London Notting Hill

Dining in Notting Hill basically comes down to a choice between high-priced bistros and the inexpensive but excellent bites serving the market crowds around Portobello Road. For the widest variety of food, hunt around at the southern end of the general market and under the Westway.

George’s Portobello Fish Bar, 329 Portobello Rd. Ladbroke Grove. A London institution, George’s garners praise from all who enter: Naked Chef Jamie Oliver, for one, raves about the place. George opened up here in 1961, and with his daughter now at the helm, the fish and chips are still as good as ever. Cod, rockfish, plaice, and skate come with a huge serving of chunky chips (from £7) and the popular barbecue ribs (£7) are made according to a secret recipe. With only a couple outdoor tables, seating is so scarce that on Sa, a seat costs £3 per person. Open M-F 11am-11:45pm, Sa 11am-9pm, Su noon-9:30pm
Charlie’s Portobello Road Cafe, 59a Portobello Rd. (☎020 7221 2422; charliesportobelloroadcafe.co.uk), Notting Hill Gate. Tucked away behind a teal door and through a small alleyway courtyard, this is a perfect (if preppy) cafe retreat. Minimalist rustic-chic interior with wooden tables and chairs and white walls. Charlie’s prides itself above all on its use of local and artisanal products, from the veggies and meats to the plates and the light fixtures. What results are delicious gourmet baguettes (£4.50) and salads (£7.50), mouthwatering breakfasts (entrees £9.50), and velvety pastries and cakes (£2.80). Open M-Sa 9am-5pm, Su 10am-2:30pm
Tom’s Delicatessen, 226 Westbourne Grove Ladbroke Grove or Notting Hill Gate. Looks like an old-fashioned candy shop but contains much more: an upstairs bakery and diner and a downstairs deli and salad bar with imported foods from around the world. Fills quickly during busy times, and the table-sharing policy means you might make a meal-time friend. Homemade cakes and pastries from £2; fresh takeaway sandwiches £2.80-4.30; takeaway from salad bar £2.50-6.50. Full English breakfast £12. Open M-F 8am-6:30pm, Sa 8am-6:30pm, Su 9am-6:30pm
Manzara, 24 Pembridge Rd. Notting Hill Gate. Street-side cafe serving Turkish delicacies. Besides standard kebabs (1 skewer £4.60, 2 skewers £6.60), the cafe specializes in pide (rolled pizza-like pastries filled with various delicacies, from eggplant and spinach to pepperoni; takeaway £5, eat-in £7). You’ll also find organic Welsh beef burgers (from £4.60). Stop by for a quick bite on the way to the markets, or stay for a longer lunch in the small back dining room. Open M-Sa 8am-1am, Su 8am-11:30pm
The Grain Shop, 269a Portobello Rd. Ladbroke Grove. The aromatic smells of this vegetarian-vegan lunch counter are irresistible, and the queue snakes onto Portobello Rd. around noon. Organic breads and numerous filling dishes and cold side salads draw tourists and loyal locals. Mix as many dishes as you like in a takeaway box for £4-5.20. Homemade cakes and pastries from £0.80. Open M-Sa 9am-6pm, Su 10am-5pm

Cafes And Specialty Food Shops

The Hummingbird Bakery, 133 Portobello Rd. (☎ 020 7229 6446; www.hummingbirdbakery.com), Ladbroke Grove or Notting Hill Gate. 2nd location at 47 Old Brompton Rd. (☎ 020 7584 0055), in South Kensington ...more