North of Paddington and west of St John’s Wood is the leafy neighbourhood of Maida Vale, extending onto Kilburn. Famous for the Little Venice canals, it’s the perfect spot for weekend strolls and walking up an appetite. From canalside eateries to family-run pizzerias, here are the best restaurants near Maida Vale and Kilburn.
By Jacinta Andolini
The best places to eat out near Maida Vale
The Summerhouse
Located on the banks of Little Venice, The Summerhouse is known for its casual, waterside dining and signature seafood plates. Head chef Francisco Gonzalez’s menu comprises of some mouth-watering offerings such as tuna tataki, poached octopus and a spectacular fruits de mer platter which boasts everything from the freshest rock oysters to succulent king prawns and Canadian lobster. Indulge in a whole baked sea bass to share with all the trimmings.
Les Petits Gourmets
Less than five minutes from Warwick Avenue station is the Parisian boudoir-inspired bistro, Les Petits Gourmets. Expect sultry and chic candle-lit tables and a decadent menu to match. Diners can feast on luxurious French cuisine; a signature dish is the Amour de Beef with a special cognac and peppercorn sauce. Don’t leave until you’ve tried the cocktails; the L’attrape Coeur is a fragrant concoction made up of Attar de Rose vodka, tonic water and an invigorating squeeze of lime.
The Hero of Maida
Tradition meets modernity in the form of the wonderfully Victorian gastropub, The Hero of Maida. Situated on the first floor of the old tavern, the dining room is a sophisticated space to enjoy an equally sophisticated menu – with no “pub grub” in sight. Chef-Director Henry Harris brings classical British cuisine with a provincial French cooking twist to the table. The menu changes daily with the freshest local ingredients but patrons can expect to tuck into braised beef short rib, grilled rabbit or a delicious Hereford chateaubriand with bone marrow butter.
The Waterway
Residents of Maida Vale and the surrounding areas will all be familiar with the Waterway as a cosy neighbourhood hangout. Ideally perched on the side of Regent’s canal, there’s no better place to refuel on a wholesome Sunday lunch after a walk. Kick things off with the venison tartare, followed by a main of the confit suckling pig shoulder and end (if you can) with the Victoria plum Crème Brûlée. The space comprises of a terrace, a lower ground garden and cosy dark wood interiors – there’s no wonder why it’s a year-round haunt for the locals.
The Elgin
Local bar and lounge The Elgin celebrates sustainability and seasonality with regularly updated menus, daily specials and a bar boasting a selection of London-based draught beers. They’ve recently launched a brunch menu with dishes including smoked aubergine baked eggs with labneh, verbena harissa and flatbread, and fried brioche topped with anise sugar, seasonal fruit and orange yoghurt.
Quartieri
Walking down Kilburn High Road, you may not expect to stumble across an award-winning
Neapolitan pizzeria like Quartieri. The intimate family-owned Italian has a small but exquisitely formed menu and an excellent wine list to accompany. The Tartufata pizza is flavoured with black truffle salsa, roasted mushrooms and finished with a delectable white truffle oil. If there’s room at the end, tuck into the chocolate lava cake, aptly named the Ves-oozy-us.
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