Named after chef Lawrence Gomez, affectionately known as Papa L, this vibrant spot serves Gomez’s unique take on African cuisine - specifically food from Ghana where the chef was raised. During his formative years, Gomez enjoyed watching his mother’s culinary finesse, transforming regular ingredients into something extraordinary. Upon moving to the UK, Gomez began working in London restaurants, including iconic institutions such as The Ivy in Covent Garden and Sexy Fish, all the while developing his own unique marinades of exotic herbs and spices, with the aim to one day open his own African fusion restaurant.
Following a series of successful pop ups, Papa L’s kitchen is the first bricks and mortar site from Gomez and is located in the heart of London in St James’s. Unfussy interiors of wooden floors and emerald green accents ensures the focus remains on the vibrant dishes, giving the food the attention it deserves.
On the a la carte menu, you’ll find a range of authentic African dishes using bold flavours and spices. Begin your meal with nibbles like coco bread and plantain crisps before enjoying starters like chef's special grilled king tiger prawns, tempura kanja (okra) with lemon and homemade chilli salt, and lamb Merguez sausages with chipotle mayo. For the main event, try traditional dishes like chargrilled yam with tomato and mix bean broth, or Papa L’s signature plates like red mullet stew with saffron lemon rice and lamb with sweet potatoes three ways. If you have any room left, desserts include banana cake with cinnamon caramel and plantain, passion fruit brulee, and chocolate steamed pudding with rum crème anglaise.
On the drinks side of things, there are several signature cocktails waiting to be discovered, like the Rum Jerre Jeff, as well as classic favourites like a Pornstar Martini and Nespresso Martini.