Latest reviews for Restaurants in Holland Park, London, United Kingdom

Wine Factory - Great for a night out... by nat08

nat08 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:19:39 +0000

Review by nat08

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7229 1877

Website: http://www.brinkleys.com

Wine factory is part of the Brinkley's wine merchants and as a result offer good quality and well priced wine. It's excellent value for money as usually it's the wine that really bumps up the bill.

Went last weekend and really enjoyed the meal. I personally went in to see them as my original reservation was for 7 but my party were struck down by some flu-bug spreading itself across London. So it was just me and my good friend who strolled down Westbourne Grove on that breezy and rainy Saturday evening.

They were very accommodating and as I was with a friend over from Hong Kong we literally chatting until they were putting the chairs on the table - a big hint...but they were charming and even offered us a free limoncello.....

It's a lovely restaurant with excellent service and I highly recommend it.Wine factory is part of the Brinkley's wine merchants and as a result offer good quality and well priced wine. It's excellent value for money as usually it's the wine that really bumps up the bill.

Went last weekend and really enjoyed the meal. I personally went in to see them as my original reservation was for 7 but my party were struck down by some flu-bug spreading itself across London. So it was just me and my good friend who strolled down Westbourne Grove on that breezy and rainy Saturday evening.

They were very accommodating and as I was with a friend over from Hong Kong we literally chatting until they were putting the chairs on the table - a big hint...but they were charming and even offered us a free limoncello.....

It's a lovely restaurant with excellent service and I highly recommend it.

L-Restaurant & Bar - Good food - shame no atmosphere by nat08

nat08 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:57:42 +0000

Review by nat08

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7795 6969

Website: http://www.l-restaurant.co.uk/

Tags: restaurant, spanish, international

Went yesterday for a Sunday lunch catch up with a friend and we were particularly tempted by the Â£9.95 offer of 3 tapas each with a glass of wine or beer.

Service was good and the restaurant is very well designed - very smart without being pretentious or intimidating.

There were only two other tables which I thought was surprising for Sunday lunch. The food was good and we had a lovely selection of chorizo, gambas, croquetas, squid and it all was served well.

Lack of atmosphere was the only down side. I really hope business on Sunday picks up for them as it's a nice, friendly placeWent yesterday for a Sunday lunch catch up with a friend and we were particularly tempted by the Â£9.95 offer of 3 tapas each with a glass of wine or beer.

Service was good and the restaurant is very well designed - very smart without being pretentious or intimidating.

There were only two other tables which I thought was surprising for Sunday lunch. The food was good and we had a lovely selection of chorizo, gambas, croquetas, squid and it all was served well.

Lack of atmosphere was the only down side. I really hope business on Sunday picks up for them as it's a nice, friendly place

Tootsies - Great burgers, location and service with a smile by Litro_K

Litro_K — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:00:07 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7229 8567

Website: http://www.tootsiesrestaurants.co.uk

Tags: american, lively, good value

Tootsies was buzzing on the Saturday afternoon we visited, and had a really lively, family-friendly ambience. It was a warm and welcoming respite from a cold grey day and although apparently a chain restaurant, it didn't really feel like one.

We were welcomed by attentive staff and seated quickly. The menu is fairly diverse and will cater to most tastes. I'm American-born and although I don't eat burgers very often, I do have pretty high standards when it comes to the beef, the bun, and the sides on offer. I went for the classic burger, which came with bacon and Monterey Jack cheese (something you don't see often enough on British menus!), and my fellow diner went for the jalapeno burger, which was full to bursting with onions, sour cream, jalapenos and guacamole. Both were cooked to taste and juicy. They came with chunky, decent chips and condiments came without us having to ask.

I can see why this place is popular with the W11 brunching crowd. It's an unpretentious hangout with a large variety of dishes and decent, welcoming service. I heard a few American accents there, which is proof of authenticity and high praise indeed for a burger restaurant in the middle of deepest US ex-pat London. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone either side of the pond!Tootsies was buzzing on the Saturday afternoon we visited, and had a really lively, family-friendly ambience. It was a warm and welcoming respite from a cold grey day and although apparently a chain restaurant, it didn't really feel like one.

We were welcomed by attentive staff and seated quickly. The menu is fairly diverse and will cater to most tastes. I'm American-born and although I don't eat burgers very often, I do have pretty high standards when it comes to the beef, the bun, and the sides on offer. I went for the classic burger, which came with bacon and Monterey Jack cheese (something you don't see often enough on British menus!), and my fellow diner went for the jalapeno burger, which was full to bursting with onions, sour cream, jalapenos and guacamole. Both were cooked to taste and juicy. They came with chunky, decent chips and condiments came without us having to ask.

I can see why this place is popular with the W11 brunching crowd. It's an unpretentious hangout with a large variety of dishes and decent, welcoming service. I heard a few American accents there, which is proof of authenticity and high praise indeed for a burger restaurant in the middle of deepest US ex-pat London. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone either side of the pond!

Nyonya - A nyo nyo for me by Litro_K

Litro_K — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:21:34 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7243 1800

Tags: good service, malaysian, great location

What a shame about our experience at Nyonya! The location is fantastic, near Notting Hill Gate and en route to the markets of Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road. It's a stylish little place too, set on a corner and boasting large convex windows that allow for great people-watching opportunities.

However, the day we came (a Saturday, around 5pm, when they should have been gearing up for customers), the two staff members could not have been more disinterested in us. (The restaurant was empty save for another couple). We were vaguely waved over to a table, had menus thrown down haphazardly, and were then left to our own devices while our waitress stood chatting to the front of house man standing behind the serving counter. He went off for a cigarette a few minutes later (we could see him smoking outside the window) and she found a copy of Vogue to read while we waited, aghast, to have our orders taken.

Once we did order, food appeared quickly - almost oddly so, and although hot and spicy, our rice noodles in the Penang Char Kway Teow were flabby and overcooked and the large, appealing-looking prawns in both our dishes were actually pretty flavourless. Had our service been better, I'd probably have left feeling fairly satisfied, because nothing here costs too much.

Maybe we were just being overly fussy. Maybe watching too many episodes of 'The Restaurant' and hearing Raymond Blanc purr about customer happiness had made too great an impression on us. But I doubt it. They just weren't that interested in us. Never a good sign.What a shame about our experience at Nyonya! The location is fantastic, near Notting Hill Gate and en route to the markets of Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road. It's a stylish little place too, set on a corner and boasting large convex windows that allow for great people-watching opportunities.

However, the day we came (a Saturday, around 5pm, when they should have been gearing up for customers), the two staff members could not have been more disinterested in us. (The restaurant was empty save for another couple). We were vaguely waved over to a table, had menus thrown down haphazardly, and were then left to our own devices while our waitress stood chatting to the front of house man standing behind the serving counter. He went off for a cigarette a few minutes later (we could see him smoking outside the window) and she found a copy of Vogue to read while we waited, aghast, to have our orders taken.

Once we did order, food appeared quickly - almost oddly so, and although hot and spicy, our rice noodles in the Penang Char Kway Teow were flabby and overcooked and the large, appealing-looking prawns in both our dishes were actually pretty flavourless. Had our service been better, I'd probably have left feeling fairly satisfied, because nothing here costs too much.

Maybe we were just being overly fussy. Maybe watching too many episodes of 'The Restaurant' and hearing Raymond Blanc purr about customer happiness had made too great an impression on us. But I doubt it. They just weren't that interested in us. Never a good sign.

Zaika - Phenomenal Indian - East Meets West by nip_and_nosh

nip_and_nosh — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:29:47 +0000

Review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7795 6533

Website: http://www.cuisine-collection.co.uk

Tags: indian, crowded, business

I have eaten here 7 or 8 times and have never been disappointed. Zaika provides more than just fantastic food, they provide an entire experience. The first Indian restaurant to receive a Michelin Star, this restaurant is not your typical London curry house.

After ordering, you will receive a complimentary pre-starter - a gorgeous soup served in a small cup with lovely skewered chicken on top. The flavors might not be like any other Indian that you have tried before - you won't find dishes like tikka masala, korma, or jalfrezi on the menu. Instead, there are incredible fish and prawn dishes (my personal favorite is the Kingfish dish), an exceptional lamb rogan josht, and a variety of other options to satisfy everyone's palettes. Even their naan has Zaika's creative touch, with flavors such as naan with mushroom and truffle, or naan with goats cheese... the chef has taken the best of Indian spices and cooking techniques, and married them perfectly with some Western flavors and ingredients -- all of which makes for an unforgettable meal that will keep you coming back.

Their wine list is extensive and their staff is very knowledgeable with recommendations. Even their desserts offer something a little different - trio of creme brulee was a standout.

Whether you'd like to impress a date, entertain business associates, or simply enjoy Indian that is a step above anything you may have had before, Zaika is an excellent choice for an evening out.I have eaten here 7 or 8 times and have never been disappointed. Zaika provides more than just fantastic food, they provide an entire experience. The first Indian restaurant to receive a Michelin Star, this restaurant is not your typical London curry house.

After ordering, you will receive a complimentary pre-starter - a gorgeous soup served in a small cup with lovely skewered chicken on top. The flavors might not be like any other Indian that you have tried before - you won't find dishes like tikka masala, korma, or jalfrezi on the menu. Instead, there are incredible fish and prawn dishes (my personal favorite is the Kingfish dish), an exceptional lamb rogan josht, and a variety of other options to satisfy everyone's palettes. Even their naan has Zaika's creative touch, with flavors such as naan with mushroom and truffle, or naan with goats cheese... the chef has taken the best of Indian spices and cooking techniques, and married them perfectly with some Western flavors and ingredients -- all of which makes for an unforgettable meal that will keep you coming back.

Their wine list is extensive and their staff is very knowledgeable with recommendations. Even their desserts offer something a little different - trio of creme brulee was a standout.

Whether you'd like to impress a date, entertain business associates, or simply enjoy Indian that is a step above anything you may have had before, Zaika is an excellent choice for an evening out.

Min Jiang - One Fine Duck by bellaphon

bellaphon — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:23:05 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7937 8000

Website: http://www.royalgdn.co.uk/dining_and_bars/min_jiang_restaurant.htm

Tags: romantic, chinese, expensive

Letâ¬"s be absolutely clear on this, Min Jiang is indeed very high end and you come here for the duck.

I found Brian Sewellâ¬"s review for thisislondon.co.uk misrepresentative, he didnâ¬"t order the duck let alone mention it. Imagining going to the Le Gavroche for the first time and not ordering the SoufflÃ© Suissesse. Sacrilege.

Booking is essential for the two simple reasons that the duck takes up to an hour to roast and youâ¬"ll want a window table. The view of Hyde Park and our great City elates the appetite even more. To give it its full name, the wood-fired Beijing Duck is presented in two servings. One of the chefs will start to appear and expertly carve the bird at your table. The First serving is ironically two tiered, first the delicious crispy skin (just below the neck as itâ¬"s allegedly the best tasting) with a dipping dish of fine granulated sugar. This is then followed by the fine slivers of breast meat that can only be described as divine and totally melting. The usual accompaniments that you normally have with your Crispy Aromatic Duck in other Chinese joints of pancakes, hoisin sauce, shredded leek and cucumber are also included. The Second Serving comes with six options that include fried rice, fried noodles to soup. This serving deals with whatâ¬"s left of your duck. My daughter and I opted for the classic industry standard of Fried Rice with diced Duck, it was thankfully superior tasting and not run of the mill. Beware of the fact that when the duck appears at your table, the head and the parsonâ¬"s nose are still evidently there, but donâ¬"t let that put you off. The reason for that is traditionally the Chinese believe that everything in life has a beginning and an end and is thus presented that way, the in between simply doesnâ¬"t register as itâ¬"s incomplete. That said, this is the best duck Iâ¬"ve had in London, and please donâ¬"t harp about Beijing, Hong Kong or Singapore to draw comparisons. Iâ¬"m stuck in London for the time being so this will have to do.

Other dishes that were ordered from the Dim Sum menu included parcels of Baked Char Siew Puffs and Egg Custard Tarts, these were tiny and painfully expensive. They were fortunately deliciously baked and classy tasting. The one let down was the so-so Crispy Fried Squid with Salt, Pepper and Chilli (the batter was gritty tasting).

Service from such an esoteric outfit like this was exemplary as expected. The near clinical ambience of this toppish hotel restaurant simply fades away with the said views of the park and skyline.

Go save your money and enjoy a fine duck here.

Letâ¬"s be absolutely clear on this, Min Jiang is indeed very high end and you come here for the duck.

I found Brian Sewellâ¬"s review for thisislondon.co.uk misrepresentative, he didnâ¬"t order the duck let alone mention it. Imagining going to the Le Gavroche for the first time and not ordering the SoufflÃ© Suissesse. Sacrilege.

Booking is essential for the two simple reasons that the duck takes up to an hour to roast and youâ¬"ll want a window table. The view of Hyde Park and our great City elates the appetite even more. To give it its full name, the wood-fired Beijing Duck is presented in two servings. One of the chefs will start to appear and expertly carve the bird at your table. The First serving is ironically two tiered, first the delicious crispy skin (just below the neck as itâ¬"s allegedly the best tasting) with a dipping dish of fine granulated sugar. This is then followed by the fine slivers of breast meat that can only be described as divine and totally melting. The usual accompaniments that you normally have with your Crispy Aromatic Duck in other Chinese joints of pancakes, hoisin sauce, shredded leek and cucumber are also included. The Second Serving comes with six options that include fried rice, fried noodles to soup. This serving deals with whatâ¬"s left of your duck. My daughter and I opted for the classic industry standard of Fried Rice with diced Duck, it was thankfully superior tasting and not run of the mill. Beware of the fact that when the duck appears at your table, the head and the parsonâ¬"s nose are still evidently there, but donâ¬"t let that put you off. The reason for that is traditionally the Chinese believe that everything in life has a beginning and an end and is thus presented that way, the in between simply doesnâ¬"t register as itâ¬"s incomplete. That said, this is the best duck Iâ¬"ve had in London, and please donâ¬"t harp about Beijing, Hong Kong or Singapore to draw comparisons. Iâ¬"m stuck in London for the time being so this will have to do.

Other dishes that were ordered from the Dim Sum menu included parcels of Baked Char Siew Puffs and Egg Custard Tarts, these were tiny and painfully expensive. They were fortunately deliciously baked and classy tasting. The one let down was the so-so Crispy Fried Squid with Salt, Pepper and Chilli (the batter was gritty tasting).

Service from such an esoteric outfit like this was exemplary as expected. The near clinical ambience of this toppish hotel restaurant simply fades away with the said views of the park and skyline.

Go save your money and enjoy a fine duck here.

Beach Blanket Babylon - Mouldy Chopsticks by Browners

Browners — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:22:04 +0000

Review by Browners

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7229 2907

Tags: expensive, cool, pretentious

Beach Blanket Babylon is one of London's trendiest bars and has a buzzing restaurant. It is beloved by the Notting Hill set and typifices the idea of style over substance. Which is why we went there in the first place!

Your senses are blown away by the over the top decorations - it couldn't be more rococo if it tried.

No matter how trendy or posh you think your restaurant is... there are some basic catering rules that you can't break. Such as don't swear at the customers. Don't serve unhygenic food. Make sure there aren't any mouse-traps on show... etc. Common sense basically.

3 plates of perfectly good sushi arrived at our table along with some sets of chopsticks. The light wasn't great... but it was bright enough to detect a luminous green glow. On closer inspection we realised that the chopsticks were covered in a furry green mould. Gross! The elegant waitress simply took them back and didn't even consider apologising for it!

Our next course was very tasty... but sadly undermined by such a major lapse.Beach Blanket Babylon is one of London's trendiest bars and has a buzzing restaurant. It is beloved by the Notting Hill set and typifices the idea of style over substance. Which is why we went there in the first place!

Your senses are blown away by the over the top decorations - it couldn't be more rococo if it tried.

No matter how trendy or posh you think your restaurant is... there are some basic catering rules that you can't break. Such as don't swear at the customers. Don't serve unhygenic food. Make sure there aren't any mouse-traps on show... etc. Common sense basically.

3 plates of perfectly good sushi arrived at our table along with some sets of chopsticks. The light wasn't great... but it was bright enough to detect a luminous green glow. On closer inspection we realised that the chopsticks were covered in a furry green mould. Gross! The elegant waitress simply took them back and didn't even consider apologising for it!

Our next course was very tasty... but sadly undermined by such a major lapse.

Manzara - Not entirely Turkish by bellaphon

bellaphon — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:48:46 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7727 3062

Tags: turkish, lively, breakfast

Although billed as a Turkish restaurant on most sites, itâ¬"s also to all intents and purposes a greasy spoon cafÃ© for AM patrons like myself. In fact itâ¬"s probably the only non-greasy greasy spoon I know off, in terms of both cooking and hygiene.

Breakfast options include posh Eggs Benedict and Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs, Croque Monsieur, simple cornflakes and many more. But I come here for the fry-ups, the cholesterol inducing Full English and a perfect cup of tea. Apart from the ubiquitous kebabs for a quick lunch takeaway try a Spinach and Feta Cheese GÃ¶zleme (Turkish hand rolled pastry) instead, itâ¬"s deliciously filling and cheap. Organic burgers and organic wines are feted at this place as well; credit is thus deserved for this practice alone.

Service is friendly and efficient from the waiting staff that has been recruited from the â¬ÜUnited Colors of Benettonâ¬" ideology. Great value comfort food in Notting Hill methinks.
Although billed as a Turkish restaurant on most sites, itâ¬"s also to all intents and purposes a greasy spoon cafÃ© for AM patrons like myself. In fact itâ¬"s probably the only non-greasy greasy spoon I know off, in terms of both cooking and hygiene.

Breakfast options include posh Eggs Benedict and Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs, Croque Monsieur, simple cornflakes and many more. But I come here for the fry-ups, the cholesterol inducing Full English and a perfect cup of tea. Apart from the ubiquitous kebabs for a quick lunch takeaway try a Spinach and Feta Cheese GÃ¶zleme (Turkish hand rolled pastry) instead, itâ¬"s deliciously filling and cheap. Organic burgers and organic wines are feted at this place as well; credit is thus deserved for this practice alone.

Service is friendly and efficient from the waiting staff that has been recruited from the â¬ÜUnited Colors of Benettonâ¬" ideology. Great value comfort food in Notting Hill methinks.

Edera - fabulously authentic by sophietemples

sophietemples — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:14:35 +0000

Review by sophietemples

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7221 6090

Tags: italian, toptable, bar

My husband's choice so I wasn't expecting much, ha! But everything about this little place was just great. Welcoming staff, we took the specials as they sold them so well. Everything tasted fantastically authentic, and not the usual dishes you see in all the Italians nowadays. As it is so local I can't wait to go back!My husband's choice so I wasn't expecting much, ha! But everything about this little place was just great. Welcoming staff, we took the specials as they sold them so well. Everything tasted fantastically authentic, and not the usual dishes you see in all the Italians nowadays. As it is so local I can't wait to go back!

Thai Origin - Lovely, but not the best Thai in London by iciclesecret

iciclesecret — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:09:06 +0000

Review by iciclesecret

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7937 5007

Tags: thai, romantic, vegetarian

I eat in this restaurant frequently, lovely ambience and a nice place to go for lunch. It's not a particularly cheap Thai though - it is in Kensington though so that's not to be expected.

Lovely atmosphere, great surroundings, nice food, although certainly not the best thai in London as some of my colleagues proclaim.

If you're in the area, it's a good choice. Go for the set menu at lunch or look for an online discount for the evening. They do a lovely Pad Kaprow with a beautiful sauce, and the Pad Thai/Curries are lovely, but not perfectâ¬¦ I do have high Thai food standards though.

I personally prefer the upstairs less formal bench seating to the downstairs area.
I eat in this restaurant frequently, lovely ambience and a nice place to go for lunch. It's not a particularly cheap Thai though - it is in Kensington though so that's not to be expected.

Lovely atmosphere, great surroundings, nice food, although certainly not the best thai in London as some of my colleagues proclaim.

If you're in the area, it's a good choice. Go for the set menu at lunch or look for an online discount for the evening. They do a lovely Pad Kaprow with a beautiful sauce, and the Pad Thai/Curries are lovely, but not perfectâ¬¦ I do have high Thai food standards though.

I personally prefer the upstairs less formal bench seating to the downstairs area.

Notting Hill Brasserie - Expensive by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:59:33 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7229 4481

Tags: live music, romantic, bar

The Notting Hill Brasserie is expensive, classic, and very good. It is what used to be called "International" in cuisine - they might call it "modern British" but I don't really know what that means - so a mixed classic menu with an extensive and expensive wine list with meat and potatoes however nicely put together forming the bedrock of the main courses. It is the preferred restaurant of the American hedge fund set, so the other diners are slightly older, well-dressed, and discreet. Nowhere in W11 requires a jacket but if they did, this would be the place. The food is excellently prepared rather than exciting per se, and the atmosphere so hushly understated it veers towards being slightly sterile - this is a place for that important business dinner; the reunion with old friends where one objective is to impress; or for celebrations where formality is what is required.The Notting Hill Brasserie is expensive, classic, and very good. It is what used to be called "International" in cuisine - they might call it "modern British" but I don't really know what that means - so a mixed classic menu with an extensive and expensive wine list with meat and potatoes however nicely put together forming the bedrock of the main courses. It is the preferred restaurant of the American hedge fund set, so the other diners are slightly older, well-dressed, and discreet. Nowhere in W11 requires a jacket but if they did, this would be the place. The food is excellently prepared rather than exciting per se, and the atmosphere so hushly understated it veers towards being slightly sterile - this is a place for that important business dinner; the reunion with old friends where one objective is to impress; or for celebrations where formality is what is required.

Osteria Basilico - Great Italian by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:50:26 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7727 9957

Tags: italian, romantic, lively

Osteria has been in Notting Hill forever and is the top end of the three restaurants in this group (the others are Mediterraneo and Essenza) with a classic Italian menu, and slightly surprisingly, a sideline in pizza including takeaway. I would avoid the pizza - it's not as good as Luna Rossa's across the street - and frankly if you come to a place like Osteria and have pizza you are wasting the opportunity to eat rather better. The wine list is great and the downstairs seats are particularly cozy in winter. It is definitely pone for romantic get-together. Like all the Italian restaurants in Notting Hill service is probably not why you come here.Osteria has been in Notting Hill forever and is the top end of the three restaurants in this group (the others are Mediterraneo and Essenza) with a classic Italian menu, and slightly surprisingly, a sideline in pizza including takeaway. I would avoid the pizza - it's not as good as Luna Rossa's across the street - and frankly if you come to a place like Osteria and have pizza you are wasting the opportunity to eat rather better. The wine list is great and the downstairs seats are particularly cozy in winter. It is definitely pone for romantic get-together. Like all the Italian restaurants in Notting Hill service is probably not why you come here.

Mediterraneo - Not as good as Osteria Basilico by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:42:57 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7792 3131

Tags: italian, crowded, vegetarian dishes

As the blurb says this is the sister restaurant to Osteria Basilico down the street. The menu is pretty similar but if there is a focus I'd say it is more fish and especially steaks like swordfish and tuna which are well done. The room is sparser though, and it can be too hot in summer and too drafty in the winter. Service too can be a little on the haughty side. In short, unless you live for fish steaks, put Osteria in your speed-dial and if they're full come to Mediterraneo as an adequate substitute, but a subsitute nonetheless.As the blurb says this is the sister restaurant to Osteria Basilico down the street. The menu is pretty similar but if there is a focus I'd say it is more fish and especially steaks like swordfish and tuna which are well done. The room is sparser though, and it can be too hot in summer and too drafty in the winter. Service too can be a little on the haughty side. In short, unless you live for fish steaks, put Osteria in your speed-dial and if they're full come to Mediterraneo as an adequate substitute, but a subsitute nonetheless.

Luna Rossa - Unrivalled Pizza by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:37:44 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7229 0482

Tags: italian, lively, comfortable

The good is very good; you won't find better pizza in London. And I don't mean some American stuff - this is the kind of pizza you don't get outside Naples. But the pasta dishes are good too - the Vongole is particularly good. Wines are cheap and drinkable and for W11, it's pretty good value. Although part of a group, a good sign is that real Italians don't just work here, but eat here - with their families. So yes it can be a bit chaotic, a bit noisy, and the service sometimes has a touch of Naples about it too. But in a funny way that just makes the Naples comparisons all the more apt, and it works. For what it is, it is the best.The good is very good; you won't find better pizza in London. And I don't mean some American stuff - this is the kind of pizza you don't get outside Naples. But the pasta dishes are good too - the Vongole is particularly good. Wines are cheap and drinkable and for W11, it's pretty good value. Although part of a group, a good sign is that real Italians don't just work here, but eat here - with their families. So yes it can be a bit chaotic, a bit noisy, and the service sometimes has a touch of Naples about it too. But in a funny way that just makes the Naples comparisons all the more apt, and it works. For what it is, it is the best.

Electric Brasserie - Great Fun by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:09:48 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7908 9696

Website: http://www.electricbrasserie.com

Tags: lively, brasserie, good value

A Notting Hill secret is that the Brasserie is better than the Electric Restaurant. The room is great - you move from the narrow crowded bar (at its best serving coffee on the pavement in the morning) past the open kitchen into a large slightly sunken space. It is buzzy, loud, and lots of fun. The menu is - being a brasserie - varied and changes often but offers choices from market-fresh fish to burgers and sandwiches to steaks to oysters. Service is efficient and while there is better food out there that's not why you come here: you come here to have fun, and you will. Prices are at the upper end of reasonable.A Notting Hill secret is that the Brasserie is better than the Electric Restaurant. The room is great - you move from the narrow crowded bar (at its best serving coffee on the pavement in the morning) past the open kitchen into a large slightly sunken space. It is buzzy, loud, and lots of fun. The menu is - being a brasserie - varied and changes often but offers choices from market-fresh fish to burgers and sandwiches to steaks to oysters. Service is efficient and while there is better food out there that's not why you come here: you come here to have fun, and you will. Prices are at the upper end of reasonable.

E & O - Brilliant by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:02:59 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7229 5454

Website: http://www.rickerrestaurants.com

Tags: cool, trendy, expensive

E & O is one of the best restaurants in London and certainly the best in Notting Hill. It is hard to categorise but lies between dim sum and Asian fusion, with Japanese influences and a menu heavy on seafood. The blackened cod is unbelievable - Nobu's is good but this is better. The rest of the menu changes quite frequently. The cocktail bar is lively and the staff very professional; the restaurant is buzzy and suitable for business dinners with people you already know; it is neither discreet nor quiet. The wine list is not extensive but the wines they have complement the food well. E & O is expensive but you get what you pay for.E & O is one of the best restaurants in London and certainly the best in Notting Hill. It is hard to categorise but lies between dim sum and Asian fusion, with Japanese influences and a menu heavy on seafood. The blackened cod is unbelievable - Nobu's is good but this is better. The rest of the menu changes quite frequently. The cocktail bar is lively and the staff very professional; the restaurant is buzzy and suitable for business dinners with people you already know; it is neither discreet nor quiet. The wine list is not extensive but the wines they have complement the food well. E & O is expensive but you get what you pay for.

Wodka - A real treat for vodka lovers by WB1

WB1 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:23:46 +0000

Review by WB1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7937 6513

Website: http://www.wodka.co.uk

Tags: good value, lively, east european

Wodka is something really different to the standard pretentious and often mediocre offerings in Kensington. Tucked away in the back street, you'll need a map to find it (or a taxi) but it's definitely worth the walk. Inside the tables a haphazardly placed (or so it seems) behin pillars and around corners but the layout works well with the tables not too close together. The menu is a real treat - very differnt. The dishes are mostly quite heavy, making this a great place to go on a cold and dreary winter's evening but there are a few lighter choices as well. The food is always very good quality and it's great to try something different. The vodka list must be seen to be believed. A really comprehensive list of every vodka you could imagine and many you have never dreamed of. Some are homemade, some imported and all are worth are try. Just don't try them all in one visit or you will be rolling home!Wodka is something really different to the standard pretentious and often mediocre offerings in Kensington. Tucked away in the back street, you'll need a map to find it (or a taxi) but it's definitely worth the walk. Inside the tables a haphazardly placed (or so it seems) behin pillars and around corners but the layout works well with the tables not too close together. The menu is a real treat - very differnt. The dishes are mostly quite heavy, making this a great place to go on a cold and dreary winter's evening but there are a few lighter choices as well. The food is always very good quality and it's great to try something different. The vodka list must be seen to be believed. A really comprehensive list of every vodka you could imagine and many you have never dreamed of. Some are homemade, some imported and all are worth are try. Just don't try them all in one visit or you will be rolling home!

Taqueria - Spicy hot, not hot hot by Lacrimosa

Lacrimosa — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:52:25 +0000

Review by Lacrimosa

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7229 4734

Website: http://www.coolchiletaqueria.co.uk

Tags: mexican, good value, lively

I've just lunched with friends at Taqueria, lured by the special lunchtime menu (a selection all priced at Â£6) and impressed by the positive reviews here on Trusted Places. It's the sort of small, independent place I would have loved to have been able heap praise on, but unfortunately our experience fell a bit short.

We all ordered enchiladas: "Three corn tortillas dipped in a sauce of your choice and rolled around shredded chicken, more sauce, crema, fresh cheese and onion". Now, I'm a HUGE fan of hot, spicy, cheesy, saucy, tomato-y comfort food, so this sounded great. Our dishes arrived and we all tucked in, still deep in conversation - so deep, in fact, that it was a couple of minutes before I ventured to say "Err... is yours cold?". All three meals were no more than tepid, but no one had wanted to be the first to mention it. Now, I prefer my hot food to be sizzling hot, so, with the agreement of the others, went off in search of our waitress to ask for our meals to be reheated. To Taqueria's credit, they were apologetic and actually cooked the dishes again from scratch, although given that this was a weekday lunchtime it might have been a good idea to check whether we had time for this. Second time around it was warm but still not very hot, so I can only assume that authentic Mexican cuisine is supposed to be like that? If so, who am I to argue? Personally, though, I'd have enjoyed my food much more if it had scorched the roof of my mouth off, leaving me begging for mercy.

On the plus side, we enjoyed our drinks - jugs of tap water, Pacifico lager and some really yummy Clamato, which had been presented like a Bloody Mary with black pepper around the rim of the glass and a stick of celery. Meanwhile some chaps on the next table, who clearly knew what they were doing, had ordered a selection of smaller dishes from the regular menu. These looked a good deal tastier than what we had, although I could hardly shimmy over to their table and stick my elbow in their food to test the temperature.

Aside from us, there were very few others in the place during the couple of hours we spent there, and there seemed to be some maintenance work going on which might have been better left to outside opening hours. I'd try Taqueria again, as it seemed good value and all those excellent reviews are still ringing in my ears, but two strikes and it's out.I've just lunched with friends at Taqueria, lured by the special lunchtime menu (a selection all priced at Â£6) and impressed by the positive reviews here on Trusted Places. It's the sort of small, independent place I would have loved to have been able heap praise on, but unfortunately our experience fell a bit short.

We all ordered enchiladas: "Three corn tortillas dipped in a sauce of your choice and rolled around shredded chicken, more sauce, crema, fresh cheese and onion". Now, I'm a HUGE fan of hot, spicy, cheesy, saucy, tomato-y comfort food, so this sounded great. Our dishes arrived and we all tucked in, still deep in conversation - so deep, in fact, that it was a couple of minutes before I ventured to say "Err... is yours cold?". All three meals were no more than tepid, but no one had wanted to be the first to mention it. Now, I prefer my hot food to be sizzling hot, so, with the agreement of the others, went off in search of our waitress to ask for our meals to be reheated. To Taqueria's credit, they were apologetic and actually cooked the dishes again from scratch, although given that this was a weekday lunchtime it might have been a good idea to check whether we had time for this. Second time around it was warm but still not very hot, so I can only assume that authentic Mexican cuisine is supposed to be like that? If so, who am I to argue? Personally, though, I'd have enjoyed my food much more if it had scorched the roof of my mouth off, leaving me begging for mercy.

On the plus side, we enjoyed our drinks - jugs of tap water, Pacifico lager and some really yummy Clamato, which had been presented like a Bloody Mary with black pepper around the rim of the glass and a stick of celery. Meanwhile some chaps on the next table, who clearly knew what they were doing, had ordered a selection of smaller dishes from the regular menu. These looked a good deal tastier than what we had, although I could hardly shimmy over to their table and stick my elbow in their food to test the temperature.

Aside from us, there were very few others in the place during the couple of hours we spent there, and there seemed to be some maintenance work going on which might have been better left to outside opening hours. I'd try Taqueria again, as it seemed good value and all those excellent reviews are still ringing in my ears, but two strikes and it's out.

Prezzo - Prezzo by arcantara99

arcantara99 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:59:40 +0000

Review by arcantara99

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 79372800

This is one of the better Italian chains. It is situated off the main high street which makes it slightly quieter although it gets popular during lunch hours and in the evening. There is a small but very pleasant seating area outside on the cobbled pavement which is quite rare in this area. The pasta portions are very large and always taste wonderfully fresh. And the salads are generally nice too â¬ especially the salmon one. My friend always has the cheescake and says it's really good. There's a large choice of food. This restaurant looks very smart but is surprisingly very reaosonably priced.

This is one of the better Italian chains. It is situated off the main high street which makes it slightly quieter although it gets popular during lunch hours and in the evening. There is a small but very pleasant seating area outside on the cobbled pavement which is quite rare in this area. The pasta portions are very large and always taste wonderfully fresh. And the salads are generally nice too â¬ especially the salmon one. My friend always has the cheescake and says it's really good. There's a large choice of food. This restaurant looks very smart but is surprisingly very reaosonably priced.

The First Floor - Rather disappointing by WB1

WB1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:15:25 +0000

Review by WB1

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7243 8701

Tags: expensive, traditional british, vegetarian dishes

The First Floor is conveniently located on the Portobello Raod in Notting Hill. The restaurant, as the name would suggest, is on the first floor and if you request a window seat you can gaze out at the busy portobello road during your meal. The room is decorated in old-style grandeur with ornate furniture, lighting and decorations. Unfortunately that's as good as it gets. The food was ok but only ok and some of the menu sounded quite unapetising. Both food and wine were very overpriced for what they were and it felt like we were paying for the setting rather than the food and service. The staff were friendly but over-attentive and rather intrusive and the place was almost deserted despite it being a Saturday night. Certainly not my favourite Notting Hill haunt.The First Floor is conveniently located on the Portobello Raod in Notting Hill. The restaurant, as the name would suggest, is on the first floor and if you request a window seat you can gaze out at the busy portobello road during your meal. The room is decorated in old-style grandeur with ornate furniture, lighting and decorations. Unfortunately that's as good as it gets. The food was ok but only ok and some of the menu sounded quite unapetising. Both food and wine were very overpriced for what they were and it felt like we were paying for the setting rather than the food and service. The staff were friendly but over-attentive and rather intrusive and the place was almost deserted despite it being a Saturday night. Certainly not my favourite Notting Hill haunt.