Top 10 Local Notting Hill Restaurants for Authentic Flavours

There is no shortage of good restaurants in Notting Hill for any occasion. The areas feature a variety of cuisines and atmospheres, from cosy bistros to modern eateries. Here are ten standout restaurants where locals and visitors alike can savour some of London’s best dining.

Since opening in 2017, Core by Clare Smyth has earned numerous prestigious awards, including three Michelin stars, five AA Rosettes, and Best Gastronomic Experience in the Harden’s Guide 2023. Clare Smyth herself was honoured by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants as the ‘World’s Best Female Chef’. She is the first female British chef to achieve and maintain three Michelin stars.

The restaurant is known for its modern British cuisine, offering both a la carte and tasting menus. Signature dishes like ‘Potato and Roe’, a humble potato elevated with seaweed, herring, and trout roe and ‘Lamb Carrot’- a playful take on British lamb, where a roasted carrot mimics the tenderness of lamb.

With options like the Chef’s Table for an intimate dining experience, Core has become one of the best Notting Hill restaurants to experience high-end dining.

Tavernaki in Notting Hill offers a cosy Greek dining experience on Portobello Road. The restaurant is known for its authentic decor with details like whitewashed walls, wooden furnishings, and traditional Mediterranean accents, creating a setting that feels like a classic Greek taverna.

Tavernaki’s menu includes Mediterranean favourites like feta in filo pastry, grilled octopus, and lamb kleftiko. With live music on weekends and a decent beverage menu,  it is easily one of the best restaurants on Portobello Road, ideal for a relaxed meal with friends or family.

Located on Chepstow Road, The Prince Bonaparte is a Notting Hill favourite for those seeking a cosy pub atmosphere. Known for its inviting interiors, this gastropub combines vintage decor with modern touches, featuring high ceilings, eclectic art, and plush seating that make it feel both spacious and intimate.

The menu at The Prince Bonaparte includes classic pub fare, from hearty Sunday roasts to seasonal British dishes and creative small plates. You can enjoy dishes like roast chicken with herb stuffing or battered haddock with mushy peas. The baked Camembert with hot honey is a favourite among locals.

The pub is one of the few dog-friendly restaurants in Notting Hill, allowing you to enjoy a meal or drink without leaving your furry companion behind.

Fez Mangal is one of the best restaurants in Notting Hill for anyone craving authentic Turkish BBQ in a relaxed, budget-friendly setting. Known for its no-frills approach, this local gem offers delicious, charcoal-grilled dishes at affordable prices. 

The restaurant serves generous portions of charcoal-grilled kebabs, lamb chops, and an assortment of mezze, all prepared with rich, traditional spices and fresh ingredients. Fez Mangal’s famous lamb shish kebabs and juicy chicken wings are paired with freshly baked bread and an array of sides, like hummus and salad, adding to the full Turkish dining experience.

Apart from serving a small selection of Turkish wine and beers, Fez Mangal is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) restaurant and does not charge a corkage fee either, which adds to its reputation as a budget-friendly restaurant.

Holy Carrot is one of the new restaurants in Notting Hill, which was opened by first-time restaurateur Irina Linovich. Known for its ‘vegetable-forward’ approach, this trendy spot focuses on innovative vegan dishes free from preservatives and refined sugars. 

The menu, designed by chef Daniel Watkins, features creative flavours and techniques like fire and fermentation, which set the restaurant apart. You can expect standout options such as the sexy tofu, a crispy tofu dish in a spicy gochujang glaze, and grilled watermelon with cucumber and seaweed, offering an exciting twist on plant-based dining.

Paired with a curated selection of low-waste cocktails and natural wines, Holy Carrot is a modern vegan restaurant in Notting Hill. It is a go-to for anyone seeking exceptional plant-based food and an eco-conscious experience.

The Cleveland Arms, a historic pub and restaurant in Paddington, is arguably one of the best restaurants near Notting Hill. Established in 1852, it has been restored by its owner, Maria Tamander, who has retained its cosy, traditional charm while adding a modern touch. The interior has a classic British pub vibe that is often described by patrons as a home away from home.

The Cleveland Arms menu features dishes that change weekly, including their signature roasts. All Sunday roasts are served with Yorkshire puddings, plenty of gravy and seasonal vegetables. The salt cod Scotch egg and Dingley Dell pork chop are some standout dishes from their a la carte menu. 

With a wine list that rivals any restaurant in London and a recently launched small plates menu, the Cleveland Arms is one of the oldest and best restaurants in Notting Hill.

SUMI, an elegant sushi restaurant in Notting Hill, offers a refined yet welcoming Japanese dining experience. Sushi master Endo Kazutoshi opened SUMI as a more accessible counterpart to his Michelin-starred restaurant, Endo, at the Rotunda. 

Its menu highlights Nigiri, Sashimi, and Temaki hand rolls crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include the delicate Scallop temaki with shiso flowers and a Seafood hot pot infused with dashi. They also have an impressive selection of Japanese whiskey and sake that complements the food.

Outdoor seating is available, adding to the relaxed atmosphere, while the chef’s table lets diners watch skilled sushi chefs at work. With pale wood, soft lighting, and minimal decor, this restaurant is ideal for those seeking top-tier sushi in a relaxed neighbourhood environment.

Osteria Basilico is one of the most charming Notting Hill Italian restaurants, offering a classic Italian dining experience since 1992. Known for its rustic and cosy interior, Osteria Basilico transports guests to a traditional osteria with its antique decor, pine furnishings, and dried floral touches. 

The menu features a range of Italian favourites, including fresh pasta dishes like spaghetti alla vongole, thin-crust pizzas, and seasonal antipasti. Outdoor seating adds to its appeal, especially on warm days when tables spill out onto the street. Along with its sister restaurants, Mediterraneo and Essenza on the same street, they are some of the best restaurants in Notting Hill, London, that serve Italian cuisine.

Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hills is a trendy American-style restaurant that brings a bit of New York charm to London. Opened by founders Todd Enany, Adam Landsman, and Chef Jaime Young in 2016, it is known for its inventive brunch and dinner options. Sunday in Brooklyn offers an extensive menu with popular dishes like fluffy malted pancakes with hazelnut praline and fried chicken sandwiches. The house speciality is the delicious Sunday Burger with aged beef and house sauce. 

The restaurant also features an impressive cocktail selection, with unique drinks like the ‘Honeybear on Holiday’ and other signature blends alongside a range of wines. This two-floor corner spot boasts wrap-around windows and a warm, light-filled dining space, ideal for both small gatherings and larger events. It’s become one of the favourite Notting Hill places to eat for those seeking a casual yet sophisticated dining experience. 

Khan’s Restaurant in Bayswater, near Notting Hill, is one of London’s oldest and largest family-run Indian establishments. Known for serving traditional North Indian dishes since the 1970s, this restaurant prides itself on ‘no fuss, just flavour,’ with each dish crafted to deliver in taste.

The menu covers a range of classics, from biryanis to hearty curries, with dishes like lamb bhuna and chicken tikka masala as top picks. While some reviews note that service may be a bit slow during busy periods, many return for the food itself, which is both flavour-packed and reasonably priced. 

The family-friendly atmosphere and approachable setting make them the perfect destination for spontaneous Tandoori chicken cravings or a hearty Indian dinner.

While dining out in these Notting Hill restaurants has its charm, there are some limitations. Privacy is often hard to come by in busy restaurants, and with set menus, there is limited flexibility for dietary preferences. Add time constraints and difficulty in getting reservations for large groups, and your evening starts looking more like a letdown than a memorable experience.

Instead, if you choose to hire a private chef, you can have a personalised, relaxed dining experience without these drawbacks. With everything tailored to your preferences and schedule, hosting becomes as enjoyable as the meal itself.

Platforms like yhangry make this option easy by connecting you with private chefs all over the UK who can bring the restaurant experience to the choice of your venue. With over 1,000 vetted chefs skilled in cuisines from French to Nigerian, you can customise every dish to match your occasion perfectly.