Guide to the best restaurants in West Hampstead

West Hampstead's steak fans head to Sirous Steak & Persian. This contemporary eatery has a smart dining room with exposed brickwork and serves steak, grilled meat, and Persian specialities. The menu includes mezze, steak, burgers, and kebabs, plus there's a selected range of craft beers and ales to complement a meal.

Housed in a fishmongers, The Wet Fish Café retains interesting features from the 1930s. You can buy fresh fish at this buzzy destination or stop for a meal. Brunch dishes are available during the day and for the evening the menu includes baked fish, pasta, and beef ribs. Monthly dinners with live music make a meal here even more special.

Diners can explore Korean cooking at The Petite Corée. This lively venue has a smart look with exposed brick walls. The menu is ideal for sharing with a group, featuring Korean classics like chicken and squid to grill tableside, bibimbap, noodles, and sizzling stir-fry platters. Korean-inspired cocktails are served as well.

Moxie's Fish Bar serves sustainable fish caught in the Shetland Islands and delivered fresh each day. There are classic chip shop meals and pies on the menu as well as healthier options. There's a traditional chippy counter in the striking exposed brick space plus room for dining in. The varied choice of dishes mean there's something for everyone, including veggies.

Italian restaurant Sarracino has a homey and rustic look. This well-established eatery serves traditional recipes prepared with fine ingredients. Try out favourites like calamari, bruschetta, pizza, and pasta, plus meat and fish dishes and weekly specials. Cocktails and wines are served too and you can order a takeaway if you prefer.

Head to Sushi Tokoro if you're craving authentic sushi. This low-key restaurant has traditional paper lanterns hanging next to the entrance. There are a wide range of sushi and sashimi sets and individual rolls. The menu also features donburi and classic sides dishes like gyoza and takoyaki. The venue is simple but it's a popular dining destination in the area.

Try Lebanese food at The Cedar. Inside it has exposed bricks and a classic appearance. The restaurant serves authentic Middle Eastern dishes such as wraps, mezze, and salads. For a bigger meal, try dishes like octopus or chicken shawarma. This is an ideal destination for exploring genuine Lebanese cooking.

Long-standing restaurant Nautilus is a big hit for fish and chips in West Hampstead. Takeaways and dining-in are available at this casual spot with a fuss-free dining room. It's a classic menu of battered fish and chips, with chicken and sausages also available. You can complete a meal with beer, house wine, or soft and hot drinks.

At Banana Tree you can try pan-Asian cooking; the eclectic menu makes it a great spot for group meals. This restaurant has a crisp and modern look with big tables and bench seating. The menu features noodles, salads, and curries, with culinary influences from places like Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Enjoy Indian food in a vibrant and buzzy environment at Bombay Nights. This modern restaurant has a lively atmosphere and a varied menu of classic Indian recipes like biryani, tandoori dishes, and curries. There are plenty of vegetarian dishes as well as ample meaty options. Wine, Indian beers, and lassi are served too.

Inspired by the cultural diversity of Mumbai, Colaba Indian Dining is a relaxed and friendly space for Indian cuisine. The food here is completely halal and the restaurant also has a vegan menu. Try out small plates like chicken wings or okra fries, plus curries, biryanis, and tandoori grills.

Buns specialises in tempting burgers and attractively-presented cocktails. It's an on-trend venue with hanging leaves and striking neon signs. Breakfast and brunch is served but you can't miss the award-winning burgers. There are beef, chicken, vegetarian, and vegan options plus sides like nachos and popcorn chicken. The cocktail list is a lengthy one.

From the outside Bohemia House is certainly low-key but inside it's an elegant and classic space. Opened in 1946, this is London's only restaurant specialising in Czech and Slovak cooking. You can sample hearty dishes like potato pancakes, roasted meats, and schnitzel. There are also traditional desserts and plenty of beer to wash it all down.

Visit Kiyoto Sushi to try expertly-made sushi that's designed to be an experience for the senses. The restaurant is modern and has a smart and bold look. You'll find lots of sushi rolls to choose from as well as a small range of Japanese mains like ramen. Pair your meal here with traditional sake.

With soft music and candlelight, Bellaluna has a romantic atmosphere. The menu is all about traditional Italian cooking with popular recipes that'll please a crowd. Expect the likes of caprese salad, pasta and pizza, steak, and veal escalopes. This place also serves Italian beers and wines.

Experience the creativity of Japanese cuisine at upscale restaurant Takagiya. The restaurant is smart and minimalist and there's an informal atmosphere - it's usual to linger during a meal here. The inventive menu changes regularly and includes dishes like tempura, sashimi, grilled fish, and fillet steak. This restaurant also has a huge choice of hot and cold sake.

Try Pham House when you want Vietnamese food. It's a cosy and friendly place with a low-key approach. The concise menu showcases authentic recipes like summer rolls and spring rolls, salads, stir-fried noodles and meat dishes, and fried rice. A small choice of alcoholic drinks is available, as well as powerful Vietnamese coffee.

Discover authentic Persian dishes at Hana. This restaurant has a cosy atmosphere and a rustic look full of dark wood. There are outdoor tables as well. The classic menu includes starters like fresh bread and vine leaves, plus classic stews and grilled meats. There's also a large selection of wines from various regions.

Inspired by night hawkers around Asia, at Took Took you can try pan-Asian street food in a cool and relaxed setting. The restaurant has a distinctive patterned floor, communal tables, and exposed brick walls. Small plates and street eats are served including chilli paneer, curries, and noodles. Asian beers and cocktails complete the meal.

The award-winning Singapore Garden is a contemporary eatery offering authentic Asian cuisine. The restaurant, with options for both indoor and outdoor dining, is adorned with a minimalist decor and pristine white tablecloths, creating a cosy ambiance perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Its diverse menu showcases a variety of dishes from Singapore, Malaysia, and China.