and ducks slip by as you eat a decent dinner” at this “lovely location on the canal” in Little Venice. It’s a “romantic choice” without doubt, especially in the summer, and a reasonably gourmet one too, praised in particular for its “well-prepared fish”.

A lively local, just off the Harrow Road in Maida Vale, which “never disappoints”. It’s nothing fancy: “the mezze are a treat and really good ingredients are cooked very well indeed” (mostly from the charcoal grill). “There’s always a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and service is excellent”.

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”.

La Patronne, Catherine Parisot, was just in her twenties when she started this “lovely” old-fashioned charmer in St John’s Wood and has run it for over 43 years now. A very loyal clientele from all over London has discovered it over the years, and for them it’s a huge “favourite” that’s particularly “perfect for evenings ‘à deux’”. Her classic ‘cuisine bourgeoise’ is “old-fashioned French cooking at its best (you would struggle to match it in France)”; and features “a number of staples on the menu that have been on forever (her pea soup is unbeatable!”). Its ratings no longer scale the pinnacles they did some years ago, but the overall tenor of reports remains overwhelmingly positive: “so French, perfect food, perfect service, I love it!”

This low-key but authentic Maida Vale outfit is “a local favourite for a reason”: “wonderful sushi, sashimi and other Japanese delicacies, expertly prepared and served by friendly staff who are always delighted to see you”. It sits in a quiet parade of shops, complete with a sizable covered terrace at the front. Top Tip – “the weekday bento set lunch is particularly good value”.

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