Dining
The 5 Best Restaurants in Hampstead
Village dining on the hill: where to eat well in Hampstead, from cosy bistros to grand rooms.
In short: our top picks are Jin Kichi, The Wells and Villa Bianca. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Hampstead is the most village-like corner of north London, all winding lanes, literary ghosts and the Heath at the top of the hill. Its restaurants match the mood: cosy bistros, a couple of grand rooms and neighbourhood places worth the climb. These are the tables worth knowing.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jin Kichi | Hampstead | £££ |
| The Wells | Hampstead | £££ |
| Villa Bianca | Hampstead | £££ |
| The Stag | ££ | |
| The Wells Tavern | Hampstead | £££ |
-
Editor’s choice
Jin Kichi
Why we pick itA tiny, much-loved Japanese grill; the yakitori and sushi are worth booking ahead for.
-
The Wells
Why we pick itA smart Georgian gastropub moments from the Heath; the place for a Sunday after a walk.
-
Villa Bianca
Why we pick itA romantic old-school Italian on a pretty lane; a Hampstead institution for decades.
-
The Stag
Why we pick itA proper food pub by the Heath; game, pies and a fire in winter.
-
The Wells Tavern
Why we pick itA handsome Hampstead gastropub near the Heath.
Before you book
Pair a meal with a walk on the Heath; it is half the reason to come up. Book the popular rooms at weekends when the village fills. And explore the lanes off the high street, where Hampstead keeps its best small places.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Jin Kichi is our editor's choice: A tiny, much-loved Japanese grill; the yakitori and sushi are worth booking ahead for. Jin Kichi, The Wells and Villa Bianca lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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