Notting Hill is one of London’s most picturesque neighbourhoods; iconic alleys of pretty pastel doors, charming cafes, and bohemian marketplaces make it the perfect setting for heartwarming rom-coms. As such, the upscale neighbourhood proudly wears a rose-tinted shroud.
Where To Eat In Notting Hill?
In addition to the vintage thrift stores, designer boutiques, and antique markets, Notting Hill is peppered with restaurants of note, revelling in the locale’s amorous appeal. Continue reading to discover Notting Hill's best restaurants.
1. Tsiakkos & Charcoal
This family-run restaurant certainly makes one feel like they are coming home to a warm comfort meal. With its open kitchen, the restaurant is enveloped in the fragrance of Greek Cypriot food, rendering it one of the most inviting eateries in Notting Hill.
The sky blue frontage, antiquated wooden panels, vintage furniture, and retro floral curtains are redolent of a humble home, full of flavour and character. The artworks add a quirky lift to the space. With fire kindling in the live charcoal grill, guests can rest assured that authentic techniques and real flavours are in store.
The short and crisp menu features the basics, such as hummus with pitta, and impressive mains like slow-burnt pork. The charcoal-grilled meats, which include pork, chicken souvlaki, and whole sea bream, are served with lofty generosity on a huge heap of spiced rice and have won the hearts of London food critics. For desserts, syrup-dripping baklava and creamy homemade cheesecake are on the menu. To round off the perfect meal, bottles of Greek wine may also be ordered.
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2. Core by Clare Smyth
Core and its chef are bestowed with highly impressive credentials – its leading chef, Clare Smyth, earned and retained three Michelin stars for Restaurant Gordan Ramsay, won the title of “World’s Best Female Chef” in 2018, and got Core into the list of “World’s 50 Best Restaurants.”. The venue certainly bears the ultimate badge of quality.
The venue is a typical Notting Hill building with a creamy stucco structure resembling a Victorian wedding cake. The interiors have been furnished with trendy lamps, light wood cabinets, untreated wooden flooring, gold-leaf finishes, a small bar, and contemporary minimalist furniture.
The menu is a celebration of fresh British produce and sustainable production. The a la carte presents sumptuous dishes such as veal sweetbread, Isle of Harris scallop tartare, lobster and spelt, and Rhug Estate venison. Desserts include “lemonade parfait," “pear and verbena” (sorbet), “Irish coffee” (milk chocolate with whisky), and “core-teser” (chocolate, malt, and hazelnut). Additionally, Core is equipped with a cellar brimming with vintages handpicked by world-class sommeliers.
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3. Juno
Juno is one of London’s most exclusive Omakase dining experiences, with only six seats. Omakase translates to “entrusts” or "I'll leave it up to you.”. The guests trust the chef to serve them whatever he pleases –the chef orchestrates the whole meal.
Wood, bamboo, and other natural materials are brought together to create a chic dining nook. The light brown colour palette is beautified with the intricate patterns of flowers and waves on the wall.
Devoid of a set menu, chef Leonard Tanyag takes six lucky guests on an unforgettable 15-course culinary journey. Innovative Japanese fare with a Mexican twist is made in front of the customer and served fresh. Sommeliers meticulously pair the right wines with the meal. Agave and sake may also be poured for guests.
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4. Hereford Road
A Michelin-starred joint, Hereford Road resides in a revamped Victorian butcher shop and delivers crisp, simple, and flavoursome British food. A dining lounge devoid of perfunctory frills bears ebony panels, a statement art piece, maroon couches, and minimalist tables and chairs. With the surroundings not being overbearing, the ambience is tranquil, and the food truly shines through. Chef and co-founder Tom Pemberton aspired to create a “strong neighbourhood restaurant.”.
The menu varies depending on the available produce. At the time of writing, the menu presents mains including “Blythburgh t-bone pork and champ,” “braised duck leg and fennel,” “devilled lamb's kidneys and mash,” and “roast guinea fowl, lentils, mushrooms, and wild garlic.”. Starters such as cod’s roe, salads, and lamb sweetbreads are also featured. For dessert, there are several pudding options, such as apple crumble, lemon sorbet, buttermilk pudding, and warm rice pudding with jam.
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5. Akub
Akub brings the diverse flavours and culinary traditions of Palestine to London. On a tawla (a dining table), guests can relish the flavours of the coast, the fruits of the Mediterranean terrain, and the preservation cookery of the desert.
Exposed brick swathed in white paint, minimalist untreated wooden cabinets, and unembellished furniture create a clean and calm atmosphere. Earthy colours, such as the olive green accent wall and the emerald-coloured floral tapestry, add a traditional twist to the contemporary establishment.
Led by chef Fadi Kattan, fresh British produce, Palestinian spices, and generational recipes dominate the tawla. The “ra’isiyat” (large plates/mains) include shish barak with beetroot (spiced squash dumplings, beetroot tahini, and pine nuts); freekeh risotto (charred green wheat, goat milk dried yoghurt, and saffron); crunchy mansaf (pulled lamb shoulder, goat milk dried yoghurt, rice, and shrak); and lamb neck (slow-cooked lamb with authentic spices). There is also a wide range of starters featuring roasted meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Spicy dips and homemade breads are also on the menu.
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6. The Ledbury
This restaurant, by Australian chef Brett Graham, has been featured on the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list and secured three Michelin stars in 2024. Imitation marble tiles, wooden flooring, dark cabinets, and festoon lights ornament the dining room. The elegant opulence of the room sets the scene for a lavish fine dining experience.
The produce is seasonal, and the meat is reared by Brett Graham himself. Critics have referred to the menu and ingredients as a “love letter to the British countryside.”. Cornish sea bass, Berkshire roe buck, Ike Jime trout, and veal sweetbread are also featured and guests are in store for a bespoke wine collection.
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7. Caractère
Caractère is French for "character." The owners of this Michelin-starred establishment, Emily Roux and Diego Ferrari, have certainly created an environment filled with personalised elements and character through their cooking and hospitality. The bountiful interiors boast gold-leafed mirrors, chic exposed wood, glossy table tops, and luxe red and green armchairs. Snazzy ceiling lights, from slim lamps to haphazard bulb fixtures, light up the room with a soft golden glow.
The menu is divided, not in terms of portion sizes, but in accordance with the spectrum of moods and character traits. There are sections named “curious,” “subtle,” “delicate,” “robust,” “strong,” and “greedy.”. There are two tasting menus, named “adventurous” and “spontaneous.”. Their rack of lamb, ox cheek ravioli, roasted Jerusalem artichokes, and braised leek and mushroom tart have been praised by critics. The “greedy” section features delectable desserts such as pink Yorkshire rhubarb with cream, chocolate cake, and choux. For £80 more, guests can add world-class wine pairings to the mix.
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8. Sumi
One of the busiest restaurants in Notting Hill, Sumi is a labour of love by Chef Endo Kazutoshi, known for its grand Japanese fare. An archetypal Japanese restaurant, it is an open-planned dining space filled with bamboo furniture, light wooden cabinetry, and a bar. Named after his mother, the Michelin-starred chef has promoted traditional techniques and included household recipes on the menu. The restaurant is currently led by executive chef Christian Onia, who is upholding Kazutoshi’s vision, standards, and gold-star cooking methods.
Handmade sushi and sashimi are made with bona fide Japanese ingredients and fresh produce. The robata eats (meats grilled Japanese-style) and gohan (a kind of Japanese curry) definitely stand out. Needless to say, the sushi is some of the best London can offer.
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9. Sunday in Brooklyn
An icon in New York’s culinary scene, Sunday in Brooklyn began its global expansion with a branch in London. Guests can expect Modern American cuisine and inventive cocktails at this restaurant. The two-storey establishment boasts exposed brick pillars, wrap-around windows, mosaic tiles, ceiling-high asymmetrical bar shelves, and creepers. The basement floor is an events space that brings the bohemian charm of Brooklyn to London.
Corn dogs, sirloin steak, the smash burger, and buffalo wings are punchy stand-outs on the menu. There are ample vegan options, including cauliflower steak and barbequed aubergine.
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10. Gold
A modern European restaurant, Gold is a favourite with the locals – west Londoners swear by Gold’s food. Spanning four storeys, the interiors have traditional-tiled flooring, terracotta walls, a massive skylight, and palm trees scattered amidst blue armchairs. Tasteful lanterns embolden the space’s abundant natural light. The accent wall bears gold-tinted abstract artwork, which matches the striking gold-speckled outdoor frontage.
Wood ovens are the main mode of cooking, which reverberates through the flavour profile. Most plates are made to be shared, piled with generous portions. The salads and the squid are critically acclaimed. Another favourite is the Cornish red chicken with nduja, tomatoes, and parma ham on sourdough. Beautiful vintages and cocktails featuring off-beat ingredients make for memorable libations.
Flowers in bloom, charming bookstores, idyllic cafes, and quaint markets invoke an utterly unique atmosphere in Notting Hill. Fine dining in this picture-perfect neighbourhood is nothing short of an idealised affair, a sweet escape from the city’s corporate bustle. It’s time to head to Notting Hill, for a splendid affair of gastronomic paradise.
