Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. London
  4. West End London
  5. St. James's
PAPA L's KITCHEN, St James's, London

PAPA L's KITCHEN

4.6
4.6
428 Reviews
£41 and over
African
PAPA L’s KITCHEN is a pioneer of modern African cuisine. We are passionate about creating a unique, shared dining experience, combining the exotic ingredients and flavours of Africa with cuisine from around the world. Executive Chef Gomez has put together an exciting winter menu with some of his signature dishes such as The grilled King Tiger Prawns, Tempura Okra, BBQ Lamb Cutlets and Honey Glazed Salmon. Lawrence's career started at The Ivy in West Street and he has also worked in establishments such as Sexy Fish and Scott's in Mayfair. Lawrence has just recently returned from Annabel's pop-up restaurant in Saudi Arabia where he was Executive Chef. PAPA L's creates a relax vibe with a good playlist and a very organic ambience which is part of the PAPA L's Experience.




Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 4 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    African, International, West African
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed–Sat 17:00–23:00
  • Phone number
    020 7434 3697
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Lawrence Gomez
  • Private party facilities
    Available upon request - please direct all enquiries to www.papalskitchen.com/bookings
  • Area
    St. James's
  • Parking Details
    Mon - Sat 8:30am - 6:30pm Pay By Phone Max Stay 4 Hours
  • Public Transit
    TRAINS - Piccadilly Circus (1min walk) Buses: 12, 88, 94, 453, 8, 9, 139 and 159
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 428 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • London

    Great for creative cocktails

  • West End London

    Great for creative cocktails

428 Reviews
  1. Jonny

    London

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good ordinary food. Definite points of difference. Enjoyable evening at reasonable price.

    Is this helpful?

  2. MarkB

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 9 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a wonderful experience with somebody that had a lot of knowledge about food and culture. It was also quiet and quaint which I absolutely loved.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OyinkansolaA

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 November 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Really delicious food and tasty cocktails. Additionally lovely staff. The key area of improvement is the decor and ambience, which could definitely be improved. The atmosphere and vibes should be more reflective of the chef's background and influence and match the location to provide a more classy and dining experience

    Is this helpful?

  4. Adam

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 November 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Outstanding food and cocktails. Good number of options. Service was a little bit slow and the price was a bit more than expected but overall a fantastic experience. Would 100% recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Dave

    Berkshire

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 28 October 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    Food was ok, nothing too exciting, service was shambolic, floors, walls and fittings are falling apart

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jackie

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 October 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Nice experience, good portions. The cassava fries was my favorite

    Is this helpful?

  7. EricaC

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious and waiter provided exceptional service. Portion sizes for meals were perfect also. Would highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  8. FoodieSel

    London

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 14 October 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    I had the kings prawns as an entree and the lamb chops. The king prawns were divine as I love spicy food. The lamb was so tender. Overall I enjoyed the food but I think the deco could be improved to be more aligned with prices.

    Is this helpful?

  9. JackieS

    London

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 13 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a fantastic experience. The food was great as was the cocktails, the service was outstanding and a big thankyou to Myrtle. Definitely a place I will revisit

    Is this helpful?

  10. NolaS

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was awesome, really good flavours. The scallops were cooked to absolute perfection and I have eaten a lot of seafood. The lamb chops, short ribs and cassava fries were great too. So glad I booked I will be back to try the Monkfish main.

    PAPA L's KITCHENResponded on 11 October 2023

    Hello Nola Thank you so much for your awesome review. It means a lot to us at Papa L's Kitchen. We are happy that you share the same passion for food and you had a great experience at Papa L's Kitchen. We hope to see you again soon! Papa L's Team

    Is this helpful?

  11. Laticia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had my birthday dinner at Papa L's and everything was amazing...10/10 for every aspect from the food, to the staff, to the Chef and the atmosphere. Very happy and a great birthday celebration.

    Is this helpful?

  12. DionneC

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Oh my goodness!! I genuinely don’t know how to explain the wonderful time I had at this restaurant. As you enter the staff reception is warm and inviting, the waiting staff are friendly and patient. This along with the background music which I was singing along to at points, or shoulder dancing to, made for a fun, relaxed environment. The food . . . . The food was AMAZING!!! I mean out of this world delicious. Everything I tried lingered on my tastebuds. I have to go back for desert as after trying 3 different starters and the filling main I was so satisfied I had no room for the deserts which teased me as they floated by to other tables. We had the pleasure of sitting close to the kitchen so could see the chef cooking up a storm and he chatted and laughed along with us guests inbetween. What an evening. I would highly recommend you visit. You will not be disappointed.

    PAPA L's KITCHENResponded on 11 October 2023

    Hello Dionne On behalf of Papa L's Kitchen Team, thank you for your wonderful review and kind words, we are so appreciative. It is our aim to create great experiences for our guests and it warms our hearts that you had such an enjoyable time with us. You were awesome and we are looking forward to your next visit. Papa L's Kitchen Team

    Is this helpful?

  13. Dee3452

    London

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 29 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious food. Friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient staff

    PAPA L's KITCHENResponded on 11 October 2023

    Hi Dee Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. This means so much to us and we are happy that you had a good experience dining at Papa L's Kitchen. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Papa L's Kitchen Team

    Is this helpful?

  14. HappyEater

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 September 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Food was fantastic, cocktails were delicious, the music was perfect. Service could have been better but they did an apologise.

    Is this helpful?

  15. ElaineS

    Hertfordshire

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 15 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It was an absolutely wonderful culinary experience. I have already been recommending it to my friends!

    PAPA L's KITCHENResponded on 11 October 2023

    Hello Elaine Thank you so much for your positive feedback. We were happy to have you dine with us and that you enjoyed your experience at Papa L's Kitchen. We hope to see you back soon ! Papa L's Kitchen Team

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    South Wales

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Although it’s expensive for the portions you get. Overall the food and service were sublime. I would definitely recommend and come there again.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Roche

    London

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on 31 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good food was amazing .. our host ( she was from Barbados ) was lovely and explained everything on the menu for us throughly including heat levels ( pepper) .. will definitely return .. the BBQ lamb chops was amazing !!

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my 2nd visit. The food and drinks are excellent quality and the service ia second to none. Thank you for hosting us.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 23 August 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Second time here and very lovely food and even better service

    Is this helpful?

  20. Shushie

    London

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 19 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service. The prawns and cocoa bread are divine. I will come back

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful experience, food is incredible and the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, it was my wife's birthday and the staff made it a very special and memorable experience. We'll be back soon

    Is this helpful?

  22. CarolineL

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 August 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had to eat early due to a cinema booking and staff were welcoming and accommodating. My friend had the grilled octopus and I had the salmon. The Salmon was beautifully cooked and the sauce and green beans were delicious. The server told us that cassava fries can be ‘quite dense’. Some of the thicker cut ones were a bit chewy but the thinner cut were salty and delicious. The coco bread was light and fluffy. I’d love to come back and try more dishes and enjoy the cocktails which sounded great.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Hands down the best Afro fusion restaurant I’ve attended. They had me at Honey Glazed Salmon and Lychee Martini. God bless Mertyl and Lawrence the genius chef. God bless Papa L’s.

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Lovely food and great service! I will be back

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such en excellent experience staff was amazing food was even better!!

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 13 July 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I love Papa L’s!!! I’ve been there a number of times over the last few years and the food experience has always been memorable. I was there with 2 friends and we all polished off our 3 courses. The staff are so attentive. Nearly all have been with the business since the beginning which says something about the establishment. I’ll be going back with a couple of other friends before the end of summer,

    1 person found this helpful

  27. Vicky

    London

    14 reviews

    1.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 7 July 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Pretentious place but very bad quality of the food. Extremely expensive for what you get!! Poor service and zero ambience. Felt like a rip off to have paid £40 off each for a terrible experience. We left horrified. I really don’t know how they got all the positive reviews from.

    Is this helpful?

  28. AdsA

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 June 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food. Ok portion size but the taste made up for it. Will be going back. The brownie with cinnamon ice cream and lamb cutlets were great!

    Is this helpful?

  29. TaraW

    Kent

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 24 June 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Lovely restaurant, limited menu but enough to choose from. Average prices for London restaurant. Service charge is added. Food is delicious and generous portions. Lovely attentive staff. Definitely recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  30. AICHAT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 June 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An amazing experience. The food was exquisite. The restaurant is beautiful. The staff is very professional and friendly. The chef is a real king. I would definitely recommend. I am going back soon.

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    London

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 17 June 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went back here to again and it didn’t fail to disappoint- really enjoyed the steak and the croquettes. Can’t wait to go back to try the new summer menu.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Lewis9412

    Manchester

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 June 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food. The Chocolate Brownie is especially good

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    London

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 10 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious, we had three courses and enjoyed every bite. We would especially recommend leaving space for the cheesecake!

    Is this helpful?

  34. KemiP

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve been to the restaurant four times and have loved it every time. The food is delicious and and service is great. It is nice that the menu is seasonal, it makes it exciting each time I visit.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 15 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We chose Papa Ls to have our long overdue reunion and I can honestly say it was the best choice we made! The food, service and ambience was definitely a 10 out of 10. The best course was the main meal for me- the salmon was cooked to perfection and the flavours were divine. Thanks for making our night one to remember. I can’t wait to dine there again next month ☺️

    Is this helpful?

  36. Beee

    London

    54 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on 8 April 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food is delicious, so I will return to try other options on the menu. Excellent, attentive service too!

    Is this helpful?

  37. Skittles85

    London

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 31 March 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Lovely atmosphere and staff were very attentive. Food was flavoursome and presented well. Our table was cleared of empty plates and bottles efficiently which allowed me and my group to engage without a cluttered environment. Definitely a venue for solo, date night, casual evening with friends and special occasions.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Ohemaa

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 March 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Excellent customer service! Amazing tasty food! Slightly disappointed that there were some dishes that had run out but I did enjoy the Honey Glaze salmon as part of my meal.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Akin

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 March 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply amazing! I wanted to treat my mum for Mother's Day and it exceeded all expectations. Food was delicious, staff were very welcoming and attentive. Will definitely visit again with friends

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    London

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 11 March 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    I'm not sure I must have visited and eaten in the same restaurant as all the other reviews!! The food was fairly average, meat and fish dishes over cooked, and told that is they way they are cooked! The service was super slow and disorganised, but friendly. And the venue is like a uninviting canteen, super casual which I found bizarre for the price point.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waiting staff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

PAPA L's KITCHEN is rated 4.6 stars by 428 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 4 times today
Google Map for PAPA L's KITCHEN

16-17 Jermyn Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6LT

Additional information

  • Area
    St. James's
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed–Sat 17:00–23:00
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    African, International, West African
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking Details
    Mon - Sat 8:30am - 6:30pm Pay By Phone Max Stay 4 Hours
  • Public Transit
    TRAINS - Piccadilly Circus (1min walk) Buses: 12, 88, 94, 453, 8, 9, 139 and 159
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Lawrence Gomez
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    020 7434 3697
  • Private party facilities
    Available upon request - please direct all enquiries to www.papalskitchen.com/bookings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo