Notting Hill, Italian Restaurant Guide

“Simple, honest Italian fare done well” – with “fresh ingredients and great service” – is a combination that has served Notting HIll well for almost 30 years at this local trattoria: the senior in a group of three siblings in the same street (see also Mediterraneo and Essenza).

Just off Notting Hill Gate, this “splendid staple” wins solid marks for “great pizza, pasta and more” – including a decent array of fish showcased in a chiller-cabinet. “Authentically Italian in its chaos and delicious food”, it’s also “fun and child-friendly”. The best seats are outside on the glorious terrace in summer (which is also very effectively covered in winter and bad weather).

“Always enjoyable” local Italian that’s provided consistently well rated meals in Notting Hill for 21 years. Its two siblings, Osteria Basilico and Essenza, are near-neighbours on the same street.

Now ten years old, Russell Norman and Richard Beatty’s Venetian/Mediterranean chain faces the well-publicised challenge of a March CVA (Company Voluntary Agreement), amidst a drip-feed of branch closures. Fans do still applaud its “very convivial and fun” formula, but even they often feel it’s “somewhat lost its way”, with staff who can seem “overwhelmed” and serving Venetian small plates that are often “no better than fine”, and at worst “uncared for” or “very mediocre”.