London Notting Hill Restaurant Guide

“Phenomenal on all levels”; Brett Graham’s “unfailingly impressive” Notting Hill favourite only narrowly misses 5/5 in all categories and, for very many discerning foodies, this is “the best restaurant in London”, delivering food that’s “sheer artistry”: “original, brilliantly executed, and with a passion that shines through”. Notwithstanding an interior that’s “serene and upmarket, with comfortably spaced tables”, the overall effect is one of “relaxed confidence throughout” and “less formal than other top-level establishments”: and it’s “so refreshing for a venue of this calibre to have such fun, friendly staff”. “The free take-home compost is a nice touch.”

“Still a great fusion restaurant”, Will Ricker’s pan-Asian tapas and cocktail hang-out in Notting Hill is “buzzing”, if no longer thronged with the celebs of yesteryear. “Dependably good food, happy service, silly prices, and always very silly Notting Hill hipsters vogue-ing at the bar!”

“An excellent covered terrace for summer days and evenings” is a major plus point for this “fantastic and genuine local” just off Notting Hill Gate, whose “management really make the place buzz”. It serves a range of “good Italian food, especially seafood and great pizzas”.

“Imaginative deconstructed modern Greek cooking” brings locals back to this “cramped and always crowded” taverna in the backstreets of Hillgate Village, near Notting Hill Gate tube (whose small garden is open in summer). “Once you know your way around the menu the food is excellent and at a reasonable price – the uninitiated will find it expensive.” Top Tip: “fried feta and caper meringue should be a classic”.

“Unusual, intriguing and packed to the gunnels” – the Gladwin family’s quirky, rustic farm-to-fork outfit just off Notting Hill Gate – on a small site which old-timers still recall as The Ark (long RIP) – can be “noisy”, but the British seasonal tapas is “of good quality” and service is “good-humoured”.

“The broth is so incredibly thick and creamy, and this combined with the very generous servings make for a very good quick eat” at these cramped ramen pit-stops serving “noodles… more noodles… and some side dishes for those not wanting noodles”. “As it’s just a place for sustenance, you go with the flow, but staff are friendly and helpful”.

“People waiting outside in the rain for a table speaks volumes” for this expanding chain (the latest branches are in TV Centre and Borough High Street), which “really fulfils the craving for a juicy, tasty burger” (and is the equal-highest rated in town in that department). Other elements of the formula are, however, “nothing fancy”. Top Menu Tip: “the Lambshank Redemption is unparalleled in the hugely contested world of burgers”.