Some of London’s best restaurants aren’t the ones making the loudest noise. They’re the neighbourhood favourites that locals quietly recommend, where warm hospitality, exceptional cooking and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere keep people coming back time and time again. Belly Bistro in Kentish Town is exactly that.
Blending bold Filipino-inspired flavours with contemporary cooking, Belly has built a loyal following since opening, and after one visit it’s easy to understand why. The restaurant feels effortlessly inviting from the moment you step inside. Warm lighting, cosy interiors and a friendly team create the sort of atmosphere that encourages you to settle in for the evening, whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a relaxed date night. Despite being completely full during the visit, the pace never felt rushed. Instead, there was an easy confidence to the service that made the entire experience feel relaxed from start to finish.
Creative Cocktails That Set The Tone
Before the food arrived, the cocktail menu immediately impressed.
The Thai Lemongrass & Basil Gimlet was one of the standout drinks of the evening. Bright, herbaceous and wonderfully refreshing, it balanced citrus with fragrant basil and lemongrass, while the addition of fish sauce added an unexpected savoury depth. It sounds unconventional on paper, but it worked beautifully, giving the cocktail a subtle umami complexity that lingered long after each sip.
Alongside it, the Tamarind & Pineapple Margarita proved to be the perfect partner to the menu. Tangy, tropical and refreshing, it delivered just enough acidity to complement the richer dishes without overpowering them. Both cocktails showcased the same level of creativity and attention to detail as the food, making them far more than an afterthought.
Beautifully Executed Starters
The meal began with the Chargrilled Scallop ‘Bicol Express’, which immediately showcased the kitchen’s attention to detail. The scallop was exceptionally tender, with a delicate sweetness that paired beautifully with the vibrant, aromatic flavours surrounding it. Every element felt fresh and thoughtfully balanced, while the presentation was elegant without feeling overworked.
The Tempura Cod Pandesal more than lived up to the reputation that precedes it. Wrapped in soft pandesal and filled with perfectly crisp tempura cod, it struck an impressive balance between texture and flavour. The fish remained wonderfully light and flaky beneath its crisp coating, while every bite delivered layers of savoury richness and gentle acidity. It’s easy to see why this has become one of Belly’s signature dishes and an absolute must-order.
Rich, Comforting Mains Full Of Flavour
For mains, the Seafood Calderetta and the Wagyu Bistek proved to be two standout dishes that complemented each other beautifully.
The Seafood Calderetta was a real highlight. The sauce was deeply rich, packed with flavour and beautifully balanced, coating every piece of seafood without overwhelming it. The quality of the ingredients shone throughout, allowing the freshness of the fish and shellfish to remain the star while the sauce added depth and warmth. It’s the kind of dish that feels both comforting and refined.
The Wagyu Bistek was equally impressive. Cooked perfectly medium as requested, the beef was incredibly tender with a wonderful depth of flavour. Every slice retained its juiciness, while the accompanying sauce enhanced rather than masked the quality of the meat. It’s a simple dish executed with confidence, allowing premium ingredients to speak for themselves.
To accompany the mains, the Beef Fat Fries were irresistibly crisp with a rich savoury finish, while the Tomato & Strawberry Salad brought a welcome burst of freshness to the table. Light, vibrant and full of bright summer flavours, it provided the perfect contrast to the richness of the meal, adding balance without ever feeling like an afterthought.
Desserts That End On A High
Dessert continued the restaurant’s thoughtful approach to flavour and presentation.
The Ube Tiramisu was as striking visually as it was enjoyable to eat. Its vibrant purple hue immediately catches the eye, while the subtle sweetness of the ube offered an inventive twist on the classic Italian dessert without losing the creamy indulgence that makes tiramisu so universally loved.
Alongside it, the Apple Tarte Tatin delivered exactly the right balance of sweetness and gentle bitterness from the beautifully caramelised apples, creating a refined finish that never became overly rich. Together, the desserts rounded off the meal perfectly.
Warm Hospitality Makes All The Difference
The host was exceptionally knowledgeable, taking the time to guide diners through the menu with genuine enthusiasm while offering thoughtful recommendations tailored to individual tastes. Every member of the team was warm, cheerful and attentive throughout the evening, creating a service style that felt polished without ever becoming overly formal.
Despite every table being occupied, service remained seamless throughout. Dishes arrived at an unhurried pace, allowing each course to be properly enjoyed without long waits between plates. It’s the kind of genuine hospitality that’s becoming increasingly rare in London’s restaurant scene, and one of the many reasons Belly leaves such a lasting impression.
The Verdict
Belly is exactly the kind of independent restaurant London should celebrate more often. It combines imaginative cooking, exceptional ingredients and genuinely warm hospitality in a setting that feels effortlessly welcoming. Every dish showcased confidence and care, while the inventive cocktail list demonstrated the same creativity found throughout the kitchen.
In a city constantly chasing the next big opening, Belly quietly proves that some of London’s most memorable dining experiences are found in neighbourhood restaurants that prioritise quality over hype. Whether you’re local to Kentish Town or making the journey across the capital, this is one local gem that’s more than worth seeking out.
Location: 157 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, London, NW1 8PD
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