The Best Restaurants in Ilford, Greater London, United Kingdom (2025)

Today was my birthday and I took my friends there. We've been there before as well. Food is always nice. Can't complain. I've been there 3 times now. And whatever we ordered, we satisfied with the taste. Staff is friendly. Today Special mention to Chaitanya. He's so kind and treat people with so much warmth. May God bless him for being so kind. Jaspreets service has been amazing too. Definitely visiting again

Food is very nice and authentic flavours. I ordered chicken biryani, bhuna ghost, chicken fried rice and paneer tikka. Bhuna ghost was the best. Very well cooked and yumilicious. We had ghulab jamun in dessert and they were the best in the town. Staff is friendly, kind and well trained. Overall, our experience was wonderful.

The lamb biryani is very good, lamb bhuna and chicken tikka was nice. Naans are super buttery. The staff were friendly and helpful

Mercato Metropolitano in Ilford is truly a hidden gem that redefines the dining experience with its exceptional hospitality and vibrant atmosphere. The staff is remarkably courteous, and their dedication to ensuring every guest feels welcome is unparalleled. A special shoutout to Ms. Helen, whose warm and attentive service made our visit unforgettable. Her professionalism, friendly demeanor, and genuine care for customers create an inviting environment that keeps you coming back for more. Would be more than happy to hire her anytime for any of my ventures due to her classic perseverance and consistency. The food, ambiance, and top-tier service blend perfectly to deliver a memorable experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking great food and even better hospitality!

I like the idea of having food markets, we see these around the world and there is always a hype. I liked the fact we have started to see more in the UK and the mercato in ilford is actually quite decent. I have been here a few times now but on this occasion on a weekend it was very quiet to what I expected. Other previous occasions it was buzzing and entertaining but I think it may have lost its novelty. Quiet, bare, hardly any customers and no entertainment. Hopefully it can improve but what I saw was a few food places no longer existing, maybe forced to shut due to lack of demand. I do think it is worth a visit and an experience at that as we don't have many of these around. The food is quite good at all the places I've tried and price wise I would say higher end of average prices but small compared to restaurants. It's not a direct comparison.

Absolutely outstanding. Top quality food and very kind waiters. All the food was delicious and at a very affordable price. It was our first time dining in this area and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We will definitely be returning! The staff were all lovely and service was quick. Interior was beautiful and had an expensive feel. Accessibility is good, free parking available right outside Recommendations: Nethili Fry (was so good we ordered it twice!), chicken 65 and roti and lamb curry.

Delicious beyond words. Super friendly staff, kind and helpful. Made our time so enjoyable last month. Our first time trying Sri Lankan food and this place did not disappoint 🔥 Definitely coming back with my friends and family.

“We had a fantastic party at this restaurant today! The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was incredibly friendly and quick. The staff were so welcoming and attentive, making the experience even better. They offer a great variety of dishes, catering perfectly to both kids and adults. Everyone had such a wonderful time. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!”

Came here for dinner with my friend. This place was highly recommended and it did not disappoint. We had the mixed grill for starters. The waiter also recommended an off the menu item being Sri Lankan style fried prawns, so delicious! For mains we had paratha and mutton curry on the bone. The price a bit steep compared to other places but I think it’s worth it due to the taste of the food items we had. Will definitely return to try out other dishes.

One of the best Indian restaurants I’ve had the opportunity to experience in London. The food was excellent and made altogether better by the excellent service from the staff and the chef. Must visit if you are ever craving authentic Indian cuisine. Will be visiting again soon! 😊

Lovely food! Took me back to India! Lovely staff and super fast and excellent service. Can’t wait to visit again!

The food was so delicious and the service was really great..perfect spicy food ..I love the Biriyani highly recommended..I like the ambience with pleasant music..phani was fantastic he was attentive and friendly and made great recommendations..☺️the service really made our dining experience special.thank you for delicious food and great service 😍🙏

If you’re looking for authentic Indian flavors, I highly recommend Indian Aroma in Gants Hill. It’s no surprise this restaurant is ranked among the top 3 in the Ilford and IG2 areas! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and impeccable service that made the experience truly special. The food quality is outstanding. I tried their Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani and Lamb Biryani, and both were simply out of this world! Every bite transported me straight to India – the spices were perfectly balanced, and the rice was cooked to perfection. Their Garlic Naan was a delight – soft, thin, and incredibly flavorful, just as it should be. To top it all off, I ended my meal with their Gulab Jamun, which was absolutely divine – warm, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It was the perfect way to end a fantastic dining experience. I’m already counting down to the weekend so I can come back with my family for dinner. I also discovered that they offer catering services and host get-together parties at the restaurant, which is a fantastic option for anyone planning a special occasion. And music was always good with Highly recommended to everyone in the area – whether you’re a local or just visiting, this is a must-visit spot for authentic Indian food. Don’t miss out on this gem!🙏

Food was great. Ordered a starter platter, 2 extra starters, one main dish and a dessert with drinks. All were great. Filling portion. But price is really high as being a restaurant in Ilford. Paid £80 for 2. With 10% service charge. The decorations and atmosphere were amazing. Place is small. We had to wait a bit to get a table. Our table was very small. Our next tables were so close to us as we could hear their conversations. It was a great experience but i would probably skip going back.

Restaurant Review The restaurant has a lovely decor that sets a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Despite being very busy, the service was reasonably quick once we were seated. The food was presented beautifully, and the taste was generally impressive. Highlights included the firecracker noodles, which were delicious, and the chicken dumplings, which truly delivered a "kiss of heaven" in flavor. However, portion sizes were on the smaller side—£8 for four dumplings. While £8 for two bao buns, which had an average chicken filling, the overall experience felt overpriced. While the pricing might not suit everyone, I would still recommend this place for its ambiance, presentation, and a few standout dishes. Just be prepared for a slightly higher cost.

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Amezing food,great and fast service,insane food portion ! Very good 10⭐️

Service was actually amazing. Was checked on regularly by different members of staff which was appreciated. Food was good, but service of the waiters stood out and was excellent.

I’ve been there with few friends. Their Masala Fish and Lamb Karahi was tasty. I’ll give you 5* as service presentation, Atmosphere and Food was good. Staff was very helpful. Sauces were tasty and special (not commonly known). It is a busy road parking is an issue. Anyhow 5 stars for you guys keep it up.

I had a great experience here! The service was excellent—everyone was friendly, polite, and attentive. The atmosphere was also spot on; the place was clean, well-maintained, and the air conditioning made it really comfortable. The food itself was delicious, especially the meat, which was nicely marinated and full of flavor. The only downside was the amount of food coloring used, which left stains on my fingers. Overall, it’s a fantastic place to eat, and I’d definitely recommend it!

Haweli is my one of favourite restaurant. Delicious food with excellent customer service. AREEBA give us excellent service with smile. She was very good server for my evening. It wonderful experience every time i visit. We will visit again for sure. Thank you

The customer service from Muhammad was excellent. My wife, daughter and I had a great fast food meal here and the portions are a good size. I really enjoyed the burgers, and barbecued two joint chicken wings. The grilled food is the star.

Came here for the first time, service was good and cleanliness not an issue. We got the mixed platter for £14.99 lamb and chicken. Personally lamb was better chicken was a bit tough but had flavour, wings and burger was really good and Masala fries was nice however was very spicy bear in mind. Would definitely come here again.

phatbiteuk is a fantastic spot with reasonable prices and well-prepared dishes. Philly cheese steak is a 10/10 The mains and sides were flavorful, and the variety of options means there's something for everyone. Big thanks to their team for the great service-it's definitely worth a visit if you're near Ilford High Road!

Family dinner last night. Throughly enjoyed all the dishes. Specially the steak was delicious. Overall a 5 star experience for the food and service.

I love love loved my dinner last night. My waitress was warm and welcoming from the start. The decor was lovely, so much so I could even fool myself into thinking I was on holiday on the continent with light flowing in from their skylight at the back. The food was delicious from beginning to end. The pate was nice and chicken starter was so unique. The tuna steak and monkfish stew were divine and the fish cooked perfectly. The deserts were complex but also perfectly balanced. I cannot remember a time where we enjoyed a three course meal so perfectly like that. It felt like a real treat. And we are foodies who travel the world to eat! If I had to gripe about anything...the bread could have been better and maybe a little warm. And maybe to present the pates on plates rather than their packets. But that is me really trying to find something constructive to improve. I love the family vibe everyone is clearly there as they care and the place was buzzing so customers can clearly feel the care and attention they put into it. Can't wait to go back. Thanks to all..

Sonia and her team are just the best! The clams and prawns had unique sauces and were delicious. Best Portuguese food in London. Delicious quality steak that melt in your mouth. Best sangria ever. The desserts are to die for. I recommend this Portuguese restaurant if you fancy quality food and fine dining.

Lovely food, there were a few hit and miss dishes but overall a good experience especially being in Hainault. Starters were all on point: Pork croquettes clams in house sauce were really nice (had sand in one of the clams) and prawns in chilli oil. Fav meal was the cote du boeuf esp the accompanying zesty sauce. Slow cooked octopus and fried salt cod were okay but expected betted. I think the bechamel sauce didn’t go very well with the salt cod. Some of the drinks were really pricey E.g. Coke for £4, im always happy paying for pricier food as this requires sourcing, prep etc but I’d expect this price to be in central London, not Hainault.

Food: 4/5 The prawn dynamite was a little strong on its own but wrapped in lettuce toned the flavour down. I ordered the grilled chops, which arrived warm (not sizzling) and were served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and green beans. The Brisket Stacker was a bit too meaty for my taste, but the grilled chicken-hen burger was full of flavor. The kids enjoyed their fish finger and cheeseburger meals, and it was a nice touch that kids eat free with a main house dish. Service: 5/5 Nadia managed the front of house single-handedly and did a fantastic job. The restaurant got busy, and one of the orders was mixed up and delayed, but Nadia was incredibly polite, apologizing for the delay and serving with a warm smile. Atmosphere: 4/5 Could use a bit of renovation. The counter sticker was peeling, and the central tables felt mismatched. The restroom also needs better upkeep. That said, the place still felt cozy and welcoming.

A cosy place tucked away in Ilford - recently I went for a breakfast and I was extremely impressed. The food was delicious and presented very well. There were so many delightful treats on my breakfast plate. There was honey, fruits & berries with clotted cream, olives, halloumi, sour dough bread, avocado and much more! The place was buzzing with a great vibe ✨️ although when it's busy it can get cramped but that's a good sign because the food is very tasty with very good portions. I'm not surprised people are willing to wait for a table. I will definitely be returning here again. Thank you for a lovely experience.

Brunch is value for money. There is a queuing in the line for the seating. But service is really good