From a long-running Japanese on Heath Street to a neighbourhood Italian that has been feeding the village for decades, Hampstead's restaurant scene rewards those who know where to look.
Hampstead has a dining scene to match its reputation, a wonderful range of restaurants, from celebrated Indian small plates and cosy gastropubs to international cuisine and elegant village dining. Whether you want a special dinner, a casual meal, or a Sunday roast, this guide covers the best restaurants in Hampstead.
Dining in Hampstead
Hampstead's restaurant scene reflects the village's character, cultured, international, and quality-conscious. The cosmopolitan, well-travelled local population supports a diverse range of restaurants, from destination dining to reliable neighbourhood favourites. Whether you are looking for a special-occasion dinner, a relaxed family meal, or a quick bite, the village delivers, in characterful surroundings and with a quality that reflects its discerning clientele.
Standout Restaurants
Bonoo Indian Tapas
A real highlight of Hampstead dining is Bonoo Indian Tapas on the High Street, inventive Indian small plates rooted in street food, made with British seasonal ingredients, and served with a wine list that genuinely works with the food. The venison keema naan, tandoori halloumi, and lamb chops are standouts. Creative, accomplished, and well-suited to sharing, Bonoo is one of the best restaurants in the village and a destination in its own right.
The Gastropubs
Hampstead's gastropubs blur the line between pub and restaurant, serving genuinely good food in characterful settings:
- The Wells Tavern, a smart gastropub with a serious kitchen, ideal for a proper dinner
- The Holly Bush, cosy and historic, with excellent food including a celebrated Sunday roast
- The Spaniards Inn, historic atmosphere and good food on the edge of the Heath
International Dining
Hampstead's restaurants span the international range, Italian, French, Mediterranean, Asian, and more, reflecting the village's cosmopolitan character. From casual trattorias to more refined dining, there is breadth as well as quality.
Olivia Grant, a Hampstead resident, eats out across the village regularly. "We're spoilt for choice," she said. "Bonoo for something special, those small plates are genuinely exciting. The Wells or the Holly Bush for a proper meal with atmosphere. There's good Italian, good everything, really. And if we want more variety, Belsize Park and Primrose Hill are a short walk. For a village, Hampstead punches well above its weight on food. We rarely need to go into central London to eat well, it's all here, and in lovely surroundings."
For Every Occasion
Special Occasions
For a special dinner, Bonoo, the Wells Tavern, and the village's finer restaurants offer memorable meals in lovely settings. Booking is essential.
Casual Meals
For relaxed dining, the village's cafes, casual restaurants, and pubs offer plenty of choice for an easy meal.
Brunch
Hampstead's brunch scene is excellent, village cafes and restaurant brunches, ideally combined with a Heath walk.
Sunday Lunch
A Sunday roast at the Holly Bush, the Wells Tavern, or the Spaniards Inn, after a Heath walk, is a Hampstead classic.
Solo Dining
The village is welcoming for solo diners, with counter seating and relaxed cafes ideal for a meal alone.
Beyond Hampstead Village
For even more choice, Hampstead's neighbours are a short distance away:
The Perfect Dining Day
1. Brunch: A relaxed village brunch.
2. Walk: A Heath walk to earn your dinner.
3. Dinner: Bonoo or a gastropub, followed by a drink at a historic pub.
Practical Information
- Standout: Bonoo Indian Tapas for inventive small plates
- Gastropubs: The Wells Tavern, the Holly Bush, the Spaniards Inn
- Best for: Diverse, quality dining in a characterful village
- Booking: Advisable for dinner and weekends
- Wider choice: Belsize Park, Primrose Hill, West Hampstead, Golders Green nearby
- Getting there: Hampstead (Northern line)
Hampstead's restaurants offer a dining scene worthy of the village, diverse, high-quality, and characterful, from the inventive small plates of Bonoo to excellent gastropubs and international cuisine, with celebrated brunch and Sunday roasts. For a special dinner, a casual meal, or a roast after a Heath walk, the village delivers, and its neighbours add even more choice. Hampstead punches well above its weight on food, explore it, and eat well.
