Insider recommended restaurants in Paddington
Insider guide by Ginza co-founder Sarah Ahern
Look beyond the touristy pubs and restaurants and the busy station, and you will discover that Paddington truly has some great hidden gems in terms of restaurants. Following a 20 year regeneration project, the area has seen lots of new development and the area around the Grand Union Canal is particularly interesting.
Read on to discover my favourite spots to grab a bite in the neighbourhood.
Heist Bank
Paddington
5 N Wharf Rd, Paddington, London W2 1LA, UK
Enjoy the industrial chic decor of trendy Heist Bank
Heist Bank is a trendy but laidback bar and restaurant serving serious beer and excellent sourdough pizza next to the Grand Union Canal in Paddington Basin. On tap they have their own Heist Lager, alongside 11 other craft beers. The decor is industrial chic and the restaurant is open and serving all day - great for both lunch and dinner and a good option for groups or families with kids.
Darcie & May Green
Grand Union Canal
Grand Union Canal, London, Sheldon Square, Paddington Central W2 6DS, UK
Darcie & May Green offer a truly unique dining experience in Paddington
Floating on the Grand Union Canal, you will find two beautiful, brightly painted canal boats the Darcie Green and the May Green. Hop aboard and discover their delicious menu of wholesome food with an Antipodean twist. Their menu includes brunch dishes served all day, such as broccoli and corn fritters with avocado, poached eggs and chilli pesto. Dinner features fresh-off-the-barbie items such as ‘hot Bondi prawns in their secret Scarlett sauce’ and english grass-fed steaks.
Guste REMO
Italian
43/45 Porchester Rd, London W2 5DP, UK
Enjoy some hearty, satisfying pasta at Guste REMO in Paddington
This rustic Italian bistro is popular with locals and a great choice for a cozy and satisfying dinner in Bayswater. The menu features pizza, pasta and classic Italian mains, as well as antipasti sharing boards. Make you sure you save room for dessert, as there are several delicious options to choose from, including a ricotta cheesecake and cannolo filled with ricotta, pistachio and chocolate. Mmmmm.
Hobson's Fish & Chips
9 Porchester Rd, London W2 5DP, UK
No visit to London would be complete without fish and chips
Hobson’s is a traditional fish and chips shop with booth-style seating in the back of the restaurant. It is is owned by a family that runs fish and chips shops around the country, and it uses top quality fish delivered daily from London’s Billingsgate Fish Market and the chips are fried to crispy, fluffy perfection. They also serve the unofficial dish of Scotland - the ever so indulgent, deep fried mars bar. Enough said.
Tukdin Flavours of Malaysia
41 Craven Rd, Bayswater, London W2 3BX, UK
Tukdin Flavours of Malaysia
This casual, family-run Malaysian restaurant is another spot popular with locals in the area. On most nights, the restaurant is buzzing with local foodies sampling its traditional Malaysian fare. Expect flavour-packed dishes at a great price. The best part? If you’re staying at The Brunel, it’s literally on your doorstep, and it’s only a short 5 minute walk from The Duke of Leinster.
Insider tip: This restaurant doesn’t serve alcohol, but does offers great soft options, including tasty fruit juices that complement the food very well.