Where To Eat In Notting Hill In 2026
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4 weeks ago
The west London neighbourhood has become a foodie hotspot
With its pretty coloured streets, bohemian background and buzzing Portobello Market, Notting Hill has long been one of the city’s coolest areas. Its biggest claims to fame are hosting the world’s second largest carnival and acting as the setting for Richard Curtis’ iconic 1999 film – but in recent years, Notting Hill is becoming known for its thriving culinary scene, too. From the trendiest vegan restaurants in town to Michelin-starred establishments, here are the best restaurants in the city’s western shores.
Best Restaurants In Notting Hill
Zephyr
Subtle in its beauty, Zephyr is elegant, understated and chic; but those expecting the boisterous charm of typical Greek tavernas might be disappointed. This Greek (inspired) joint is charming in its own sweet way, offering Greek cuisine with a modern, London twist. Hidden behind the gauzy bistro curtains lies a little pocket of calm that’s a welcome respite from the bustling ‘bello. The kitchen is headed up by John Skotidas, a Greek South American chef who is best known for nearby Greek favourites Suzi Tros and Mazi, with the vast menu spanning sea and soil: Greek specialties sit alongside more international options, such as yellowtail tuna with dashi and jalapeños. By Eva Ramirez
100 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QD, zephyr.london
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Acre
The internet loves to hate Thomas Straker – but foodies know he’s worth his Maldon salt when it comes to cooking. Making a name on TikTok, Straker opened his eponymous restaurant on Goldborne Road in 2022 – and it’s grown into the buzzy place to see and be seen in Notting Hill, (well documented) controversy aside. And while it’s ever packed-to-the-rafters, Straker soon proved a little restricting for the ever experimental Straker, who wanted some breathing room for the kind of food he cooks for his 2.7 million Instagram followers: creative salads, mouthwatering burgers, and sandwiches with that money-shot cheese pull. Cue Acre, a new spot just a stone’s throw down the road – literally. Here you’ll find an uber laidback yet chic vibe with a concise daily changing menu packed with flavour and freshness. Think focaccia and whipped ricotta drizzled with hot honey, bite-sized, sesame-covered prawn toasts and pleasingly pickly beef tartare scooped onto salty crisps. Fans return again and again for the burger, and the fries are not-to-be-missed, but honestly I’d gobble (and sip) anything on offer here, including the £10 Martini Menu. By Olivia Emily
60 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PR; acre-london.com
Dorian
The brainchild of former Ikoyi chef Max Coen, west London bistro Dorian has swiftly become the name on everyone’s lips since launching in 2022, and in less than five years, earned itself a Michelin star and a reputation as an A-lister hotspot. Banquette seating and black and white tiled flooring play to the bistro atmosphere, but this is a Michelin-starred restaurant after all, and the menu reflects that – there’s a two-biter red prawn and pea rosti on the snacks menu for £20 – as do the diners. The dish to order here is one of the wood-fired steaks (they sell about 300 of them a week): expect a beautifully cooked piece of meat that’s sliced off the bone, sitting in its own rich juices. Other highlights include sourdough toast topped with chicken liver parfait, marmalade, and sliced strawberries, charred lobster tail with broad beans and a blood orange gazpacho; and perhaps the most in-your-face dish: a skewered pigeon talon – nails and all – served with a raspberry hot sauce and peanut butter, an elevated take on the PB&J. By Ina Yulo Stuve
105, 107 Talbot Rd, London W11 2AT, dorianrestaurant.com
The Barbary Notting Hill
Now this is a cool spot. Supremely spacious with lofty rattan ceilings wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, The Barbary it light-filled by day but light-eminating at night – like a Northern star or an Edward Hopper painting. And it feels like three venues in one: there’s a classic dining room with tactile sink-into banquettes, window-side stools perfect for snacking and sipping, plus seating pulled right up to the counter to watch the team of chefs work their magic from their open plan kitchen. And work magic they do: drawing inspiration from the landscape of cuisines across the Barbary Coast, expect classically Mediterranean dishes with a North African twist. Think yellowtail sashimi enriched with brown butter and sprinkled with pistachios, fritto misto with shifka spiked aioli and Tenderstem doused in miso. With a sister spot in Neal’s Yard, dishes not to be missed include the burnt ends pork chop, sirloin on the bone, and a side of the most decadently umami crispy mushroom rice. Enjoy this with a menu of classic, refined cocktails or a glass of wine; we sampled our very first Georgian wine at the recommendation of the sommelier. And save space for pudding: the pistachio hashcake is a must-try. By Olivia Emily
112 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RU; thebarbary.co.uk
Trejo’s Tacos
You might know him for his roles in films like Con Air and Spy Kids, but Hollywood star Danny Trejo has another string to his bow: a taco restaurant, Trejo’s Tacos, born in LA but now with a London outpost too. Located within a two-storey, 3,000 sqft space, the eatery offers a healthier twist on Mexican fare, from breakfast burritos to a wide range of different tacos, including beef brisket, mushroom and blackened salmon. The site has two cocktail bars focusing on tequila and mezcal concoctions, with DJs keeping things lively.
299-301, Portobello Rd, London W10 5TD, trejostacos.com
Dishoom Permit Room Portobello
This is my favourite Dishoom – and before you claim they’re all the same, they’re not. The beloved Bombay-inspired chain has grown from its original sprawling Covent Garden restaurant and now boasts 11 venues, including its off-shoot of Permit Rooms which blend a more cosmopolitan feel with a laidback atmosphere, prioritising conviviality and cocktails alongside the dishes we know and love. This light-filled Portobello branch – which takes over a former pub building – is the best example. Fewer tables, high windows and eclectic bric-a-brac covering the walls, it’s open all day everyday, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. And if you can’t face leaving, there’s even an exclusive Lodgings upstairs, boasting two art-filled ensuite bedrooms and a sun-saturated living room as well as views down Portobello Road and, most importantly, unlimited mango lassi. By Olivia Emily
186 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LA; permitroom.co.uk
Image credit: Sam Harris
The Counter
The Counter is a restaurant with grilling at its core: peek over your plate to see a beautiful cut of meat softly whispering above an open fire. It’s head chef Kemal Demirasal’s first UK opening, offering a trailblazing take on traditional cuisine from the region of Anatolia in south-east Turkey. There is such a lot to explore here that you could make an entire meal out of the starters and it wouldn’t be a bad idea. Plunge slivers of flatbread into warm hummus topped with dates and pastrami for a salty buzz, or tuck into lamb tartare finished with a hint of molasses and pepper paste. Meanwhile, the chocolate babaganoush is a dish that you’ll keep thinking about even before you’ve cleared your plate (and it’s so delicious that you will want to clear your plate). Many ingredients have been specially imported to guarantee that customers receive a true taste of Turkey, and every detail feels fresh and carefully considered. With an innovative menu and almost boundless choice, this place is truly something special.
108 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PS, thecounterlondon.com
Caia
Tucked away on Golborne Road is Caia, an unassuming wine bar and small plates restaurant serving seasonal dishes cooked over an open fire. Acclaimed chef John Javier recently joined as executive chef, hailing from The Tent (At the End of the Universe) and heralding a new era for the Notting Hill hotspot. Drawing on his Filipino heritage and Australian roots, Javier introduced a fresh menu with Asian twists: dishes include beef tartare with oysters, cacio e pepe cheung fun and white chocolate tiramisu. There’s an extensive wine list featuring interesting bottles from all over the world, but be sure to kick things off with a cocktail (try the Direct Martini if you dare). Caia is also a music hotspot, with an underground basement area complete with a jazzy record player.
46 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PR, caia.london
Empire Empire
Putting a fun twist on Indian dining is Empire Empire, a venture from Gunpowder’s Harneet Baweja. Inspired by the 1970s Indian disco era, the restaurant has a strong focus on music and art, with a custom-made Marshall jukebox and a soundtrack of Bollywood bangers, plus artworks from respected Indian artists, Jogen Chowdhury and Rabin Mondal lining the walls. Of course food is fundamental too, with the menu predominantly inspired by the northwestern cuisines stretching across the old Punjab Empire, from Bihar across to Afghanistan. Dishes like the Lasooni Tangdi Kebab and Nizam Chicken Kebab are made by slowly charring the meats over hot coals, alongside a showpiece signature of Lobster Dum Biriyani, complete with the crustacean’s head emerging from the pastry lid.
16 All Saints Road, London W11 1HH, empire-empire.restaurant
Los Mochis
Mexican meets Japanese at Los Mochis, perched a stone’s throw away from Notting Hill tube station. It has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite, with couples and groups of friends alike drawn in by low-lit, cool interiors and the promise of innovative, refined fusion bites. The Baja-Nihon menu merges the vibrance of Mexican cooking with the elegance and techniques of Japan, with small plates-style dining allowing you to try a bit of everything without getting too full. Miso cod is served in a choice of soft corn tortillas or lettuce wrap, alongside jalapeno, avocado and sweet potato crisps, for instance, and edamame beans are topped with chipotle chilli. There’s also an array of maki rolls, ceviches and tostadas, plus some wild cards like the Falafelito: fried chickpea falafels served with a truffle chilli sesame sauce. On the drinks side, Los Mochis has an impressive selection of small batch artisanal agaves alongside plenty of sakes and cocktails – the Pink Hot Chilli Paloma is our top pick.
2-4 Farmer St, London W8 7SN, losmochis.co.uk
Gold
Gold became an immediate hit after arriving in Notting Hill, with Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Jourdan Dunn and Lady Amelia Windsor all visiting within weeks of its launch. If you go there you’ll quickly see why: it’s an endlessly chic spot, designed to reflect the bohemian spirit of the area – think stripped back interiors exposing the shell of the building and a garden room filled with pretty trees and greenery. But it’s certainly not style over substance: the kitchen is headed up by ex-River Cafe chef Theo Hill, with an eclectic mix of modern European sharing dishes alongside an equally cool cocktail list from Scout’s Matt Whiley and Rich Woods. The menu changes often, but there are some must try signatures like the ‘nduja chicken and the mushroom toast (trust us).
95-97 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QB, goldnottinghill.com
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Suzi Tros
Suzi Tros is a Greek-inspired bistro from Adrien Carre and Christina Mouratoglou, the husband and wife duo behind west London favourite Mazi. Named after a character in Greek film I Parisiana, Suzi Tros translates as ‘Suzi, you eat’, which is reflected in the warm, fun feel of the restaurant. Located just down the road from its sister restaurant in the heart of Hillgate Village, this charming spot offers a selection of small plates, taking inspiration from the small eateries of Christina’s hometown of Thessaloniki. Think prawn tartare, smoked aubergine with tahini, grilled calamari, and meatballs with tzatziki, washed down with Greek wines and beers.
18 Hillgate St, London W8 7SR, suzitros.com
The Ledbury
With a rare three Michelin stars to its name, as well as being named the UK’s best restaurant, The Ledbury has gained worldwide acclaim since opening back in 2005. It’s headed up by Australian chef Brett Graham, who learned the tricks of the trade under Philip Howard at The Square. British ingredients take centre stage – Cornish cod, Hampshire buffalo milk curd and Berkshire muntjac – all cooked with exceptional flourish. It’s a hugely popular spot, so reservations are crucial.
127 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ, theledbury.com
Uli
Michael Lim’s modern Asian restaurant Uli was first established over two decades ago on All Saints Road, but closed a few years back – much to the dismay of its loyal fan base. Luckily it’s returned in a new location on Ladbroke Grove with a brighter, cleaner look, and a lighter menu to match. Healthy dishes include coconut tofu curry, pan-fried teriyaki cod, sea bass noodle salad and miso aubergine – though if you’re looking for something indulgent, the sweet and sour battered chicken should do the trick. Be sure to get stuck into the small bites too: the peppercorn salted prawns, spicy scallops and wok-fried daikon cakes are all more than welcome for pre-main nibbling.
5 Ladbroke Rd, London W11 3PA, ulilondon.com
