Home to quaint boutiques, leafy walks and narrow cobbled streets, Hampstead is away from the bustle of Central London. It's no wonder why this town is popular with A-listers and tourists alike, as it boasts a plethora of eateries. Whether you're after bottomless oysters and bubbles or a low-key date night, we have rounded up the best places to eat in Hampstead.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 2nd July 2024
In a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1500s, The Spaniards Inn has plenty of character. With traditional wood panelling and an open fire, along with a gorgeous beer garden for the warmer months, this is definitely a great place for some tasty dinner and drinks - we're talking cod with white beans and chorizo, chicken Milanese or caramelised celeriac.
If there are two things that Bobby Fitzpatrick nails... it's cocktails and pizza. Take a seat in this Caribbean-inspired venue and try out its slushy pina colada, or opt for Cynthia's Ruin with gin, white wine, raspberries, and passionfruit. Meanwhile, delve into authentic flavour-packed slices topped with mushroom and blue cheese or spicy nduja.
When it comes to the best Hampstead restaurants for lunch, The Roebuck is a firm choice. Make your way into its cosy space to tuck into its chicken schnitzel with jalapeno and garlic mayo or some beer-battered cod and chips, complimented by tangy tartare sauce and mushy peas. They've even got a spacious beer garden that's perfect for the summer months, alongside a private basement bar.
Dim T Hampstead is the Pan-Asian restaurant that has your back for everything from curries and noodles to steaming dumplings, to be enjoyed in minimalist interiors with pretty lighting. But that's not all, as cocktails or wine accompany your affordable meal, and you can even get a three-course lunch for just £15.95 between 12 and 5pm Monday to Friday.
If you're looking for one of the most romantic restaurants in Hampstead, complete with rustic wooden interiors, candles on the tables and exposed brick walls, then head to The Gallery. Not only does this cool spot serve Mediterranean dishes with a British influence - think chickpea fritters and lamb koftas, but is also a great place to watch live music from up-and-coming artists. You'll find 10 delicious beers on tap here too, as well as a collection of 101 whiskies.
Boasting a fabulous range of food and a stunning beer garden, The Garden Gate is worth a visit. Enjoy a pork sausage main with spring onion mash, crispy tobacco onions and a red wine jus, or try the oozy rosemary and garlic camembert baked in sourdough. Either way, you can enjoy plenty of unique craft beers and IPAs on the side, as you soak up the sun or dine in their traditional interiors.
The Black Lion is perfect if you're looking for Hampstead restaurants with outdoor seating, thanks to its gorgeous beer garden with filled with plants and parasols. You can snack on everything from cornflake buttermilk chicken burgers to smoky potato and bean chilli here indoors and out, with sumptuous Sunday roasts up for grabs too. As for dessert? We can't get enough of the pineapple upside down cake.
If you're in need of a cosy pub to while away an afternoon in, then check out The Flask. With a restored Victorian wooden bar adorned with antique pictures and a pretty patio area, this is a great spot to enjoy some mouthwatering bites, from baked camembert sharing boards and beef burgers topped with fried onions to hearty Sunday roasts.
If you're searching for West Hampstead restaurants open seven days a week and touting vintage glamour, then visit Alice House. Boasting chic and cosy interiors, this haunt is definitely a great place to go weekend brunching with friends or for a cute date night, accompanied by seasonal dishes like Cornish mackerel, spiced cauliflower stew or bavette steak, with plenty of tasty cocktails to boot.
With a huge beer garden, restaurant and roof terrace, The Stag is a great choice for laidback dining. Choose from a menu boasting hearty pub grub, from mushroom and leek pies to slow-cooked beef short rib, and be sure to wash it all down with some budget-friendly cocktails - which are just £7 if you visit between 5 and 7pm on a Friday. This family-owned spot even serves 24 different beers on tap too.
This quirky neighbourhood bar is known for its sauce-coated wings and absolutely massive burgers, from buns filled with smoky beef brisket to buffalo chicken or plant-based patties. Settle down in front of live sports in a comfortable leather seat, while sipping cocktails like a Watermelon Bramble or the Twisted Old Fashioned.
GBK West Hampstead is cool, modern and super affordable thanks to its mid-week deal where you can snap up a burger and fries for £7.95. Choose from signature buns like The Mighty, featuring a double beef patty, West Country cheddar and crispy bacon, or the Blue Cheese with onion jam, and add on some sweet potato fries or halloumi while you're at it too. Nearer to Hampstead Heath overground station? Check out their Belize Park location.
Looking for restaurants in Hampstead high street? Housed in a Grade II listed 18th century building, Holly Bush is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and more in relaxed surroundings, thanks to its roaring fireplace and comfy leather booths. Choose from its awesome menu, which includes pan-roasted Cornish seabass, sticky beef brisket burgers and pine nut pesto gnocchi, alongside a good ol' pint of local ale.
Banana Tree is a popular West Hampstead spot serving pan-Asian fare, from sticky Thai wings tossed in chilli sauce to Vietnamese spring rolls and spicy seafood curries, served on long tables surrounded by artwork. As well as a selection of international beers, you can get your hands on strawberry daquiris, lychee mojitos and spiced rum zombies here too.
