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PAPA L's KITCHEN, St James's, London

PAPA L's KITCHEN

4.6
4.6
298 Reviews
£41 and over
African
Top tags:
*BUY 1 GET 1 FREE ON OUR SELECTED SIGNATURE COCKTAILS EVERY WEDS-SAT BETWEEN 5-7PM & SAT 12-1PM*

25% OFF YOUR FINAL BILL FOR ANYONE WHO HAS A VALID THEATRE TICKET IN THE WEST END... WEDS-SAT 5-7PM & SAT 12-2PM

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
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    African, International, West African

  • Hours of Operation

    Lunch Sat 12:00–14:00 Happy Hour Wed–Sat 17:00–19:00 Sat 12:00–13:00 Dinner Wed–Sat 17:00–23:30

  • Phone number

    020 7434 3697

  • Website

    http://papalskitchen.com/

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Contactless Payment, 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

  • Location

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

  • 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, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Cocktails - Buy one get one free

    Multiple dates available
    Cocktails - Buy one get one free on our selected signature cocktails 5-7pm every Wednesday-Saturday. 12-1pm every Saturday

  • 25% off final bill for Pre- Theatre Tickets

    Multiple dates available
    If you are heading to the theatre around the West End you can enjoy a wonderful pre-theatre meal at PAPA L's KITCHEN giving the very best in African Fusion Cuisine and get 25% off your final bill. Every Weds-Sat 5pm-7pm and Saturday 12-2pm Please show your theatre ticket as proof when applying your discount.

Popular dishes

What 298 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • West End London

    Fit for Foodies

Sort by

Filters

  1. L

    Lovepr

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 June 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent food (cannot fault) better than I expected Great service very accommodating waiters an waitress to my family including my toddler. Only down side Card machine wasnt working. But didn't effect our experience.
  2. JP

    JPL44

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food with amazing flavour. Try the lamb its amazing.
  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Surrey

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 June 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Food was great - very tasty, but portions were quite small and the service was VERY slow
  4. S

    Safiya

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great and staff were really friendly! Will definitely book again.
  5. BV

    BrunoV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    What a pleasant surprise! I'd had this restaurant recommended to me by a colleague and I chose it over some other options with perhaps a more well-known name... but Papa L's did not disappoint. On the contrary! The food was delicious and timely, the staff were fantastic - knowledgeable and courteous but not in your face, and the price was fairly decent for central London. I would definitely recommend Papa L's signature Lamb Chops!! I wish Papa L and associates all the best in "bringing a taste of Africa to London"... great ambition and I hope it catches!
  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 June 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Over priced for what you get really. Although the food is nice, it is not worth the £250 to feed 2 adults and 2 children. 2 courses. I’d paid £350 the night before at another restaurant and that was worth it all. One starter was frozen croquettes and a main 3 very small lamb cutlets. Although the taste was average, it is not value for money!
  7. CB

    CBAt

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food. Absolutely fantastic service from the staff!!! The Chef is sooo personable. Black Owned Business! It was a beautiful night.
  8. HB

    HelenaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious food and cocktails at Papa L's. We especially loved the lamb and the rice. The staff were so helpful and polite - our daughter has several allergies and our waiter made sure to pay extra attention and offer alternatives.
  9. EA

    EstherA

    London

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 28 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant was easy to get to. They were all so accommodating and the service was excellent. They were all so friendly. The food was amazing!!!! Especially the prawns and scallops! Sooo yummy!! The cocktails were lush too! I’ll definitely be coming back and telling all my friends!
  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service!
  11. FK

    FrancescaK

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was outstanding, service impeccable and definitely a must visit!
  12. NG

    NubianGem

    London

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 28 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We visited on 28/05/2022, I have been following the restaurant on Instagram so I was very excited to try the food, I was not disappointed. The staff were very welcoming and professional, the food was amazing! The PAPA L’s Grilled King Tiger Prawns were really delicious and my other half really enjoyed the PAPA L’s BBQ lamb cutlets. We will definitely revisit and enjoy two cocktails and hopefully have room for dessert.😊
  13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 May 2022

    overall1food4service1ambience4
    The service is poor—probably the worst I have ever received in London. It is not just one of the waiters but all of them having troubles serving their customers. The food is generally good and I definitely love the steak. We spent about 140 for two people, and it is acceptable.
  14. T

    Thegancio

    London

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 25 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    What a find, the food was very very good with clear connections to west Africa and Gambia. 2 standout dishes where the giant king prawns and Ma Benachin rice but overall everything was highly enjoyable. The waiter we had was very polite and helpful and service was fast. If you want to experience fine dining level west African food this is a place to try!
  15. RR

    RebeccaR

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was 10 out of 10. Especially our waiter.
  16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 May 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Better than expected following reviews. The chicken curry was a surprise hit!
  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely incredible experience. We were welcomed by friendly staff, had a very professional waiter who was very informative, the cocktails were addictive and the food heavenly. It's wasn't the cheapest meal out, but was worth every penny! PAPA L's KITCHEN IS A MUST
  18. A

    Adina

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal food, attentive service and excellent playlist. Can’t wait to visit again!
  19. P

    Prawnhead

    London

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 14 May 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Staff very polite and welcoming. Food good and served in timely manner.
  20. AD

    AndrewD

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 7 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding experience. 2nd time of going, just as good as the first!
  21. RM

    RochelleM

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Such a beautiful meal to celebrate my Cousin’s birthday. She had been so looking forward to finally attending (for over a year!) and it was absolutely worth the anticipation. Every mouthful was divine. I still cannot get over my prawn starter - wow! In fact, all we mainly spoke about the entire meal was how amazing the food was! We will definitely be returning and recommending to others. ALL the staff were so friendly and professional! Thank you so much! Wonderful manager who remembered my name and came with a warm smile. Papa himself was also very professional and kind enough to take a picture with the Birthday Girl which absolutely made her day. A really wonderful evening. So happy for Papa to have his own establishment in such an affluent area. Well deserved! Thank you again to the entire team.
  22. PQ

    PriQ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was absolutely splendid - Papa L have definitely gained a new customer! Thanks for making my friends birthday extra special with her dessert message Everything in terms of the quality of food, service, staff were all amazing!
  23. C

    Christie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I honestly can’t express enough how fantastic Papa L’s is. The food was superb. The quality of the ingredients, the amount of unique choices on the menu, the presentation. All surpassed our expectations - and our expectations were high! The highlight is the fusion of different cuisines together. You can clearly taste different worlds in your dish, but they marry them up seamlessly and each course is an experience. Papa L’s is the perfect choice for all occasions in London. It’s lively but not too loud, so it’s perfect for a pre or post theatre dinner, somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or a lovely meal before heading for a night out. We’ll definitely be revisiting!
  24. L

    Londondiner

    London

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on 21 April 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Really interesting menu and the food was great. The prawn starter was a stand out dish for us both, super tasty. The service was efficient but our waiter seemed quite disinterested and when I asked if the wine by the glass was dry he said ‘I don’t know, I don’t drink wine’, which really wasn’t helpful. Despite that, the general atmosphere was good and the food really memorable so would recommend.
  25. LR

    LemayR

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 16 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This was a pleasant surprise. The food was amazing and the service impeccable.
  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 16 April 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    20 pct tip added to bill was a shock and inappropriate
  27. LW

    LukaszW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, great depth of taste. Staff very nice and helpful. One of the few places where food and atmosphere in the heart of London make you want to come back ... I recommend it to all those who appreciate culinary artistry and atmosphere.
  28. n

    nads100

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 April 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Loved the experience and the food was delicious. The cocktails were really nice too. Staff and team friendly and very helpful. The desert was the only disappointing course( the brownie). I missed the chocolate pudding with rum flavoured custard for last summer menu. That was amazing!
  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 9 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb food . Superb service . Fabulous few hours spent there with my partner . We loved it & will be back Myrtle & the rest of the team were just wonderful. Thank you for looking after us
  30. JL

    JulienL

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 7 April 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    We had a fantastic time as always! Excellent new dishes and cocktails. A must try!!
  31. P

    Private

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My Husband and I was walking past Papa L's Kitchen and we were intrigued by the menu. The Manager welcomed us in and we started to engage with the staff; where they went into detail on the history of the restaurant. The reception we received from the staff that day, enabled us to make the decision that we would celebrate our first Wedding Anniversary. We ate at Papa L's Kitchen on 2nd April and enjoyed everything from the staff, to the drinks, the food (especially the final touches to my desert!) and the ambience. We will definitely be going back to dine there!
  32. SN

    SusanN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service. Will definitely be back.
  33. LH

    LHS123

    London

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 25 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went here for dinner before the theatre and had an amazing time. The service was brilliant, cocktails were delicious and the food was really faultless. A little on the pricey side but given the really tasty food, great service and the lovely setting it felt worth it. Can't wait to go back.
  34. SR

    SarahR

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time at Papa L's! The staff were really friendly and welcoming and the food was absolutely delicious. They went above and beyond to ensure we had an enjoyable experience and I'm looking forward to going back!
  35. J

    Jsara

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 19 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Really good food. It was my 1st time indulging in Gambian cuisine and i will definitely come back foe more! The staff was amazing!
  36. NK

    NikK

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic experience, would really recommend this restaurant to anyone! We had a fun Saturday night. Service was attentive and joyful. The Prawns were delicious and I have thought about them daily since having them.
  37. TA

    TemidayoAjayi

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 12 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was wonderful. I love supporting my people. Bringing my boyfriend here for his birthday 🎂
  38. TM

    TraceyM

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely attentive staff, beautiful food. Our waiter was the best and made our group feel very special ❤️
  39. A

    Aaliyah

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 5 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent evening and not a single complaint or suggestion. Food and drinks were fantastic. Staff were lovely. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and will be returning
  40. LC

    LindaC

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 March 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    A lovely evening out with great food, good service in a relaxing environment. We did not feel rushed at anytime and the staff could not do enough for us. Excellent fusion of African and French cuisine. Cannot wait to try the new menu that comes out later this week. Shout out to the young waiters who served us

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 298 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
Experiences are available.
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

    Lunch Sat 12:00–14:00 Happy Hour Wed–Sat 17:00–19:00 Sat 12:00–13:00 Dinner Wed–Sat 17:00–23:30

  • 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, Contactless Payment, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive Chef

    Lawrence Gomez

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://papalskitchen.com/

  • Phone number

    020 7434 3697

  • Private party facilities

    Available upon request - please direct all enquiries to www.papalskitchen.com/bookings

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