Best restaurants in Bayswater

With glamorous branches in New York and Beverly Hills, it’s no surprise that the London branch of Bombay Palace bucks the curry house norm. Dark walnut tones, contemporary chandeliers and cream walls make for a plush yet relaxed ambience in which to enjoy regional Indian dishes that are a cut above. The garlic naan is a must-try.

Liquid dinners still count as dinners, right? If cocktails for dinner sounds like a good idea, then you should definitely check out this awesome subterranean tiki bar. The tropical beach bar vibe extends from the vibrant décor to the premium French Caribbean rums and professionally dispatched tiki-style Zombies, Slings, Hurricanes and Daiquiris.

It might be a chain, but this trendy Pan-Asian restaurant thoroughly deserves its place on this list thanks to its reliably excellent food and efficient service. Although a typically meat-heavy cuisine, Banana Tree offers an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu, making it a great spot for mixed groups as well as pairs and solo diners.

The décor here isn’t the best, but the roast duck really is. A Four Seasons speciality, it’s first dried before being marinated with a special mix of spices and herbs then fired in a specially-built roasting furnace. Of course, that’s not all this authentic Cantonese kitchen can rustle up; you’ll also find a sizeable range of traditional soups, spring rolls, soft-shell crab, rich peasant hotpots and chicken, pork and prawns cooked in a multitude of ways.

In spite of being housed within a private members’ club, the smartly decorated Frontline Restaurant is, happily, open to the public. Here you can tuck into classic British dishes, such as nettle and wild garlic soup, haddock and chips, and a Bakewell tart to finish. Prices are on the high side, but the service is charming and the interior, which is decorated with some of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century, is laid-back and convivial.

Sporting funky orange banquettes and a textured ceiling, this Chinese restaurant seems to be stuck in the seventies, but that clearly doesn’t matter to the swarms of mostly oriental customers who regularly pack out Mandarin Kitchen. Being an Asian seafood specialist, it’s definitely not one for vegetarians but if you’re a fan of luxury crustacea cooked to exacting standards, it’s an absolute must.

A traditional British pub dating from 1851, the Prince Alfred is a solid choice for mixed groups looking for a decent tipple to go with their meals. Pub grub is served up throughout the day, with homemade burgers and fish ‘n’ chips particularly worthy of mention. Prices are middle-of-the-road, service is cheery, and there’s plenty of choice.

If you love large portions, you’ll love Meatliquor! Here the menu is inspired by the meat-loving southern states of the USA, the star of which has to be its purist butter-grilled cheeseburger. In spite of this, there’s actually a lot of choice for veggies and plenty to keep you entertained too, from bowling to arcade games. Don’t miss the boozy shakes here – they’re wonderfully decadent.  

This all-day dining brasserie serves up a broad menu of modern Lebanese classics, from houmous to lamb kafta, grilled halloumi and musaaka. Situated just a short walk from Bayswater station, Grilandia is a great spot to stop off at for everything from breakfast through to dinner and cocktails. It also has a lovely little garden for tranquil alfresco dining on warm days.

This classy, modern restaurant is not your normal Chinese drop-in. Sophisticated décor, which includes water features, bamboo and a full room-length painting of Chinese blossom branches provide an elegant backdrop in which to enjoy the kitchen’s creative interpretations of Chinese seafood and dim sum, along with a superb wine list. Be sure to try the sweet-and-sour chicken jazzed up with pomegranate.

Meat is king at this cosy Argentine restaurant near to Hyde Park, so if a slab of grass-fed pampas-reared beef served with signature horseradish sauce and anchovy salsa verde sounds good, it’s well worth a visit. An outstanding wine list with plenty of bottles from top Argentinian producers seals the deal.

From mildest Korma to hottest Vindaloo and everything in between, Taste of India promises something for everyone. Beloved by locals, it’s a great shout for an authentic curry and ideal for groups looking to splash out on a set menu. Ice cold draught Cobra beer and a selection of wines will keep thirst at bay, while friendly staff are on hand to ensure you have a great experience.