Tucked away on Kentish Town Road, you’ll find yourself at Belly Bistro – a candlelit cocoon, where the sizzle of wood fire and the hum of conversation set the scene for one of London’s most exciting new dining experiences. This 35-seater spot is the latest from Omar Shah, the restaurateur behind cult favourites like Ramo Ramen and Mamasons, and it’s already turning heads with its fearless fusion of Filipino, French, and Japanese influences.
Belly isn’t just another “fusion” restaurant. Shah, drawing on his Filipino and Bangladeshi roots, has created a menu that’s both playful and precise, where European bistro classics get a Filipino upgrade and every dish is touched by smoke and fire. The result? A neighbourhood bistro that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
The menu is a greatest-hits playlist for adventurous eaters. Starters like steak tartare arrive with a cured yolk and nori-seasoned crisps – a nod to both French technique and Asian umami. The scallops is probably one you should probably order two plates of because its doused in coconut cream with drops of chilli oil and is one you’ll end up fighting over if sharing. The “McFillet of Dreams” cod slider, tucked inside a pillowy pandesal bun from next-door Café Mama & Sons, is a playful mashup of Filipino comfort and Japanese notes.
The real hidden gem here is the aubergine – smoked aubergine with heirloom tomatoes, it’s simple but knocks all the umami flavours out of the park.
Mains showcase the kitchen’s love of the wood-fired grill: wagyu picanha comes with a rich peppercorn and liver sauce, while oak-smoked tinola chicken is brightened with caper, ginger, and coriander salsa verde. The seafood caldereta is homely and one for the rice lovers.
Desserts are anything but an afterthought. The frozen custard profiterole, drizzled with fish sauce caramel, is a sweet-salty revelation – you’re probably thinking, fish sauce? In dessert? Are you sure? Yes, I am.
We of course also tried the viral ube tiramisu which lived up to all the hype. The drinks list is short but smart, with wines by the glass and cocktails built around Filipino fruits – expect some specials and some classics with a twist!
Belly Bistro is more than just a restaurant – it’s a lovely homage to Shah’s background and a city that represents its diversity. With its bold flavours, wood-fired heart, and a menu that’s as fun as it is thoughtful, it’s set to become a local legend.