The west London suburb of Notting Hill is home to some of the city’s best places to eat. The area has seen huge changes over the years, and is now one of the most affluent areas of the UK’s capital city. This affluence and diversity is reflected in the range of restaurants on offer here.
With other highlights such as the iconic Notting Hill carnival, in addition to the world-renowned Portobello Market, the area attracts around two million people per year, all looking for a place to eat after a long day exploring the neighbourhood’s charming offerings.
With that in mind, we’ve pulled together six of the best from Notting Hill’s restaurant scene to add to your itinerary.
Walmer Castle
Located on Ledbury Road, Walmer Castle has been trading in Notting Hill since 1845, and offers a historical setting in which to enjoy some exceptional fare. Once an ordinary pub, the classic and cosy interiors ensure that feeling has been retained, but nowadays, with its high-end menu and focus on food, it has more of a gastropub vibe.
The establishment offers a regularly updated British-inspired menu of delicious dishes that are far from ordinary. Expect fresh, local, and seasonal produce, like juicy steaks, pan-fried fish, and creative vegetarian options. The Walmer Castle also boasts a sophisticated drinks menu, including wines from some of the world’s leading independent producers and beers from a range of excellent breweries.
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Akub
Akub on Uxbridge Street is a Palestinian restaurant from chef Fadi Kattan, open Tuesday to Sunday. It has established an incredible reputation in Notting Hill, thanks to its use of local ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes. As such, this refined restaurant celebrates the best of Palestinian cuisine while offering a modern twist.
Open for brunch, lunch and evening meals, the a la carte menu presents mouthwatering options like short rib fatteh, bukjet mousakhan, arak cured monkfish, batikh salad, crunchy mansaf and much more, all inspired by the chef’s heritage.
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Empire Empire
Book a table at Empire Empire on All Saints Road if you are looking for comforting, 1970s-nostalgia-inspired Indian cuisine in Notting Hill. Despite its influence, this is not a theme restaurant, but a venue that has captured the attention of food lovers from across the capital.
Inside, a laid-back atmosphere is complemented by a soundtrack that plays Bollywood hits, while on the menu, you can expect to find a varied selection of both classic curries and street food treats from the Punjab region. Mains include butter chicken, king prawn kadhai masala, wild mushroom biryani, paneer makhani, and saag gosht.
Those with a sweet tooth should save room for dessert options, such as gulab jamun and meringue cheesecake, while the saffron milk cake is also a crowd pleaser. There is a varied drinks menu to suit all tastes, including small-batch, biodynamic wines.
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Core by Clare Smyth
If it’s high-end dining you want, Core by Clare Smyth represents a fine option. This contemporary European restaurant is located in a period building on Kensington Park Road and boasts three Michelin stars. Chef Clare Smyth previously earned the same number of Michelin stars working at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, so you can rest assured that this venue serves up fine dining of the highest standard.
Inside, there are 13 small tables, adding to the all-encompassing sense of exclusivity that envelopes the restaurant, so be sure to book well in advance. For a truly special experience, you can even book The Chef’s Table to see the team at work creating these precise and delicious dishes.
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Gold
Located on Portobello Road, Gold is set over four floors and has a deliciously diverse menu of options designed for sharing. The restaurant serves up generous plates of seasonal fare cooked in wood-fired ovens, while the drinks menu is extensive and offers low-intervention, organic, biodynamic, and natural wines. Those looking for something a little more fancy will find a good selection of cocktails on offer.
Former River Café chef Theo Hill is the head chef here, and diners can enjoy interesting dishes like chargrilled picanha steak with chilli, parsley, and balsamic, and wood-roasted half free-range chicken, nduja, tomatoes, Parma ham, and toast. Visitors are encouraged to book a table in advance, but Gold always tries to leave some tables available for walk-ins, so you may get lucky should you wish to chance it. This mix of covers guarantees a vibrant atmosphere of local residents and food tourists, drawn to this alluring food haven by fantastic reviews.
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The Pelican
The Pelican on All Saints Road has a history dating back to 1870. Since 2022, this place has been a testament to the dedication of co-owners Phil Winser, Richard Squire and restaurateur James Gunner, who have established it as a big part of the local community.
A warm, traditional dining room interior is the perfect backdrop for a British menu of hearty dishes such as Mince on Toast, Beef & Guinness Pie and Whole-Roasted Brill. While these choices may at first appear rather rudimentary, the Bib Gourmand that The Pelican was awarded in 2024 by the prestigious Michelin Guide serves as the best reference for quality and craftsmanship. There can be no doubt that The Pelican deserves its place among the elite, with David & Victoria Beckham even choosing to spend their 25th Wedding anniversary evening in this cosy and quintessentially English location.
When looking for a house in Notting Hill, proximity to top-class restaurants can often be a defining factor. Of course, these are just a few of the best restaurants in the area and this thriving neighbourhood is truly blessed with options to suit all tastes. Those scouring the property market will find a range of flats for sale in the neighbourhood, in addition to larger properties, ideal for families. There is also a strong rental market in Notting Hill, all served by these outstanding restaurants. With something for every taste and so much to see as you explore, we’re confident you will find exactly what you are looking for in this inspiring district.
