The best restaurants in Hammersmith

The Hammersmith branch of the respected restaurant group Sagar brings authentic, plant-based South Indian dining to the neighbourhood. Prepared by chefs from the region, the kitchen specialises in vegetarian and vegan dishes from the temple city of Udupi, including crispy dosas, varied thali platters, fragrant curries, and more, paired with veggie-friendly wines and lassis. The restaurant's coastal heritage is reflected in the traditional paintings adorning its walls.

Since opening in the 1980s, The River Café has maintained a reputation as one of the definitive Italian restaurants in London, having spearheaded contemporary Italian cooking in the capital, helped launch the careers of chefs such as Jamie Oliver, and revolutionised the capital's culinary landscape. The Michelin-starred Hammersmith restaurant remains a firm favourite to this day, serving timeless recipes alongside beautiful views of the Thames. Tip: leave room for the infamous Chocolate Nemesis cake.

Right beside Hammersmith Bridge, this modern British eatery commands some of the most spectacular views of the river in the capital, making it a popular spot for watching the annual Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race. The elegantly designed space features a sleek dining counter, a covered terrace, and a private dining room for hire. While dining on a varied menu highlighting locally sourced produce, you can explore a globally curated wine cellar alongside expertly crafted cocktails.

A 2026 addition to Hammersmith dining, Idalia is part of the refurbished leisure destination Pillar Hall on the border with Kensington. The contemporary British restaurant has been fitted out by an award-winning designer and boasts enduring touches like a fireplace, a garden room, and a terrace. Food is served all day long here, with the kitchen championing quality British produce, fresh seafood, and more. A traditional afternoon tea is offered as well, making Idalia a high pick when you're feeling sophisticated and a tad nostalgic.

Since launching in 1989, The Gate has been a top destination for plant-based Londoners. Housed in a converted artist's studio with picture windows, a vaulted ceiling, and a secret garden, the vegan Hammersmith restaurant has an air of refinement to it, yet diners can feel at ease. The well-travelled menu draws on culinary ideas and practices from around the world, serving seasonally conditioned dishes such as aubergine schnitzel, crispy courgette flowers, and wild mushroom risotto cake.

Chet's is an effortlessly cool Hammersmith establishment, part relaxed, 1970s-style US diner, part cutting-edge fusion hotspot. Daytime diners can explore an eclectic lineup ranging from NYC-style bodega sandwiches and chicken 'n' roti waffles to Thai Cobb salads, before the evening service shifts focus toward punchy, authentic plates like larb and dramatic lobster firecracker noodles. The culinary approach is mirrored by an extensive drinks programme, offering everything from artisan Kentish orange wines to Asian sharing cocktails.

Inviting diner to explore the Maghreb region, Azou serves up a celebration of North African gastronomy right in the heart of Hammersmith. Drawing on Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian culinary traditions, the kitchen doesn't shy away from using the intense spices these countries are known for, with a richly decorated interior of vibrant colours and artisanal handicrafts providing a complementary backdrop to the feasting. Slow-cooked tagines, smoky charcoal grills, couscous platters – this is a trek across North Africa on a plate.

These days, the hand-pulled noodles and other signature dishes from the Xi'an province in China are no longer the exotic rarity in London they used to be. They're hardly omnipresent, however, and still very good eats when you can get them. In Hammersmith, that's Master Wei's. A simple eatery with quick service, it makes up for what it lacks in sophistication with potent chili oil, ridiculously affordable prices, and authentic cooking.

Operating out of the Salutation pub in Hammersmith, Khun Pakin Thai turns out authentic Thai specialities with care and precision, regardless of any midday or evening rush. The menu spans everything from classics like tom yum soup, green curries, and pad thai, to different, lesser-known specials. You can enjoy the bold flavours inside the welcoming pub or, better yet, out in the sunny beer garden.

Featuring a sleek design across its spacious layout, this family-run Hammersmith restaurant and bar delivers a polished take on fresh Mediterranean dining. Showcasing an evolving menu that's packed with upscale options like risottos, salmon bowls, grilled fish, and more, with regular seasonal updates, Chez Maiss is the kind of place where wine to go with your meal is a given. The venue can also be booked for larger gatherings and private celebrations.

Housed in a Grade II building, Kindred is a trendy events venue and members' coworking space – not the typical shout when it comes to dining. But head downstairs for the Cellar at Kindred, a dimly lit Hammersmith restaurant that's open to all. The worldly menus here change frequently but always stick to a seasonal, ingredient-led approach, with locally roasted coffee, craft beers, organic wines, and signature serves as accompaniment. It's a lively spot, especially when the laptops upstairs are closed for the day.

Brimming with rustic charm, Le Petit Citron embodies the essence of a classic Provençal bistro throughout, starting with chequered tablecloths, handwritten blackboard menus, and street-side tables. It's so by-the-book it's even featured in multiple TV ads and series. Come here for French gastronomy, with a foundational classical menu elevated through seasonal inspirations such as light goat's cheese soufflés, rich coq au vin, or the ever-popular steak frites. French wine goes without saying.

Sitting between Hammersmith and Fulham, The Harwood Arms broke new ground in 2010, when it became the first pub in London to receive a coveted Michelin star. More than 15 years later, there are still just two such pubs in total, making a meal here a truly rarefied experience. Game and foraged British produce are key menu ingredients, laying the groundwork for excellent British cooking that doesn't veer far from tradition – think venison Scotch eggs or exemplary roast dinners, devoured beneath mounted stag heads.