In our new series, The Handbook Editor Lauren O’Callaghan shares the best restaurants in London – tube stop by tube stop. This month, Notting Hill….
Famed worldwide for picture-perfect streets, a world-class market and of course, that rom-com, Notting Hill is also one of London’s premiere destinations for food. So whether you want a blow-out dinner or perfect pancakes to kick-start the day, these are the hotspots to bookmark for your next visit.
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Core by Clare Smyth
One of the most feted restaurants in the country since its opening in 2017, three Michelin star Core focuses on natural, sustainable, UK sourced food.
Clare is the first and only British female chef to hold the coveted three Michelin stars in the UK, and has worked in some of the best kitchens in the world. Monarchists will also know that she catered Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s wedding reception.
For your own royal experience, dinner at Core is not to be missed – a rapturous mix of classical French techniques and the best British produce.
92 KENSINGTON PARK ROAD, W11 2PN
Mazi
Fine dining, Greek style. Mazi opened in 2012 with the aim of showing the world just how refined Greek dining could be. 10 years on, and they’ve certainly done that.
Not only does the food represent the best of the Aegean, it is served sharing style, so that guests enjoy the truly Greek experience of all sitting round the table to break bread together (Mazi literally means “together” in Greek).
12 HILLGATE STREET, W8 7SR
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Sumi
The little sister to Michelin-starred Endo Kazutoshi in White City, Sumi serves outstanding sushi in a less formal atmosphere than its sibling. It recently reopened after a refurbishment, so now is the perfect time to book and check out their new interior.
Handcrafted, fresh and elegant, Sumi is a where to take a date you particularly want to impress (and for even more ideas, look at our selection of the best restaurants for date nights). Don’t skip the stunning house cocktails and end the meal with a pick from their generous sake selection.
157 WESTBOURNE GROVE, W11 2RS
Suzi Tros
From the team behind Mazi, Suzi Tros is a more casual (but no less impressive) Greek bistro.
The little sister restaurant focuses on Northern Greek cuisine, with a raw seafood offering as well as fresh salads, meatballs and of course, calamari.
Like Mazi, food is designed to be shared by the whole table.
18 HILLGATE STREET, W8 7SR
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Granger & Co.
It’s not often a salad haunts my dreams, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about (or reproduce at home – trust me, I’ve tried) the chopped salad at Granger & Co. Clearly I’m not the only one who loves Bill Granger’s sunny, fresh Australian style menu – locals queue around the block for a table on weekends, ready to indulge in the famous pancakes, so come early and be ready to wait. There are now five outposts of Granger & Co. across London, a testament to how well the city has taken to this slice of Australian life.
175 WESTBOURNE GROVE, W11 2SB
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Farmacy
One of the leaders in the popularisation of the vegan diet in London, Farmacy opened in 2016 and has been going strong ever since. All ingredients used in the restaurant are either grown on their Kent farm or locally & sustainably sourced.
The menu leans towards comfort food classics, like coconut curry, pizza or burgers, and mini vegans are well catered for with their own menu too.
74-76 WESTBOURNE GROVE, W2 5SH
Princess Royal
A pub yes – but not just any old boozer. Beautifully designed, with stunning gardens and even four bedrooms, the menu reflects the upscale interior.
Chef Ben Tish brings a Mediterranean edge to pub classics, and there is even a raw bar for fish fans to indulge in.
If you want a roast that is a cut above your usual, this is the pub to make a beeline for on a Sunday.
47 HEREFORD ROAD, W2 5AH
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Taquería
Still the coolest, most fun Mexican restaurant in London, even after 17 years.
One of the first places in the capital to bring authentic cuisine from Central America, Taquería’s signature is their tacos, with 14 to choose from (plantain is the best in my opinion – for veggies at least).
As you would expect, the bar serves up delicious Margaritas too (although the Paloma is my personal drink order).
141-145 WESTBOURNE GROVE, W11 2RS
Sunday in Brooklyn
The New York favourite chose Notting Hill for their first international outpost, serving lucky Londoners their famed American brunch (and more).
Portions are generous and the wrap-around windows let the sunlight in – perfect for shaking off even the worst of hangovers.
As a sugar fiend, I always plump for the pancakes, which come in single, double or triple size.
98 WESTBOURNE GROVE, W2 5RU
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And my favourite cafès for a quick pitstop…
Daylesford
A farmshop and café selling the most delicious produce from their organic farm in Gloucestershire. Come for a coffee, leave laden with goodies to fill your pantry.
208-212 WESTBOURNE GROVE, W11 2RH WWW.DAYLESFORD.COM
The Butter Bakery
A Persian French-inspired bakery serving fresh, healthy food. Stop by for their Barbarry bread – an Iranian flatbread, and their signature bake.
219 WESTBOURNE PARK ROAD, W11 WWW.THEBUTTERBAKERY.CAFE
Beam
A breakfast or lunch stop serving a great selection, from Turkish eggs to French toast, and salads or wraps at lunchtime.
103 WESTBOURNE GROVE, W2 4UW WWW.CAFEBEAM.CO.UK
FOR MORE MUST-TRY CAFÉS, CHECK OUT OUR EDIT OF THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE CAFÉS IN LONDON.