If you’re looking for somewhere lively yet laid-back to catch up with friends or colleagues, it’s worth having Ayllu on your radar.
A short stroll from Paddington station, it’s easy to reach from pretty much anywhere in London, and the canalside setting gives the whole area that buzzy after-work energy. Even on a damp, grey evening the neighbourhood felt alive, so we can only imagine how good it gets when the sun’s out and people spill onto the terraces and canal banks.
Head inside and you’ll find Ayllu hidden beneath Smith’s Bar & Grill. As you’re led downstairs, low lighting and deep green interiors instantly creates a jungle-inspired space that feels cosy and a little bit seductive. The music hums along in the background, encouraging you to settle in for a cocktail (or two!), before realising hours have slipped by and you’ve got to leg it for the last train.
The menu blends Japanese techniques with bold Peruvian flavours in what’s known as Nikkei cuisine, a fusion that feels made for sharing and trying new dishes together. Delicately plated Japanese favourites such as sushi form the basis of the menu, while more experimental Peruvian plates add punchy flavours and vibrant ingredients.
Fittingly, the name Ayllu comes from the Inca Empire, referring to their tradition of communities living and working together, and that spirit genuinely comes through here. This isn’t somewhere for a polite starter-and-main routine, but a place to mix things up, over-order slightly and leave room for more, ideal for groups when everyone wants something different.
The Lubina Clásica Ceviche was a stand-out dish and one we’d happily reorder. It was funny, as we initially hesitated at the citrus-heavy leche de tigre but we were swiftly converted, and even found ourselves fighting over the final bite. Sharp, punchy and incredibly refreshing, the delicate sea bass balanced the acidity beautifully. The Tuna Tataki followed, lightly seared on the outside and silky rare in the centre, finished with a sweet dressing and wakame adding just the right savoury edge.
Meat eaters at heart, we opted for the BBQ steak, which brought smoky richness and a gentle kick of heat. A satisfying shift from the lighter seafood dishes, and far more interesting than your average steak order.
And cocktails are non-negotiable here. The Ivory Ember quite literally arrived on fire, with smoky whisky layered against sweeter passionfruit and peach flavours. We whipped out our phones immediately to take a snap, leaving neighbouring tables clearly intrigued as they tried to guess what we’d ordered.
What really won us over, though, was how relaxed everything felt. No need to sit bolt upright or come overly dressed up. Backpacks slid under tables, coats draped casually over chairs and conversation flowed easily. Service felt friendly rather than formal, dishes arrived at an easy pace, and prices, particularly the set tasting menus – £49pp for nine dishes – felt very fair for the quality and creativity on offer.
So, if you find yourself around Paddington and in need of somewhere sociable, flavour-packed and a little bit different, Ayllu is well worth booking into. Ideally with a group, an empty stomach and plans flexible enough to stay longer than intended…
Book a table here.