Updated June 2026

So far, we've ventured far and wide with our Isla Holbox & Paris guides, but today we're delving into my own neighborhood of Notting Hill. I’ve lived here (on and off) for 6 years now, and the village atmosphere is still my favorite. Sure, the terrible traffic and hordes of tourists on the weekends can be a pain, but I love to be in the center of things. I'm starting to recognize friendly faces while out and about, and I love having my go-to restaurants, pubs, and florist just a short walk from home.

There are lots of Notting Hill guides, full of truly great spots (like Ottolenghi, the Cow, and Layla), but these are my personal favs, and maybe some you haven't heard of before. Maybe I'll see you there! 

Where to eat in Notting Hill

Bakeries/Salad bars

Le Choux - As a sugar addict, Le Choux is my go-to for sweet treats in Notting Hill. They're known for their choux buns, but it’s their chausson aux pommes that I live for. Apple turnovers stuffed with caramelized apples and topped with crystallized sugar – so insanely good! At Easter, they do a chocolate basque cheesecake that's one of my all-time favorite desserts. I buy one and freeze it, eating it slowly throughout the year (yes, I'm a psycho).

Buns From Home – I love the success story of this place, how they began in the founder’s mum’s kitchen over lockdown and now have bakeries across London. Their buns have just the right amount of fluff and are the perfect morning treat; however, I actually come here for my salt fix with their focaccia; it’s made from the same dough as the buns and is just the right combination of yeasty and oily. It’s a real party in your mouth.

I'm so upset to report they've stopped serving the focaccia - despite desperate pleas from me! My new (almost as delicious) go-to is their pizza roll!

The Salad Project - for a crunchy yummy semi-healthy salad. Build-your-own boxes with generous portion sizes and tasty proteins. 

Restaurants

Strakers – My favorite restaurants always feel like real neighborhood joints, with a friendly, cozy atmosphere, and Straker's is my go-to. I’d always prefer a meal here to one of the local Michelin-star restaurants, as it just feels more relaxed. Not to mention, the food is absolutely delicious. Try whatever flatbread they have on the menu that day (the mussel is our fav) and finish with their burnt honey ice cream. It's the best thing on the menu (imo), and I go so often they know to save me a portion whenever I walk in. 

Dove – Jackson Boxer recently rejuvenated Orasay, creating a slightly more accessible restaurant in the same location: Dove. It has all the coziness of Straker's, with the same unpretentious vibe. It feels like a place you can go whatever mood you’re in, even if you don’t want to dress up. If you can, get there early enough to have the burger (they only do 10 a day!), do it. Why is the burger so special? I don't know, we'll have to ask Jackson.

Cépage[s] - This French bistro and wine bar just reopened, and it's retained all of its charm; delish food, and the cutest menu you've ever seen (I love me some good branding!). It's a great, romantic spot.

The Fat Badger - sister to the Pelican, Hero & the Bull in Charlbury, these guys really do get it right every time. The Fat Badger is a pub/restaurant hybrid, but it feels more restauranty to me, with their generous set menu and brilliant live music. Book in advance - it's popular!!

Where to drink

Coffee shops

Notting Hill Bookshop Coffee Shop – Where you get your coffee is like a cult in Notting Hill, and Matt (a true coffee connoisseur) won’t get his beans anywhere else. This place used to be named Cable Co. and has recently rebranded under the same ownership.

Knoops on Portobello – Contrary to Matt’s taste for coffee, I’m a sugar freak, always searching out the perfect hot chocolate. Knoops 28% white hot chocolate with oat milk is the very best locally. It’s like drinking warm frosting. Maybe not your thing, but definitely mine!

Pubs

Mall Tavern – A true neighborhood pub if ever there was one, and hands down my favorite in Notting Hill. It’s a bit further from our house than some of the other pubs, but well worth it for their vast beer selection, yummy food, and warm, relaxed vibes. They host weekly quizzes and blues nights, and even have a running club (not that that's our thing). We're there so often that we know the owners, Nat and Andy now, and their knowledge of beer and general friendliness keep us coming back. I always order their side salad with croquettes and French fries – their vinegary greens are something special, and their nut roast has the best vegetarian gravy I’ve ever tasted.

The Pelican – If I’m in the mood for something a little fancier and closer to home (and willing to deal with the masses), The Pelican is an obvious but nevertheless wonderful choice. In the colder months, it's cozy with roaring fires and mulled wine, and in the summer, you can sit outside basking in the sunshine (if you're lucky enough to get a seat). They also host workshops here, which are so fun if you fancy getting creative with candle/perfume making or life drawing.