Trotting through the leafy streets of Belsize Park felt like my own version of The Holiday, though, regrettably, Jude Law was nowhere to be seen. Still, there’s something undeniably cinematic about this pocket of north London. Grand houses with long driveways, softly lit shopfronts, a village-like calm, and the quiet promise that a good evening lies ahead if you choose wisely.
I arrived at the village’s newest addition, HUŎ, just after 6 pm and was welcomed with a warmth that immediately set the tone. Even at this early hour, the front bar booths were already taken, always a promising sign. I slid into a comfortable banquette and settled in while waiting for my friend, perusing a drinks list that impressed with its breadth and imagination. Japanese Bellinis, Lemongrass Bloody Marys and Oriental Cocktails tempted, but I opted for a Lychee Martini to banish the cold. By the time my dining companion arrived, indulgence was firmly on the agenda.
Polished Yet Comfortably Relaxed
HUŎ strikes that elusive balance between polished and relaxed. Pale woods, soft lighting and the low hum of conversation create an atmosphere that feels both neighbourhood-friendly and date-night worthy. There’s no pretence here – just the sense that you’re in very capable hands. While it shares DNA with the original Chelsea outpost, this Belsize Park location has a personality all of its own.
Starters That Set the Pace
We began with the Thai lobster crackers, which are far from a throwaway nibble. Light, crisp and generously sized, they demand attention, their subtle sweetness perfectly offset by seasoning that makes them dangerously moreish. The daikon cakes with bean sprouts followed, quietly impressive in their balance of textures – crisp edges giving way to soft centres, lifted by the freshness and crunch of the sprouts.
Next came the asparagus with black bean chilli and ginger, where the kitchen’s confidence really shone. Perfectly cooked spears coated in a glossy, savoury sauce, with just enough heat and umami to keep you reaching back for another bite. Indulgent yet virtuous – always a winning combination. The peppercorn salted prawns completed the starters: plump, juicy and boldly seasoned, with a peppery kick that lingered just long enough to make its point.
Confident Mains, Authentic Flavours
By the time the mains arrived, the restaurant had filled around us, buzzing with midweek energy – couples on dates, friends sharing plates, and a bar alive with the rhythmic shake of cocktail shakers. The Thai sea bass delivered elegance in spades. Steamed and fragrant, it flaked beautifully, the aromatics enhancing rather than overpowering the delicacy of the fish.
My friend’s Thai green curry was equally impressive – vibrant, aromatic and with a slow-building heat that demanded attention. One taste transported us straight back to Thailand, from backpacking adventures to more indulgent escapes, and we agreed it was entirely authentic. Paired with steamed rice and a chilled bottle of Rioja Blanco Heredad de Tejada, we made light work of every last bite.
A Sweet, Indulgent Finale
Despite insisting we were full, dessert was non-negotiable. The toffee banana fritter arrived golden and indulgent – crisp on the outside, soft within, and drenched in rich toffee sauce that leaned unapologetically into decadence. Nostalgic, comforting and just theatrical enough to feel like a proper treat, it was the perfect full stop to the meal.
The Verdict
Stepping back out into the cool Belsize Park evening, we were pleasantly full and quietly smug. HUŎ is one of those rare restaurants that feels both destination-worthy and effortlessly local. Confident flavours, thoughtful cooking and a genuinely warm atmosphere make it somewhere you could drop into midweek or linger over on a long, laughter-filled evening.
Jude Law may not have been waiting outside – but honestly, I didn’t miss him.
HUŎ Belsize Park
29 Belsize Lane
London
NW3 5AS
United Kingdom
