Belly Bistro London: Filipino-French Flavours Worth the Journey in Kentish Town
Belly Bistro had been sitting in my saved list for quite a while, one of those places you keep meaning to get around to but somehow never quite lock in. It’s located on Kentish Town Road, not too far from Kentish Town West station, but still far enough from my usual spots that I knew this would need a bit of planning.
I booked in advance because if I’m travelling roughly an hour across London for a meal, I want to make sure there’s actually a table waiting for me. That decision turned out to be a good one, especially considering how busy it was even early into service.
I visited on a Saturday at 1pm and there was a steady flow of people coming in, plates moving quickly, and a general sense that this wasn’t a quiet neighbourhood spot, even if the exterior might suggest otherwise.
About Bistro Belly
Belly Bistro sits in that interesting space where Filipino cooking meets French technique, but without feeling overly rigid or formal about it. It’s listed in the Michelin Guide, which already gives you a sense that the kitchen is doing something thoughtful with its approach, but it doesn’t feel like a place trying to be overly polished or intimidating.
The space itself feels casual in a way that makes it easy to settle in. It’s not trying to overwhelm you with design or atmosphere. Instead, it lets the food take centre stage, which feels intentional given how layered the menu is.
What stood out early on is that this is not a place where you just “order a main and go.” The menu is built more around sharing, exploring flavours, and trying combinations that you might not normally think to put together.
What is Bistro Belly known for?
Belly Bistro is known for its Filipino-French fusion approach, where familiar French techniques meet bold Filipino flavours. It’s not fusion in the watered-down sense, instead, it feels rooted in both traditions.
One of the most talked-about dishes is their tempura cod pandesal with roe, which has developed something of a reputation. It’s one of those items that people mention as soon as they talk about the restaurant, and from what I saw, it also tends to sell out quickly.
Beyond that, they’re also known for dishes like steak tartare with a Filipino twist, scallops with Bicol Express influence, and comforting rice-based dishes like their woodland mushroom arroz caldo.
The restaurant has a way of taking familiar formats and layering in unexpected flavour profiles without making them feel forced.
What is the experience like at Bistro Belly?
The experience at Belly Bistro felt relaxed but attentive. The server was genuinely helpful when it came to recommendations, which made a big difference because the menu has enough variety that it can feel slightly overwhelming on a first visit.
There’s also something quite communal about the space. Even though we were sitting at our own table, there were moments where conversations naturally happened between tables, like when the lady next to us realised we were talking about the same dish they had just received.
That moment actually became one of the highlights of the visit. They had managed to get the last portion of the tempura cod pandesal, and after hearing us express disappointment at it being sold out, they kindly offered us a quarter to try. It was a small gesture, but it added a very human touch to the whole experience.
There was also a sense of timing playing a big role here. Dishes were clearly being served as they came out, and if something was popular, it disappeared quickly. That added a bit of urgency to ordering, but not in a stressful way.
What is the food like at Bistro Belly?
The food is where Belly Bistro really finds its identity. There’s a clear balance between comfort and creativity, and most dishes carry a strong flavour profile without feeling overwhelming.
We started with the steak tartare with salt and pepper crisps (£15). This was easily one of my favourite dishes of the meal. The wagyu rump brought a richness that worked really well with the mint, coriander, chilli, and patis. The crisps added texture that made every bite feel layered rather than soft or one-note.
Next was the chargrilled scallop (market price) with Bicol Express influence. The coconut cream sauce was the standout element here. It added warmth and depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the scallop. The annatto and chive brought subtle background notes that kept it interesting.
The woodland mushroom arroz caldo (£12 for small / £24 for large) was the most comforting dish we had. We went for the smaller portion since we were sharing, which turned out to be the right choice. The soy-cured egg yolk added richness, while the mix of king oyster, chanterelle, pickled trumpet, and cep XO created a deep, earthy base. It felt like a dish that you could easily return to again on a colder day.
The fish of the day, which in our case was wild stonebass (£32), surprised me the most. I don’t usually order fish unless I’m confident it will have strong flavour, but this completely changed my expectations. The tinapa-style sauce Américaine, tomato and strawberry XO, and calamansi vinegar brought brightness and depth at the same time. The crispy skin on the fish added texture that made it feel complete. This was a dish I found myself going back to more than expected, especially when mopping up the sauce.
For dessert, we tried the ube tiramisu. It leaned more towards creaminess than strong ube flavour, with subtle notes rather than a dominant profile. It was pleasant, though not as memorable as the savoury dishes. I did regret not trying the avocado ice cream, which sounded like something I would have enjoyed more.
Overall, the food felt well thought out, with clear intention behind flavour pairings. Nothing felt random, even when combinations were unexpected.
What is the price like at Bistro Belly?
Pricing sits in the average range of around £40 to £60 per person depending on how you order and whether you include drinks. For our visit, it came to roughly £50 per person with drinks included.
Considering the quality of ingredients and the complexity of some dishes, I felt the pricing was reasonable. Portions are designed for sharing, so the experience naturally builds as you order more dishes together rather than relying on a single plate.
It’s also worth noting that certain dishes are market price, which can shift the final bill depending on what you choose.
Final Thoughts about Bistro Belly
Belly Bistro feels like a place that sits comfortably between casual dining and something more thoughtful. It doesn’t try to define itself too rigidly, which actually works in its favour.
There were moments that felt memorable, particularly the steak tartare, the mushroom arroz caldo, and the fish of the day. Those dishes alone would justify a return visit. The tempura cod pandesal also clearly holds a reputation for a reason, even if I only managed to try a small bite of it this time.
It’s not a perfect meal in the sense that every dish was life-changing, but it doesn’t need to be. What matters more is that there is clear intention behind the food, and enough variety that you can build a meal that feels personal to your preferences.
I’d definitely go back, especially now that I know certain dishes sell out quickly. Next time, I’d plan around those early, and maybe try a few different plates to see how the menu shifts with another visit. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring flavour combinations, this is a spot worth adding to your list in London.
Highlights about Bistro Belly
- Filipino-French fusion concept with strong culinary identity
- Listed in the Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
- Known for tempura cod pandesal with roe (often sells out early)
- Casual dining atmosphere with steady weekend energy
- Favourite dishes: beef tartare, Woodland mushroom ‘arroz caldo’, fish of the date
Details about Bistro Belly
- Location: 157 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8PD
- Closest station: Kentish Town West
- Opening hours:
- Wed–Fri: 5pm–10:30pm
- Sat–Sun: 12pm–10:30pm
- Mon–Tue: Closed
- Price range: approximately £40–£60 per person
- Booking recommended, especially on weekends
- Menu style: Filipino-French fusion, sharing plates
- Popular dishes can sell out early in service
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