Categories: 10 of the Best, Kentish Town, London Living
Generally considered the least boisterous of its neighbouring locales, the abundance of eateries in Kentish Town is immense. Londoners benefit from a diverse selection of restaurants dotted along Kentish Town Road and the quieter streets surrounding it. From traditional pubs renowned for their Thai menus to Vietnamese, Senegalese and Ethiopian cuisine, the medley of dishes on offer in the area is breath-taking. We've compiled our Top Ten absolute favourites for you to get to know, and hopefully become a favourite of yours, too.
Modern historians link the real Queen of Sheba with Yemen, but this eponymous restaurant sticks to her original Ethiopian ties. An unfussy restaurant featuring wooden furnishings underscored by the decorations, the menu features vegetarian, chicken, fish and meat dishes that the affable staff are happy to walk you through. All of these plates can be enjoyed with injera, a slightly spongy, textured and soured flatbread. Located on Fortress Road, have a peak at the Queen of Sheba's menu before you plan your visit.
Smart, suave, sophisticated - this is Kami. Walk through the doors and you'll think you were somehow in a Mayfair establishment. Japanese cuisine at friendly and fair prices, the menu is stocked with everything from nigiri to new style sashimi and hand rolls. If you're craving your weekly sushi then we think Kami is a good bet, but don't just take our advice, check out their website and plan a visit of your own.
Say hello to Neighbourhood Organic, the newest arrival to the ever-growing portfolio of restaurants on Kentish Town Road. The clean and crisp décor is an inviting place for young professionals to work their day away, offering refreshments, quality food and desserts of all sizes. They only opened in August 2020 which means the verdict isn't in yet with the local community... but it is with us. A quick stroll for us on our lunch break just got quicker.
A mix of traditional and modern Italian dishes made with local and fresh, hand-selected produce, Anima e Cuore is probably the most spirited restaurant in Kentish Town. When we say this place is tiny we really aren't exaggerating. You will need to book in advance as Anima is adored by the locals. Whilst it may be small, you really cannot miss it on Kentish Town Road - it's the lilac building! Okay that's the outside, but what about the interior? An unemotional combination of wood furnishings and décor that carries the friendly atmosphere. Check Anima e Cuore for yourself, and remember: Book. In. Advance.
What's the point of having neighbours if you can't visit them from time-to-time? And it's time to visit Camden, specifically Yak & Yeti, an award-winning restaurant specialising in Indian, Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine. You're correct to assume there are some compelling dishes on offer. Our favourite? The Hariyali Tikka: a classic North Indian dish cooked in their clay oven and marinated in classic Indian spices and herbs. In 2020, due to popular demand, Yak & Yeti introduced vegan options onto their menu, giving no one an excuse not to try this absolute gem!
Dirty burgers and Freakshakes... Let's get it straight from the start - Neighbour doesn't care for your diet and they are not hiding that fact. We seriously implore you to visit this place at least once (if you're watching your weight then call it your cheat day). Neon lights and leather banquette seating, coupled with some seriously cool music make this a classic kid hangout. They are all about the students; they even offer you lunch baskets at very friendly prices. Put your pens down, close your textbook and head out for a well deserved midday break.
Alright, we admit it. Carob Tree technically isn't in Kentish Town. But for the sake of a six-minute walk from Stay Campus London... we couldn't not include this place. Trust us when we say that those six minutes will be so worth it! A delicate and delicious Mediterranean offering that prides itself in the fresh fish and free-range meat options, Carob Tree is a sure fire win. They don't do away with tradition completely though, with traditional meze in all shapes and sizes. This place delivers a distinctive culinary adventure that isn't to be missed.
Back to following the rules... we can confirm Albion's Restaurant IS in Kentish Town, on the bustling Kentish Town Road no less. You don't get 5-star rating on Trip Advisor or 4.9 on Google for nothing, and once you visit this place it really isn't hard to figure out why they have such rave reviews. Albion’s is a French and Italian restaurant dedicated to serving fresh, quality ingredients across their varied menu. With a cosy interior that has a snug feel to it, we think Albion's is well worth the visit.
Did you know that 60% of restaurants close within a year of opening, and 80% within four years? Baan Thai Kitchen has been gracing the neighbourhood since 2012, so they are obviously doing something right. A scrummy menu offering a wide variety of Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean plates, their kitchen also has plenty of vegetari
an and vegan options to boot. It's easy to see why the Kentish Town locals have embraced this place; a welcoming and helpful team, well cooked Asian dishes and an unashamedly simple interior. Don't just take our word for it, check out Baan Thai Kitchen's website.
Vietnamese restaurants are the new black and Pho Ta is definitely one of the reasons why. Nestled on the corner of a residential street, you might think it would be easy to miss but we can promise you it isn't. When searching for Pho Ta online you're quickly hit with a steady stream of 5* reviews and a very fine review by the Kentish Towner. There is a mural depicting a street in Hanoi that sets the scene for the visit, filled with spring rolls, buns and, not surprisingly, pho! There is also a nice selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes on offer as well as the ability to BYO (bring your own) wine - which is always a winner in our books.
All in all, it’s fair to say that it would be hard to rival the pure abundance of diverse restaurants in Kentish Town. If you're feeling homesick, then our advice would be to go for a walk and you are bound to come across something that reminds you of home. Interested to know more about the area? Take a look at Stay Campus London Kentish Town and let us know what we can do for you.
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