Papa L's Kitchen

You'll find Papa L's Kitchen in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, where it's all about the fragrant flavours of West Africa. Founded by Gambian-born chef Lawrence Gomez, whose fine-dining credentials include The Ivy and The Ritz, the restaurant is a tribute to his culinary roots, drawing on the dishes of his childhood and zhuzhing them up with his own unique take. The food is served in a relaxed, no-frills setting that keeps the focus on the food.

Dishes are colourful and generous, including options like honey-doused salmon with zesty citrus notes, BBQ lamb cutlets, and grilled corn-fed chicken yassa steeped in a tangy marinade. Every plate uses spices and seasonings to enhance rather than overpower. Accompaniments include options such as jollof rice, plantain, and homemade sauces, while the drinks list also nods to the chef's heritage, with African-inspired cocktails and well-chosen wines.

The restaurant itself is modern, with draped green foliage adding a pop of colour. It's unfussy and casual, with warm, friendly service setting the scene perfectly for a deep dive into the cuisine of West Africa, in a part of London often dominated by chains.