West Hampstead restaurants: a local shares her favourite spots

2DA9AT9 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6, England, UK.

Looking for the best places to eat in West Hampstead and the surrounding area? Local resident and expert Bettina Campolucci Bordi shared her must-visit recommendations, from a neighbourhood deli stocking St John baked goods to a weekly farmer's market.

For more London food recommendations, check out our reviews of the best restaurants in Notting Hill, best restaurants in Marylebone and best restaurants in Paddington.

West Hampstead is one of those neighbourhoods that just works – it’s got great food, brilliant independent shops, proper community vibes and you’re close enough to Hampstead Heath to escape London without actually leaving it. People chat, shopkeepers remember you and everything you need is within walking distance, which, for me, is the dream. Food is always how I connect to a place, and West Hampstead delivers. We’re lucky to be surrounded by small, independently run spots where the owners genuinely care about what they’re doing and, over time, many of them have become part of our everyday routine.

What I love most about West Hampstead is how well connected it is with the tube, London Overground and Thameslink trains but also how it feels – it’s the people, independents, easy access to green space. It feels like this is a neighbourhood built around community which, when you live in a big city like London, can be hard to come by.

Tannin & Oak

A true local gem. This is our go-to wine bar and the kind of place that you end up staying longer at than planned. The owners and sommeliers really know their stuff but there’s zero intimidation – just great wine and conversation, and a very friendly crowd. It’s perfect after a long day and also brilliant if you’re on your own because everyone is so welcoming. It also does a generous champagne pour when you feel like celebrating! tanninandoak.com

French Society

A relatively new opening that we were very excited about, and it hasn’t disappointed. French-inspired dishes that are comforting, generous and delicious without being fussy. It’s already become one of those places we suggest when we don’t want to overthink dinner but still want to eat really well – and it’s close to home. frenchsociety.co.uk

Hampstead Food & Drinks

This Bulgarian shop is special to me. I buy my feta, brilliant yogurts and all sorts of treats here that instantly transport me back to childhood summers spent in Bulgaria. My mum is half Bulgarian and stepping inside always brings back those memories. Food has a funny way of doing that. hampsteadfood.co.uk

Bobby Fitzpatrick

Pure 1970s fun – great playlist, retro interiors and cocktails that don’t take themselves too seriously. A perfect spot when you want a great atmosphere and buzzing cocktails. bobbyf.co.uk

Grocery Post

I call this our posh corner shop and it’s dangerously close to our house. Part deli, part coffee shop, it stocks St John baked goods and Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches (The Gay One is my favourite). It’s the kind of place you pop into quickly and end up leaving with far more than planned. grocerypost.com

West Hampstead Farmer's Market

Saturday mornings usually involve a wander around the farmers’ market. It’s where we pick up seasonal produce and stop by The Source Bulk Foods for all our dry goods as well as refills of dishwashing liquid, multi-cleaner, loose coffee and, inevitably, chocolate-covered almonds. It makes food shopping feel intentional rather than rushed. It takes me a good couple of hours, as I always stop for chats and catch-ups with the different stall holders, which I love. lfm.org.uk/markets/westhampstead

Intermission Coffee

Some of the best coffee in the area and it gives back to the community too, which makes it even better. A proper local favourite and a great place to start the day, usually before having a wander around the Saturday market. intermission.coffee

Al Arez

A new Lebanese spot that’s become a family favourite – generous portions, brilliant pickles and loads of small plates that make it perfect for a proper pick-and-mix meal. We order a bit of everything and pile it into the middle. It also does seriously good-quality kebabs and other more substantial main dishes. alarez.co.uk

Kiyoto Sushi Bar

Really good sushi that’s quick, super tasty and hits the spot. It’s the takeaway we’ll order if I’ve had a particularly busy week and the last thing I feel like doing is cooking. kiyotosushi.co.uk/ location/west-hampstead