Belly – New Bistro Restaurant in Kentish Town launches on May 8, 2025, at 157 Kentish Town Road. This new bistro brings a lively spirit to the neighborhood, offering a menu that blends modern Filipino and European flavours. The 35-seat dining room features crisp white linens and classic bentwood chairs, creating a warm and inviting setting. The team focuses on seasonal ingredients from local suppliers, ensuring every dish feels fresh and vibrant.
The Vision Behind Belly
Chef Omar Shah leads the kitchen at Belly. He draws on his Filipino heritage and London’s multicultural energy to shape the menu. Wood-fired cooking stands at the heart of the restaurant, giving each dish a distinct, smoky character. The team wants every guest to feel welcome, whether they come for a casual meal or a special night out.
A Menu Celebrating Fusion and Fire
The menu at Belly highlights inventive starters and main courses. Steak tartare arrives with cured yolk and nori crisps, giving a French classic an Asian twist. Diners can try diver scallops with malt vinegar and fermented shrimp coconut sauce or a cod tempura slider on soft pandesal bread with ikura tartar.
Mains from the wood-fired grill include wagyu picanha with peppercorn and liver sauce, oak-smoked tinola chicken with ginger and coriander salsa verde, and sticky tamarind lamb ribs. Sides such as potatoes with kombu butter and coconut vinegar or beef fat fries with sriracha Thousand Island sauce complete the meal.
Desserts continue the fusion theme. Guests can enjoy frozen custard profiteroles with fish sauce caramel or coconut pie with Chantilly cream.
The Neighbourhood and Its Dining Scene
Kentish Town offers a rich mix of restaurants, from cosy pubs to global eateries. Belly joins this lively area with a focus on wood-fired cooking and a menu that bridges different cultures. Locals love the neighbourhood’s friendly energy and variety of dining options, making it a perfect home for a bistro that values both comfort and adventure.
Nearby, you can find Ethiopian, Thai, French, and Italian restaurants. Belly brings a new voice to the scene, appealing to those who want both familiar flavours and bold new tastes.
Design and Atmosphere
Belly’s interior feels classic and welcoming. White linens and bentwood chairs give the room a timeless look. The intimate dining space encourages conversation, while the open kitchen lets guests watch the chefs at work over the wood fire.
The restaurant’s design matches its philosophy: a blend of tradition and innovation, built on community and genuine hospitality.
What Sets Belly Apart
Belly stands out for its creative menu and dedication to quality. The kitchen changes the menu with the seasons, so regulars always find something new. The wine list offers bottles and glasses from around the world, chosen to match the bold flavours of the food.
Chef Omar Shah combines technical skill with a love for storytelling through food. Every dish reflects his heritage, travels, and the joy of sharing meals.
Booking and Opening Details
Belly opens on May 8, 2025, at 157 Kentish Town Road, London NW1 8PD. The cosy dining room means reservations are a good idea. Locals and visitors have already shown strong interest, hinting that Belly will soon become a neighbourhood favourite.
The arrival of Belly – New Bistro Restaurant in Kentish Town brings a fresh chapter for food lovers in the area. With its unique menu, warm atmosphere, and focus on quality, Belly looks set to become a standout destination in London’s dining scene.