I Sampled London’s ‘Best’ Local Eatery – One Dish Truly Won Me Over!

Nestled on the outskirts of London, a stylish eatery is rapidly gaining recognition among culinary enthusiasts across the capital, having recently been awarded the title of London’s top restaurant in this year’s esteemed Good Food Guide. Gina, a chophouse-style establishment located in Chingford, offers a menu of “comforting, thoughtfully-prepared” European meat and fish dishes, curated by television chef Ravneet Gill and her husband, Mattie Taiano. Since opening its doors on Station Road in June of last year, Gina has experienced a swift ascent in the culinary scene, notably earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026.

The Best Local Restaurant Awards celebrate establishments that are deeply embedded in their communities while providing exceptional value for money. To identify these gems, inspectors and reviewers traverse the nation, meticulously evaluating thousands of restaurants nominated by the public. Intrigued by Gina’s acclaim, I set out to determine if it lives up to its reputation.

A Journey to Chingford

My adventure begins with a lengthy tube journey to Walthamstow Central at the end of the Victoria Line, followed by a ride on the Overground that leads me to Chingford station. This ancient parish, bordering the picturesque Epping Forest, has the charm of a quaint village found in the Home Counties rather than the bustling metropolis of London. However, the area surrounding the station is lively and vibrant, filled with cafés, shops, and restaurants, making the short stroll to Gina an enjoyable one.

Honouring a family tradition, Gina is named after founder Mattie Taiano’s mother. The décor evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the 1970s, with its peachy walls, salmon-hued banquette, abstract artworks, and a series of softly lit lamps. One quirky piece of art features a cheeky slogan: “I’m straight.” My experience begins with a warm welcome from my server, who guides me to the conservatory dining area on the front terrace, where I am presented with a refreshing half of Baybrooke Helles Lager (£4.50).

A Menu of Temptations

The menu is concise yet enticing, with regular monthly changes. I am faced with five starter options and find myself torn between Piedmontese Peppers & Buffalo Mozzarella (£16), Prosciutto Di Parma & Honeymoon Melon (£14.50), and a Monkfish, Bacon & Oakleaf Salad (£17). However, my server Navi’s poetic description of tomatoes cultivated near the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius captivates my imagination, leading me to select the Cuore Del Vesuvio Tomato Tonnato (£13). This dish features tomatoes accompanied by shallots and breadcrumbs, served with a luscious tuna sauce and olive oil. The tomatoes are firm and succulent, reminiscent of the perfect steak, while the balsamic-soaked shallots introduce a delightful sweetness. The rich, salty tuna sauce enhances the experience, making it a joy to indulge in.

From the specials menu, I opt for a scallop (£9), which turns out to be the softest seafood I have ever tasted, bathed in a dreamy garlic sauce that transforms the act of dipping bread into a delightful pastime.

Main Course Delights

As I transition to the main courses, the menu remains refreshingly unpretentious, offering five unique dishes. Choices include Roast Tomato, Cream & Mint Vol-Au-Vent (£24), Aged Highland Onglet (hanging steak) & Chimichurri (£29.50), Shetland Cod with Grilled Piatonne Beans & Almond Beurre Blanc (£34), Salt Marsh Leg of Lamb & Green Chilli Yoghurt (£36), and Yellow Chicken with Scottish Girolles, Sweetcorn & Persillade (£36). Each option is intriguingly different, and I would be pleased with any selection. Turning to Navi once again for guidance feels akin to securing a mortgage, given his extensive knowledge of the menu and the culinary arts.

Ultimately, I choose the Yellow Chicken, Scottish Girolles, Sweetcorn & Persillade. This dish, while seemingly simple, features a beautifully crisped chicken leg served as the centrepiece in a rich, creamy chowder flavoured with vin-jaune (yellow wine) and sweetcorn, accompanied by roasted chanterelle mushrooms. The sauce has a delectably deep flavour, reminiscent of earthy mushrooms or pungent blue cheese, making it utterly irresistible.

A Decadent Conclusion

Despite not typically being a dessert enthusiast, I feel compelled to try Ravi’s Chocolate Cake (£11), a decadent, fudgy chocolate sponge served with a lighter milk ice cream and a luscious salted toffee sauce that sends my taste buds into overdrive. As I conclude my meal, I reflect on the experience and the bill, which, while not as affordable as typical residential dining in Chingford, is more in line with London prices—indicative of the owners’ perception of their establishment.

Gina distinguishes itself with a unique culinary approach, steering clear of rigid national cuisines, much like the abstract art adorning its walls. The owners draw inspiration from Fergus Henderson’s innovative take on classic British cooking at St John Smithfield during the 1990s, yet have evolved to carve their own niche. In the competitive realm of gastronomy, a shifting perspective can be both a challenge and an advantage, as diners often seek instant gratification. Nevertheless, Gina exudes an air of confidence, from its ever-changing menu to its inviting location on the outskirts of London, beckoning diners to experience what it has to offer. Undoubtedly, Gina is poised to become a destination restaurant.

Gina is located at Station Road, Chingford. For bookings, please visit their website.