LDNGuide
5 Great Things To Eat & Drink In Kingston
From grab-and-go falafel wraps, to comforting curries, and cheesy kunefe, here are the best places to eat around KT1.
This not-so-little area known as Kingston, or K-town to locals, was voted the 3rd happiest place to live in London in 2020, and we can’t help but think that it has something to do with the tasty food at these spots. It’s an area filled with families, university students, and people who got hungry whilst walking around Richmond Park, and there’s something here for everyone. From riverside restaurants serving excellent curries, to fried shrimp filled subs, here are the things you should eat around Kingston.
For a Grab-and-Go Situation
Looking for a light lunch? You can get that at The Cheeky Pea. You know what else you can get here? So much more. This unassuming little hummus and falafel bar on Eden Walk is one of those places you stumble across on a lunchtime search for a falafel wrap, and end up discovering a menu full of some really, really great Mediterannean food. You can fill wraps and pittas with freshly made falafel, halal Moroccan-style chicken, and sabich. As well as the option of salad bowls, they’ve got some great hummus bowls with things like fava beans or, our favourite, garlic mushroom. Basically it’s a great little find, with lots of tasty options for vegetarians and vegans.
After some more easy-to-eat-while-standing options? Head to Atariya, a Japanese supermarket on Coombe Road making fresh sushi to go. Or drop by Roti Run in the market for a chicken jalfrezi stuffed naan.
For a Three Course Meal That Ends With Cheesy Kunefe
Cappadocia Restaurant
Lahmacun. Iskender kebab. Kunefe. That’s right, this Turkish spot opposite Kingston train station is a one-stop shop. It’s got excellent meat-heavy mains, all the meze your sucuk-craving stomach desires, and the best kunaee we’ve had in London. It’s great for a sit-down meal but it’s also great for a takeaway thanks to the dedicated counter spot next door where you can get kebabs, lahmacuns, and that 10/10 kunefe to-go. It’s on the pricey side, so keep an eye on that when stocking up on the sigara böreği and grilled halloumi.
Or, if there are no tables, head to Persian spot Narenj for some excellent mirza ghasemi, koobideh, and Persian tea.
For When You Feel Personally Victimised by British Weather
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36 Streets
The weather is a huge part of what drives our cravings, which might explain why this nation gets through so many cups of tea. But when the rain decides to grace us with its presence for the fifth time in a week, we come here. This Vietnamese restaurant on Market Place is serving everything from banh mi and pho, to Vietnamese hot pots and bubble tea. The pho is great, and the pho xao are some of the best stir-fried thick rice noodles we’ve tried, but the reason we come, and keep coming, is for the king prawn curry. It’s creamy, slightly sweet thanks to the coconut, and the prawns are meaty and tender. And it’s up there with chocolate cake as the ultimate comfort food.
Or, you can head down to Japanese spot Taberu for a hug in the form of their prawn katsu curry. Or if you’re driving, go further down to New Malden High Street for Nori’s pumpkin croquette curry don.
For a Saucy Sub That's Well Worth the Mess
Okay, so picture walking into Subway. Except behind the glass, in the place where the processed meats and other fillings are, there are options like fresh buttermilk fried shrimps, black angus prime brisket, and cajun blackened chicken - all in a brioche sub. Next step, you pick between things like Louisiana hot, honey mustard, and cajun mayo for the sauces, and you notice things like seafood platters, and ice cream floats on the menu. Now you’re getting really excited, because your friend has pointed out that you can get the same options on top of a cajun mac and cheese. Or chips. Or a salad. And you start to realise that this New Orleans-inspired spot in the Griffin Centre might just be your new favourite place.
Want something more wrap, and less sub? Pick up a customise-it-yourself chicken wrap from Castle Street’s Don Corleone. Or head to Farm Fresh Burgers on Penrhyn Road if you’re looking to scratch that American-inspired burger and shake itch.
For a Feast With a View
If going to a restaurant means more to you than just the act of eating, then this spot on the riverside is probably where you want to be. It’s got all the makings of an excellent meal, from a menu of great food, to foliage-heavy interiors, and a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the Thames. Even though it’s not all about the food, the North Indian dishes here are probably the best in the area. And though the menu has everything from Desi classics like kake da lamb rogan josh and fish moilee, to lamb chops and mixed grill platters, you pretty much can’t go wrong with anything here. Our go-to order is butter chicken and goan prawn curry, with saffron pulao and garlic naan.
Or head to Roz Ana, an Indian spot on Kingston Hill that makes an excellent karahi chicken and dal makhani.
