Top Places and Services in Walthamstow

Came here for our anniversary with my partner. The food was amazing, cocktails are strong so worth what you pay for them. This restaurant is a hidden gem in Walthamstow village and well worth what you pay for the quality of the food. The waitress and hostess were lovely, friendly and accommodating

Really nice spot. The breakfast bun was amazing and the waiter went out of his way to let us order from the breakfast menu after it was finished, which was really appreciated. Was already a 5 but the staff made it extra special, will be back

Lovely little restaurant with very friendly owners. Portions potentially a little small on some plates but fair value and very tasty

Firstly, I like to point out that the photos that I have uploaded with this review do not do any justice to the quality of the food. I was using a 6-year-old mobile whilst my usual go-to Pixel is being repaired!

We happened to be in Walthamstow Village when a spontaneous craving for a quick meal struck. "The Kitchen," the first restaurant we passed, didn't seem too busy (early Saturday evening, thankfully, as I'd heard this popular spot gets packed). Grateful for their hospitality, they squeezed us in despite our lack of booking.

The Kitchen itself is petite and beautifully decorated, exuding a cosy vibe. The staff were friendly and polite, tentative but not in-your-face.

Short on time and mindful of our impromptu arrival, we opted for mains only. Their menu offered a tempting selection of small plates, burgers, and larger dishes, complemented by a well-stocked wine and cocktail selection.

We ordered the Lasagna, Creamy Risotto and Jamaican Jerk Chicken.

The Lasagna was a triumph. Perfectly al dente sheets embracing a rich, meaty ragu, all blessed with a gloriously crisp crust. No sogginess here – just well-balanced perfection. The accompanying rocket and lettuce salad, dressed in a light honey-oil vinaigrette, was a refreshing counterpoint, though if I were to add another element to the rocket, I would probably opt for cucumber and mango or watermelon instead of lettuce. But this is just a matter of personal preference!

Now, the Jerk Chicken... on the other hand, was not great. I wouldn't normally order Caribbean food outside of a Caribbean restaurant, but for some reason, this dish seemed to 'stick out like a sore thumb' on the menu compared with all the other usual European dishes. I decided to give it a try. The aroma, while pleasant, lacked the Jerk's signature smokiness. Instead, sweetness reigned, more reminiscent of tamarind than the usual brown sugar and pineapple notes. The heat, too, was an unexpected sriracha taste instead of the normal ginger and scotch bonnet. A fusion of more Eastern than Caribbean. The chicken itself? Let's just say it had spent a touch too long under the warming glow of the microwave (in my personal opinion), resulting in unfortunate dryness. The accompanying rice and beans were lovely, but I had to resort to mixing in some rocket salad from the lasagna to salvage the dish.

The Creamy Risotto, however, was a redemption song. It was creamy, it was delicious, and the pops of fresh peas and courgettes were delightful and added freshness to the palate. Topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano (or was it Pecorino?), it was a dish I'd happily revisit.

So, would I return? In a heartbeat! The Kitchen's charm, warm service, and reasonable prices make it a Walthamstow Gem (Except for the Jerk Chicken).