Notting Hill’s culinary landscape is enjoying a spirited renaissance. Once celebrated primarily for its pastel-hued stucco townhouses, world-renowned antiques market and rich multicultural heritage, this West London enclave now boasts a dining scene that is every bit as alluring as its architecture and history. Though it is among London’s most exclusive postcodes, Notting Hill retains its rakish charm, with late-night conviviality spilling from its historic pubs and basement cocktail lounges, while independent boutiques contribute to a vibrant creative quarter.
In recent years, a new wave of visionary chefs has placed the neighbourhood firmly on the gastronomic map, offering everything from modern Palestinian fare to expertly hand-rolled sushi. From open kitchens serving flame-licked skewers to intimate dining rooms pairing vegetarian dishes with a curated vinyl soundtrack, these are the restaurants defining Notting Hill’s contemporary allure.
Dorian
Best for: Modern British cuisine over open flame
Address: 105–107 Talbot Road, London W11 2AT
This celebrated bistro, launched in 2022 by Australian restaurateur Chris D’Sylva, quickly earned its reputation as an “anti-Notting Hill” destination — a term coined at its opening. Under chef Max Coen, the kitchen sources impeccable British produce from suppliers such as Cornish butchers Phillip Warren and the adjacent Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop. Awarded a Michelin star in 2024, Dorian’s menu includes lobster salad with grilled sweetcorn and kohlrabi, and lamb ribs with shiso relish. Interiors combine crisp white tablecloths with reclaimed wood panelling, chequerboard flooring and leather counter seating, drawing a glamorous crowd of regulars and occasional A-list diners.
(Images courtesy of Dorian Instagram)
Sino
Best for: Elevated Ukrainian gastronomy
Address: 7 All Saints Road, London W11 1HA
Founded by chef Eugene Korolev and Polina Sychova, Sino is a culinary homage to Ukraine, reinterpreting the nation’s dishes for a discerning London audience. Highlights include crayfish wrapped in cabbage leaves with a silky tomato velouté, and glazed chicken served with zubrowka-infused mash. The restaurant’s interiors reference Ukrainian rural architecture, with textured walls reminiscent of traditional whitewashed mazanka houses and a striking hay installation suspended from the ceiling. Each dish carries a personal narrative, weaving memory into flavour.
(Images courtesy of Sino Instagram)
Gold
Best for: Bohemian elegance and courtyard dining
Address: 95–97 Portobello Road, London W11 2QB
Marked by a striking facade mural from Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto, Gold is as captivating inside as it is outside. The menu, curated by chef Theo Hill, is rooted in modern European cooking over open flame, with dishes such as wood-roasted aubergine with goat’s curd and chargrilled prawns in a chilli sauce. Its verdant courtyard is among the finest in West London for al fresco dining.
(Images courtesy of Gold Instagram)
The Pelican
Best for: Refined yet hearty pub fare
Address: 45 All Saints Road, London W11 1HE
First established in 1870, The Pelican has been reimagined by James Gummer and Phil Winser into a sophisticated gastropub, blending rustic interiors with a menu grounded in regenerative farming. Seasonal dishes include braised lamb with anchovy and velvety leek and potato soup, complemented by an impressive selection of skin-contact wines and craft pilsners from the neighbouring Portobello Brewery.
(Images courtesy of The Pelican Instagram)
Holy Carrot
Best for: One of London’s finest vegan dining experiences
Address: 156 Portobello Road, London W11 2EB
Founded by Irina Linovich, Holy Carrot delivers bold, vegetable-led menus devised by Daniel Watkins. Signature plates include smoked beetroot with hazelnut cream, and grilled pineapple with miso butterscotch soft serve. Interiors are earthy and refined, adorned with handcrafted ceramics, while a curated techno soundtrack lends a distinctly modern edge.
(Images courtesy of Holy Carrot Instagram)
Sumi
Best for: Exceptional sushi and sake
Address: 157 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RS
From acclaimed chef Endo Kazutoshi, Sumi offers an à la carte menu inspired by his family heritage, with a focus on nigiri, sashimi and exemplary temaki. With an elegant yet informal atmosphere, it is a refined spot for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine paired with premium sake.
(Images courtesy of Sumi Instagram)
From intimate neighbourhood bistros to Michelin-starred institutions, Notting Hill’s dining scene reflects the area’s cosmopolitan spirit and enduring charm. Each restaurant offers its own interpretation of the neighbourhood’s creative energy, whether through open-flame cooking, global flavours, or elegant, ingredient-led simplicity. Together, they form a culinary tapestry as colourful and distinctive as Notting Hill itself.
