Over the past 10 years, Filipino fare has made a huge splash to London's dining scene. And we are here for it. Drawing influences from South America, Spain and China, it can be difficult to sum up what makes this cuisine so darn delectable.
From family-style restaurants cooking up traditional adobo to venues putting their modern flair on street food dishes, the city is chock-full of places that will surely tantalise your tastebuds. Read on to discover the best places to eat Filipino food in London.
Best Filipino Food In London
1. Turo Turo
- 102 Tooting High Street, SW17 0RR
Run by chef Rex De Guzman, Turo Turo (or 'point point' in Tagalog) is named after the fast food stalls of the Philippines, where customers point at the food they would like. You'll find them on Tooting Broadway high street, in their first permanent establishment after a series of market stalls and kitchen residencies.
They specialise in Filipino barbecue and grill, with dishes including thrice-cooked pig's head hash, ginger wings in a fermented shrimp glaze or mushroom and tofu skewers. They've got a whole range of cocktails for as little as £10 too, including classics like the espresso martini or a tropical Jungle Bird.
With dishes like this, you can see why it's one of the best Filipino restaurants London has to offer.
2. Rapsa
- 100-102 Hoxton Street, N1 6SG
With Mediterranean-trained chef Francis Puyat at the helms, Rapsa is great for family meals and weekend brunches. His dishes reflect his cultural heritage, with an inventive but accessible menu that celebrates the country's finest flavours.
Alternatively, if you’re really looking to get your Filipino fix, head here on Sundays from 5pm to 8pm for their Boodle Fights, a cultural tradition featuring a whole roasted lechon (suckling pig) served with lumpia spring rolls, atchara papaya pickles and much more atop banana tree leaves. Not in the area? You can also find Rapsa cooking at The Rambling Pig in Epsom.
In the Philippines, 'Boodle Fights' help strengthen relationships between friends and families.
3. Kasa And Kin
- 52-53 Poland Street, London W1F 7NQ
Kasa and Kin is a fantastic Filipino restaurant in Soho. The literal translation of this joint means ‘home and family’ so you can expect a cosy meal with a tonne of flavour. Showcasing seating arranged in an L-shape and a tropical rainforest mural by Kulay Labitigan, the venue embraces its heritage to whip up scrumptious Filipino fare.
They've got a huge Pinoy grill section that features chilli salmon fillet and five-spice duck breast. There are plenty of veggie options too, including vegetable and summer truffle adobo or deep-fried tofu with fermented black beans.
These gorgeous murals make for an Insta moment at this Filipino restaurant in Central London.
4. Bintang
- 93 Kentish Town Road, NW1 8NY
Fronting Filipino Pan-Asian food in Camden, Bintang is a more casual spot on this list but nonetheless top-notch. Settle into its quaint interiors decked out with quirky frames, or head outside and cuddle up in their pretty garden when the sun is out.
Chow down on dishes such as oxtail kare kare, crispy wok-glazed banana lamb ribs and dirty fried rice. You can also enjoy an all-day Filipino breakfast on Sundays, featuring garlic fried rice, atchara, fried egg and a protein of your choice. Oh, and there are killer signature cocktails on the cards too.
If you liked it then you should have put an egg on it.
5. Ramo Ramen
- 28 Brewer Street, W1F 0SR
A cool fusion restaurant combining Filipino and Japanese cuisine, Ramo Ramen is a unique spots in Soho. Start your meal off with miso maple wings and roasted scallops in bagoong butter, followed by hearty Pinoy ramen dishes.
We mean Tokyo-style noodles paired with a creamy mushroom broth or lotus root crisps and chilli. All their meat is halal-certified too, and there are plenty of plant-based options to choose from. Afterwards, grab a wee bit of sake to finish off the evening.
The best Filipino restaurant in London, UK? Ramo Ramen is a strong contender.
6. Lutong Pinoy
- 10 Kenway Road, London SW5 0RR
Founded in 1996 by Mario Malata, Lutong Pinoy is a traditional Filipino restaurant with a name that translates to home-cooked food in Tagalog. They cook up the finest flavours from the islands, served at their Earl's Court venue.
They're all about comfort food, inspired by regions all over the country and their many multi-cultural influences. Their extensive menu offers something for everyone, ranging from barbecue pork rice to chicken noodle soup and ube cake for dessert.
Expect authentically comforting dishes at Lutong Pinoy.
7. Mama's Kubo
- Unit 5/6, Palace Court, 250 Finchley Road, NW3 6DN
Flaunting authentic Filipino plates aplenty, Mama's Kubo in Hampstead is run by husband and wife duo Rommel Bustarde and Claudine Bleza. Along with a cosy outdoor area to dine in, the venue’s bright red interiors and potted plants make for a cute date night as well.
Devour plates of sizzling diced pork, grilled aubergine omelette or fried smoked mackerel, with something to suit all tastes. Don't forget to add a tipple or two to your meal such as a glass of white wine or whiskey-infused green tea.
Mama Kubo is a brilliant choice of London Filipino restaurant.
8. Cirilo Filipino Kainan
- 4 Cable Street, E1 8JG
An unpretentious, family-owned destination in Whitechapel, Cirilo Filipino Kainan is a relaxed space to enjoy traditional dishes. Expect simple, colourful interiors and a wide range of wine to complement your food.
Tuck into everything from handmade crab spring rolls to aubergine, okra and pumpkin broth or beef and chicken vermicelli noodles. Don't forget to ask them for the dessert of the day either.
There's all sorts on offer at Cirilo London.
9. Jollibee
- 22 Leicester Square, WC2H 7LE
- 180 Earls Ct Road, SW5 9QG
With locations in both Leicester Square and Earl's Court, Jollibee is a Filipino fast food joint that has been serving up delicious eats across the country since 1978. They prepare old-fashioned family recipes, available both to eat in and take away.
They're famous for their fried chicken sandwiches, though they also serve beef burgers, rice bowls, loaded fries and so much more - with combo meals available too.
Fill your boots with fried chicken at Jollibee.
10. Apo
- 148 Falcon Road, SW11 2LW
Based in Clapham, Apo is a welcoming restaurant and bar that serves classic Filipino dishes all day long - open until 2am on weekends. As well as serving up tasty dishes, they host all kinds of fun events, from comedy nights to live music.
As for the menu, there's plenty to choose from here. We're talking crispy pork belly, sizzling grilled tuna steak, prawn sinigang and so much more, washed down with a refreshing coconut juice.
expect great food and live entertainment at Apo in Clapham.
Hungry for more? Check out our guide to the best Asian fusion restaurants in London.
