Gina restaurant in Chingford has been named London's top local restaurant in this year's Good Food Guide, and a visit confirms its destination-dining potential. Run by TV chef Ravneet Gill and her husband Mattie Taiano, the chophouse-style eatery opened on Station Road in June 2025 and quickly earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026.
A journey to the edge of London
The reviewer travelled via the Victoria Line to Walthamstow Central, then the Overground to Chingford station. The area, near Epping Forest, feels like a quaint village but bustles with cafes and shops. Gina is a short walk from the station.
Ambience and service
Named after Taiano's mother, Gina's décor evokes the 1970s with blotched peachy walls, a salmon-coloured banquette, abstract art, and subdued lighting. A quirky sign reads "I'm straight." The server, Navi, provided excellent guidance on the menu, which changes monthly.
Starters: volcanic tomatoes and a perfect scallop
From five starter options, the reviewer chose Cuore Del Vesuvio Tomato Tonnato (£13), featuring tomatoes grown near Mount Vesuvius with shallots, breadcrumbs, and a tuna sauce. The tomatoes were firm and succulent, with sweet balsamic vinegar enhancing the flavour. A special-menu scallop (£9) was exceptionally soft in a garlic sauce, perfect for dipping bread.
Main course: Yellow Chicken with a twist
The main menu offers five courses, including Roast Tomato, Cream & Mint Vol-Au-Vent (£24), Aged Highland Onglet & Chimichurri (£29.50), Shetland Cod (£34), Salt Marsh Leg of Lamb (£36), and Yellow Chicken (£36). The reviewer chose the Yellow Chicken, Scottish Girolles, Sweetcorn & Persillade. The chicken leg was crisped gold in a rich creamy chowder of vin-jaune sauce and sweetcorn, with roasted chanterelle mushrooms. The sauce had a deep, pungent base reminiscent of mushroom or blue cheese.
Dessert and final verdict
Dessert was Ravi's Chocolate Cake (£11), a stodgy chocolate sponge with milk ice cream and salted toffee sauce, creating a clash of complementary flavours. The bill reflected London prices rather than suburban Chingford, indicating the owners' ambitions. The reviewer concluded that Gina is a destination restaurant in the making, with a confident, ever-changing menu that draws diners to the edge of London.
Gina is located at Station Road, Chingford. For bookings, see the restaurant's website.
