The Queen of Sheba
Location: 12 Fortess Road, London, NW5 2EU
Independent restaurant serving exotic, undiscovered and unique Ethiopian cuisine
This family-run restaurant opened its doors almost 20 years ago, and prides itself on authentic ingredients sourced directly from Ethiopia. The cosy wood-filled restaurant has been credited for its kind and informative staff who ensure a warm, friendly and relaxed experience. Nestled on a street near Kentish Town Station, The Queen of Sheba blends high quality ingredients with generous portion sizes and beautiful presentation, ticking all the boxes. The restaurant serves customers dishes in traditional communal style on a large platter. Instead of cutlery, diners use pieces of flatbread called injera to scoop up fragrant bites of each dish and bring it into their mouths.
Referred to as “the best Ethiopian food in London.”
Price range ££
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options, Halal
For more information and booking click here
Sticky Mango
Location: 33 Coin Street, London, SE1 9NR, UK
Simply-styled restaurant with seasonal Modern British dishes and extensive Loire Valley wine list
Tucked away just a short walk from the bustling Southbank and Waterloo, Sticky Mango is one of London’s best kept secrets. Chef and owner Peter Lloyd creates modern interpretations of Southeast Asian cuisine – serving a fusion of Indonesian, Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese food. Producing gastronomy that has wowed the critics and public for over half a decade, Sticky Mango accommodates to the needs of all with its multiple menus; brunch, á la carte, nine-course tasting menu, or a variety of free from menus that cater to different dietary requirements.
The Evening Standard’s Fay Maschler awarded the restaurant 4 out of 5 stars in 2019, commenting that “devilment is in the detail in all the assemblies.”
Price range ££
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
For more information and booking click here
Troia
Location: Unit 3F, County Hall, Belvedere Road Lambeth SE1 7GQ
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in chilled authentic Turkish setting
This smart glass-fronted cafe-restaurant-bar on Belvedere Road offers an extensive 82-dish menu, providing a comprehensive taste of Turkey’s national diet. The healthy selection includes kisir, a cold starter of nuts, bulgar wheat, herbs and spring onions. Hearty mains include kuzu guvec, a lamb casserole, and yesil fasulye, a delicious marriage of runner beans and onions served with a rich tomato sauce and rice. Chef Ibrahim Dogus runs Troia, “a small man with a big smile”, the son of a political asylum seeker, he came to Britain with his family when he was 14. He has been campaigning for dialogue between Turks, Kurds and the UK Government for most of his adult life.
The Evening Standard’s Jim Armitage names Ibrahim Dogus as “the kebab king of Waterloo.”
Price range £
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options, Halal
For more information and booking click here
Indian Room
Location: 59 Bedford Hill Balham, London SW12 9EZ
Modern, glass-fronted restaurant that has held the title of Balham’s Best Indian Restaurant and Takeaway for last 15 years
This fine-dining haven’s immaculate white decor and candle-lit serenity, contrasts with its flavour-bomb traditional and unique curries. All Time Favourites include their distinctive apricot chicken Kashmir, authentic chicken madras, and super-spicy vindaloo. This spot also prides itself on its little use of oil, cooking with the bare minimum, meaning even the health-conscious can tuck into a guilt-free meal. Bringing variation with their Special Banquet Menus on Monday and Tuesday, Indian Room makes sure you’re always experiencing something new.
Experience “the true essence of India” at this modern yet traditional dining experience.
Price range ££
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options
For more information and booking click here
Taste of Nawab
Location: 97 Colney Hatch Lane Muswell Hill London N10 1LR
Established in 1996, this small family-run restaurant boasts exquisite cuisine fit for a Nawab (an Indian Prince)
Rated one of the best Indian restaurants in North London, the Taste of Nawab has developed an excellent reputation, not only for its food but for its charity work. With their three main focuses being: great food, excellent service, and giving back to the community, it’s no wonder that they have been a success since the nineties! In the Balti tradition, the restaurant offers FREE corkage, favouring the bring-your-own-booze style of dining. With its tripadvisor boasting 100% 5 star reviews, this fusion of Indian and Bengali cuisine is not one to miss.
This consistently excellent curry house has been called “the best Indian restaurant in the UK” by members of the public, and is constantly praised for its “above and beyond service” and welcoming ambiance.
Price range ££
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options
For more information and booking click here
By Phoebe Fraser & Brikena Krasniqi
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