A full-service Nigerian restaurant with flavorful, generous dishes and frequently praised hospitality, though Hendon reviews also report occasional long waits, availability gaps, and delivery problems.
805 Restaurants delivers solid food quality with richly seasoned Nigerian specialties that earn consistent praise, but variable execution and inconsistent seasoning across visits prevent a stronger grade. Service attentiveness shines with friendly, named staff, yet speed remains a concern during peak bookings. The warm, music-filled setting appeals to local diners seeking authentic West African cuisine, though it lacks landmark destination appeal.
805 Hendon is a full-service Nigerian restaurant with a warm, softly designed dining room and a reputation for hospitable staff. Recent diners often describe attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere; one lunch guest found the background music and calm room a welcome end to a busy day. The counterweight is practical rather than glamorous: dim lighting is mentioned more than once, and a number of older celebration reviews report very long waits. The cooking is traditional rather than experimental, built around egusi, efo riro, ogbono, okra, rice, plantain, fish, suya, and swallow. The best reports are genuinely enthusiastic about rich soups, tender spiced meats, smoky suya, and portions substantial enough to require a second helping of pounded yam. Pricing is not bargain Nigerian food, but current mains are generally £14-£23, and generous protein portions often make the spend feel justified. Availability appears to be part of the equation: egusi and other popular dishes can sell out, while older reviews describe occasional missing items. Families are well served by the menu and the evidence: one repeat family explicitly calls the restaurant child-friendly, and children have approachable choices such as jollof or other rice, fried plantain, chips, omelette, beans, yam, and ice cream. It is a good family option, though adventurous soups and bones in fish dishes may call for a little parental menu guidance.
Area vibe: Multicultural, suburban, and community-oriented area known for independent shops and restaurants.
Safety: Generally comfortable and well-trafficked around Hendon Central, with quieter residential streets at night.
What's nearby: Near Hendon Central station, Brent Street shops, Middlesex University, and local cafés and takeaways.
The strongest orders lean toward rich Nigerian soups, smoky or spiced proteins, and generous plantain sides, with prices reaching £23 for seafood specials.
The main watch-outs are potentially long waits, dim lighting, changing dish availability, and a bill that can rise quickly with premium proteins and extras.
Expect a softly designed, relaxed room with warm service, but dim lighting and occasional long waits can change the experience.