6 New Neighborhood Restaurants In London Worth Traveling To

Neighborhood restaurants might not be a new phenomenon, but they have seen an elevation in recent years, emerging in inconspicuous vicinities and offering alluring, low-key charisma. So, what does it take to become a beloved off-the-beaten-track haunt? For starters, an intimate, comfortable atmosphere is key; the kind where you’re seated close enough to feel the heat from the kitchen but can easily while the night away in understated elegance (particularly if the journey home is an easy amble). Then, of course, there’s the food. To ensure locals will keep coming back – and food connoisseurs will travel solely for a reservation – venues need to whip up something distinctive, intriguing and perfectly executed (sharing plates encouraged) – all bolstered by a meaningful commitment to the community, too. Here are six new London eateries that are leading the pack.

Situated on one of Notting Hill’s most charming streets, Akub features a discrete, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it frontage, adding to the secret-garden atmosphere that it boasts inside. Showcasing the rich diversity of Palestine’s culinary traditions and ingredients, while working with locally sourced British produce, chef Fadi Kattan whips up fragrant and flavorsome sharing plates. Don’t miss the signature dishes of homemade labneh balls, stuffed baby aubergines, and bukjet mousakhan – a soft bread parcel filled with sumac-spiced chicken. The drinks list also champions Palestinian ingredients; go for a Qamardeen Dreaming, which uses apricot fruit leather from the region.

Papi started life as a hip, fancy-free pop-up known for its wild, maximalist menus. But as of earlier this year, it has graduated to a fully fledged restaurant in east London near Broadway Market, with a fun, familial atmosphere that keeps its fans coming back for more. Nostalgic dishes with a twist are the name of the game here, with a welcome focus on zero-waste cooking.

Set in London’s Kensal Village, Harvest is the third restaurant in Jesse Dunford Wood’s portfolio of cool, comfortable hangouts across the north-west side of the city. His modern, British-led menu takes diners from early breakfasts to late, cozy suppers, via brunch, lunch and a curated wine list. Offering 35 covers inside, plus more in the pretty, covered garden out back and a handful of street-side tables, this is the ideal spot to sit and watch the city go by in.