Credit: Ida
Perched on a rather unassuming street corner in Kilburn is an irresistibly inviting Italian restaurant that’s been offering Londoners a sweet taste of La Dolce Vita for almost twenty years now. Ida is a family-run spot, serving up an atmosphere as delicious as the food itself. So much so, that it’s just been named the very best local restaurant in London by the Good Food Guide.
Having set up shop in 2007 inside the site of a former Kilburn corner shop; Ida has since become part of the area’s furniture. The beloved local eatery is a haven of homeliness in the heart of Queen’s Park, making visitors (new and returning) feel like they’re dining in the living room of an old relative. An old relative that can whip up some outrageously delicious pasta, that is.
Credit: Ida The best local restaurant in London
Ida is a firm favourite on London’s local restaurant scene – and comes courtesy of husband and wife duo, Simonetta and Avi Wenkert. Born from little more than some second-hand furniture and a dream, Ida is named after Avi’s mother, who had an ‘encyclopedic knowledge’ of regional Italian grub. The restaurant specialises in fresh pasta, which is made in-house daily, and has been frequented by many famous faces.
Previous diners include the likes of Lily Allen, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, U2, Cillian Murphy, and – wait for it – Harry and Meghan. Every detail has been carefully considered, with everything down to the personalised crockery and rustic charm being utterly perfect. And despite having had to weather various storms in the form of – well, you know… a recession, a global pandemic, and a cost of living crisis – Ida has survived to tell the tale. And aren’t we all so blooming lucky that it has.
📍 You’ll find Ida at 167 Fifth Avenue, W10 4DT.
🚇 Nearest station is Queen’s Park.