Notting Hill, Middle Eastern Restaurant Guide

“Go mad for further adventures in veg” at Yotam Ottolenghi’s famous deli-cafés, whose Middle Eastern inspired menus are best known for their “creative” salads and meat-free dishes (bread and pastries are also “fabulous”) but there are also some meat and fish options. They are far from cheap, but “the spicing is interesting”, “the flavours are immense” and “the small-plates format allows you to try a number of options”. “A great spot for brunch” or “to drop in for cake and tea”. The Islington branch is most commented-on, and in December 2023 its newest sibling (also in north London) opened on Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead, while a branch in Richmond, in the leafy southwest, is scheduled for late 2024.

“A fast, fun and casual concept, with delicious, tasty Israeli food” – Eyal Shani’s outlets in Soho and Notting Hill are part of his international chain based out of Tel Aviv and serve a huge array of “top pitas” with most conceivable kinds of filling (including fish ’n’ chips!) washed down with a fair drinks selection. Book for dinner, but walk-in only at lunch.

Fadi Kattan’s “superb Palestinian food” has generated real excitement over his Notting Hill yearling “in a cute three-floor building”. The vibrant menu itself is full of interest and unfamiliar dishes and divided into ‘Mukabilat’ (small plates) and ‘Ra’Isiyat’ (large plates) and uses British ingredients alongside more exotic imported foodstuffs.