London » The Best Restaurants In Shepherd’s Bush

The Best Restaurants In Shepherd’s Bush

From cute cafes and romantic wine bars, to immersive dining experiences, delicious dim sum and tasty Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s time to reveal some of the best restaurants in Shepherd’s Bush.

*Please note, a few of these restaurants have sadly closed. This post will be updated soon with the latest places to eat in the area!*

Shepherd’s Bush, Chez Boo, W12 – Whatever you call it, this is a buzzy London area with plenty to shout about. Just 11 minutes from Oxford Circus on the Central Line, thousands flock here each day to visit Westfield, recently crowned Europe’s largest shopping centre. With over 450 shops and restaurants (and growing all the time…) it’s easy to spend a day getting totally lost in the vast complex.

But step foot outside and you’ll soon discover more about this amazing area’s heart and soul. With its famous green and bustling market, plenty of shops and restaurants, and some long-standing creative spots too (Bush Hall, O2 Academy and Bush Theatre I’m talking about you!) there’s so much to experience in Shepherd’s Bush!

It’s also my new home! As you’ll know if you’ve been following my personal blogs, we’ve finally found a flat we love, and signed our names on the dotted line for the next 18-months. It’s an area we’d enjoyed visiting before, but now we’re here to stay we’ve been excited to REALLY get to know it.

As usual, that starts with our stomachs! We’ve been busy eating and drinking our way around the area, to find the best spots for a coffee, a quiet drink, a hangover feast and more.

Shepherd's Bush Green, London
Shepherd’s Bush Green, London
Shepherds Bush Market, London
Shepherds Bush Market, London

It’s time to reveal some of my favourite restaurants, bars and cafes so far, and no doubt this is a blog I’ll be adding to regularly over the next year! To make things a little simpler (and as there were SOOO many places to choose from) this guide covers places within 5 minutes walk of Shepherd’s Bush Green.

For Great Coffee In Stylish Surroundings, Visit Swallow Coffee Shop

A relatively new addition to the area, this is a café which really knows about coffee. Yep, their coffee is strong, well presented and the perfect pick-me-up. I felt serious #decorgoals as I walked into Swallow Coffee Shop, with its split-level design, smart fireplace and fresh spring daffodils on the tables.

Whether you’re looking for a place to catch up with friends, have a meeting or want to bed in with your laptop for an hour, this is one of my favourite spots in the area. Plus, they have a range of tasty treats including some seriously appetising Portuguese nata tarts.

Swallow Coffee Shop, Shepherd's Bush, London
Swallow Coffee Shop, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Swallow Coffee Shop, Shepherd's Bush, London
Swallow Coffee Shop, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Swallow Coffee Shop, Shepherd's Bush, London
Swallow Coffee Shop, Shepherd’s Bush, London

For Tasty Food, Retro Vibes And Big Portions, Visit Bush Hall Dining Rooms

This is a spot where everyone can find something on the menu to enjoy! It serves up a varied menu of small and large plates, including Guinness battered halloumi bites, prawn jambalaya, superfood salads and fully-loaded burgers. The restaurant is long and thin, with a chequerboard floor, vintage posters, mirrors and a bar by the entrance.

It’s undeniably retro and a great place to kick off your evening before checking out some of the creative performers you’ll find gigging at Bush Hall next door. Top tip – show your ticket and you’ll get 10% off the food bill.

There’s an upbeat atmosphere, and it’s somewhere that works for every scenario, whether you fancy a quick coffee or a drink, or a big breakfast, lunch or dinner. We enjoyed a few small plates to start including the halloumi bites which were light and crisp in a tempura style batter, and a fresh and crunchy spring salad, which came topped with an oozy piece of goats cheese.

For mains we tucked into sea bass with asparagus risotto, and some flavour-packed lamb skewers which were accompanied by pickled onions and guacamole. Food was well presented and tasty, and considering the size of the portions, I thought it was excellent value too.

Bush Hall Dining Rooms, Shepherd's Bush, London
Bush Hall Dining Rooms, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Bush Hall Dining Rooms, Shepherd's Bush, London
Bush Hall Dining Rooms, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Sea bass at Bush Hall Dining Rooms, Shepherd's Bush, London
Sea bass at Bush Hall Dining Rooms, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Spring salad with goats cheese at Bush Hall Dining Rooms, Shepherd's Bush, London
Spring salad with goats cheese at Bush Hall Dining Rooms, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Lamb skewers at Bush Hall Dining Rooms, Shepherd's Bush, London
Lamb skewers at Bush Hall Dining Rooms, Shepherd’s Bush, London

For A Unique Dining Experience You’ll Be Talking About For Years, Visit Banquet Of Hoshena

This restaurant concept is like nothing else around right now. The Banquet of Hoshena is a five-course feast, served with a big dose of magic and special FX. How does it work?

After being seated at a table with a white cloth and white plates, you’ll quickly realise this meal is going to be anything but plain! Above are projectors which create magical scenes on the table and on the model of ‘Hoshena’ around whom the story is based.

Enjoying the Banquet of Hoshena immersive dining experience, London
Enjoying the Banquet of Hoshena immersive dining experience, London
Banquet of Hoshena immersive dining experience, London
Banquet of Hoshena immersive dining experience, London

Expect dry ice, colour changing ice cubes, plates that look like they’re on fire and a succession of interesting dishes accompanied by boozy cocktails. If you love immersive dining experiences, book tickets to the banquet before it closes later in the year!

Banquet of Hoshena immersive dining experience, London
Banquet of Hoshena immersive dining experience, London
Banquet of Hoshena immersive dining experience, London
Banquet of Hoshena immersive dining experience, London

For Romantic Evenings And The Longest Wine List In West London, Visit Albertine Wine Bar

This is a true hidden gem! Albertine is a candle-lit wine bar with a gorgeously intimate atmosphere. With rustic wooden furniture, twinkly lights, a small bar area and a wall of wine bottles, it’s the perfect place for a quiet catch up with friends or date night. The wine list is extensive to say the least!

With over 100 wines on offer, including around 40 by the glass, visiting Albertine is a great opportunity to try something different. There’s a restaurant area upstairs, but they also serve light bites downstairs. The charcuterie platters looked amazing; a great accompaniment to a glass of red.

There were also some gourmet-sounding items including soy, Szechaun chilli  and peanut sausage rolls, rabbit croquettes and halloumi chips with sumac.

Albertine Wine Bar, Shepherd's Bush, London
Albertine Wine Bar, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Albertine Wine Bar, Shepherd's Bush, London
Albertine Wine Bar, Shepherd’s Bush, London

For Authentic Dim Sum In Upmarket Surroundings, Visit Shikumen Restaurant 

Friends who knew about my love of Asian cuisine recommended I visit Shikumen as soon I moved to the area. Located within the smart Dorsett Hotel, Shikumen serves up high-end Chinese cuisine. Along with plenty of classics, on the evening menu you’ll find dishes including roasted Chilean sea bass, stir fried lobster and smoked angus beef.

We, however, were there for one thing – dim sum! Only served at lunchtime, Shikumen is famed for its xiao long bao – a type of dumpling filled with flavoursome soup. We ordered a selection of dishes to try, including pork and prawn shui mai, duck and pumpkin puffs and some beef ho fun noodles.

While it was all tasty, the winning dish for us was the xiao long bao. I’d recommend ordering the colourful five star selection, so you can try their different flavours, which include spicy pork, truffle and seafood.

Shikumen, Shepherd's Bush, London
Shikumen, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Five Star Xiao Long Bao at Shikumen, Shepherd's Bush, London
Five Star Xiao Long Bao at Shikumen, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Enjoying lunch at Shikumen, Shepherd's Bush, London
Enjoying lunch at Shikumen, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Dim sum at Shikumen, Shepherd's Bush, London
Dim sum at Shikumen, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Dim sum at Shikumen, Shepherd's Bush, London
Dim sum at Shikumen, Shepherd’s Bush, London

For Coffee Or Cocktails In A Bookworm’s Dream Venue, Visit The Library Bar At Bush Theatre

 I love this place! Part of the creative space that is Bush Theatre (which champions new theatrical works and nurtures playwriting talent) it’s the best spot in the bush to get lost in a book for an hour! Order a cuppa and head to the Reading Room, which is covered in bookshelves and comfy chairs.

Later in the day, it’s a great venue for a cocktail or a glass of wine. The menu even plays homage to Shepherd’s Bush, with the W12 and Bush Mojito cocktails! As the days get warmer, there’s also a terrace area at the side, perfect for an al fresco beverage.

Bush Theatre, Shepherd's Bush, London
Bush Theatre, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Bush Theatre, Shepherd's Bush, London
Bush Theatre, Shepherd’s Bush, London

For The Ultimate Middle Eastern Feast, Visit Abu Zaad Restaurant

There are a lot of restaurants in this part of London serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. From mezze plates that fill the table, to tasty koftas and kebabs, it’s hard to know where to go.

Abu Zaad has an excellent reputation, is always busy, and serves up tasty, traditional food in casual surroundings. We started with hot and cold mezze items including a baba ganoush that was rich in smoky aubergine flavours, charred halloumi and falafel. The lamb kofta main with a spicy tomato sauce was delicious too.

They don’t serve alcohol, but they have some lovely soft drinks and juices – try the lemon and mint (so zingy!) Prices are incredibly reasonable too, with a large meal for 4 people coming to under £15 per head.

Mezza starters at Abu Zaad, Shepherd's Bush, London
Mezza starters at Abu Zaad, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Lamb koftas at Abu Zaad, Shepherd's Bush, London
Lamb koftas at Abu Zaad, Shepherd’s Bush, London

For The ‘Ticks All The Boxes’ Type Of Pub, Visit The Defector’s Weld

After quizzing locals, and trying out a few myself, I think this is the best all-rounder pub on our doorstep. It’s a gastropub serving all the classics, with a few upmarket twists – think rosemary chips with your burger, and wild boar sausages instead of standard pork.

Whether you’re stopping for a mid-week lunch, an after work drink, or fancy a big Friday night, it always fits the bill. They have plenty of craft beers on the menu, and shake up a few cocktails too. It’s worth keeping an eye on their ‘What’s On’ listings, which often features live DJ nights, pub quizzes, comedy and even gin tastings.

Defectors Weld Pub, Shepherd's Bush, London
Defectors Weld Pub, Shepherd’s Bush, London
Sunday Roast at Defector's Weld, Shepherd's Bush, London
Sunday Roast at Defector’s Weld, Shepherd’s Bush, London

For After Work Drinks, Visit W12 Studios

Located a few minutes walk from BBC TV Centre, next door to the new Troubadour Theatre, is a complex of offices, bars and restaurants. W12 Studios is a funky new addition to this area, and the perfect spot to meet with friends for drinks at the end of a busy workday.

I like the way they have a pop up food area, which changes every few months. During my visit it was the meaty masters Cue Point, who were serving up hearty smoked brisket burgers, wings and a heap of enticing snacks. 

W12 Studios, Shepherd's Bush
W12 Studios, Shepherd’s Bush

Activities In Shepherd’s Bush

From immersive experiences, shopping and escape rooms, to crazy golf and spinning there’s plenty going on in the area. Check out my blog all about the top things to do in Shepherd’s Bush.


I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the best restaurants in Shepherd’s Bush.

This post was produced in collaboration with Visit London as part of its #SeeMoreLondon project. Do you have anywhere to add? Let me know where else I should check out in the comments below!

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Best Places To Eat In Shepherd's Bush, London

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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