When the words “Notting Hill” are uttered, where does your mind go? Is it a vision of curved streets lined with pastel-coloured townhouses? Or perhaps it’s feathers flung from mas costumes at the annual carnival as bodies bind together and bob to a heavy bassline. Maybe it’s the whir of a VHS tape from your first viewing of Notting Hill, eyes glued to a pixelated screen, watching Hugh Grant exclaim “whoopsie daisies” as he attempts to clamber over a park gate in front of Julia Roberts with a belly full of guinea fowl. Either way, it’s an iconic neighbourhood for a reason. So, we’ve created the ultimate neighbourhood guide, telling you where to go, what to do, and what to eat.
The Complete Neighbourhood Guide: Notting Hill
Words by
Clara Taylor
28th October 2025
Forever immortalised by everyone’s favourite Richard Curtis rom-com, Notting Hill, is one of London’s most desirable postcodes. Once a haven for counterculture activists and artists, W11 has blossomed into a vibrant mix of tradition, creativity and modern elegance. This is SPHERE's complete guide to Notting Hill.
A typical day in Notting Hill, London.
Where to Eat
Looking at the area now, it’s hard to believe that it was once relatively bereft of decent restaurants. Today, thanks to the full wallets and refined taste of some locals, it seems there is almost a magnetic pull for any posh pub, wine-bar-small-plates concept eatery, or restaurant with a menu so obscure it reads like a poetry slam of foraged ingredients and ancient grains. The clientele of the area has a magnetic pull for the latest wine-bar-small-plates concept eateries or posh pubs. Buckle in, there’s a lot to get through.
The table at Zephyr, Notting Hill.
A personal favourite is the beautiful Zephyr, which is as much a visual spectacle as it is a culinary delight. It’s worth the trip just for the interior’s inspiration – expensively curated vintage tableware. All the classics are executed well – tzatziki, tarama, Greek salad et al – as are restaurant specialities like mushroom orzo or crispy potato terrine. Many would groan at a recommendation from a chain, especially one that’s so hyped on TikTok, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. Dorian is also one not to be missed, even just for the celeb spotting of those who have traded in Beverly Hills for Notting Hill. Proud owner of a Michelin star, Victoria Beckham calls it her “local”, while Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver are regular frequenters of Dorian. Word of warning: some of the Google reviews are a little off-putting, but there’s a reason why every neighbourhood guide of the area includes it. The food is elevated but unfussy, and the potato rösti is a signature that has people coming back. Chef Max Coen even went on last weekend’s Saturday Kitchen to recreate it for the masses.
The tables at Dorian, Notting Hill.
Nepo babies often have a bad reputation for trading on the family name and underdelivering. Thankfully for the Roux dynasty, Emily Roux (of Michel Roux Jr) bucks the stereotype. Joining forces with her chef husband, Diego Ferrari, the duo are at the helm of Anglo-Italian Caractère. The menu, which segments dishes into categories like “curious”, “robust”, and “greedy” (character traits – we see what they did there), is a testament to Emily’s Michelin star award earlier this year – the only female to receive the prestigious honour. The saffron risotto with roast bone marrow, cacio e pepe celeriac, and chef’s choice, lobster with cordyceps mushroom and XO sauce, are essentials while they’re still on the menu.
Caractère, Notting Hill. ©Rebecca Dickson.
Once you’re done wading through Michelin stars in the area, for something more casual, Ria’s is a great choice. The Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, which is not a dime a dozen in London, is a refreshing departure from the New York crisp or sourdough bases that can be found all over the capital. The pillowy, doughy bases, with interesting toppings like pickled jalapeños, béchamel sauce, or a ricotta drizzle, are a celebration of simple carbohydrates. Plus, the backstory is nothing short of heartwarming. Another husband-and-wife duo, Dave and Ria opened in 2022 after Ria was made redundant from her tech job, and they vowed to live life as an adventure due to Dave’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis. The restaurant has taken off, and there’s now a second site in Soho.
The wine, pizza, and sides at Ria's, Notting Hill. ©Amy Louise Ruse.
Honourable mentions must also be paid to Canteen – a canal-side eatery near Westbourne Grove that has received the Giles Coren seal of approval and serves a drool-inducing shared smash burger and one of my all-time favourite pasta dishes with courgette, lemon, and parmesan. Akub too makes the list – a Palestinian restaurant centred on an abundant tawla concept (a dining table with sharing plates offering the flavours and fragrances of the coast) – as does Sumi, an open-kitchen modern Japanese serving everything from nigiri and temaki to robata grills, and lastly, the latest opening from SiNO, the new local Ukrainian spot. Cold beetroot soup and sauerkraut dumplings may sound overwhelming; however, they’re delicious. As is, of course, the signature chicken Kyiv with bison grass mash.
Where to Drink
Pub grub and wine at The Pelican, Notting Hill.
You didn’t think Notting Hill was just teeming with restaurants? No ma’am. There are watering holes aplenty. James Gummer, Phil Winser, and Richard Squire – the incredibly successful trio behind The Bull in Charlbury, darling of the Cotswolds, and the viral Devonshire in Soho – have proved that lightning can strike much more than once, thanks to the triumph of both The Fat Badger and The Pelican. Both venues have a cosy pub aesthetic, with warm open fires, brown leather benches, velvet-covered stools, and dried flowers hanging on the walls. The food is, of course, sensationally comforting and could easily stand on its own. But it’s the warm, friendly (despite the ridiculously good-looking and frequently famous faces, cough Margot Robbie, cough Jamie Dornan) environment that makes the sites' bloody good boozers. Almost reminiscent of yesteryear, when going to the pub was IRL hangout of choice – can you imagine!
Wine bar-wise, Franklin’s has an expertly curated wine list – in their words, “curated for the discerning palate”. Walk in and there are rows upon rows of bottles to choose from – either to take home or enjoy in-store with a platter of cured meats and cheeses, or even a Cuban cigar. For something stronger, Viajante87 provides a high-energy vibe, alongside delicious cocktails that draw on the flavours, traditions, and customs of Latin America. Options from the menu range from a comfortable Paloma to a curious and smoky El Padrón, which blends tequila, mezcal, mamey fruit (native to Central America), and, interestingly, mushrooms.
Naked and Famous – not a prophecy, but an underground bar. Set discreetly beneath Zephyr, it’s a 70s-inspired cocktail lounge bathed in orange light. With only 35 covers, it feels like an exclusive, innermost sanctum for the area’s stylish sippers. Notably, it has a spectrum of spicy margs – the Tommy’s less spicy classic and the Very Spicy, which features Bird’s Eye and habanero chillies. Caia, too, is famed for its cocktails, which can be enjoyed on velvet seats beneath a disco ball and to the sound of vintage vinyl records played through giant speakers. While we’re turning up the atmosphere, it’d be rude not to mention Notting Hill Arts Club – the very venue responsible for launching the careers of Lily Allen and Rita Ora. For over 25 years, it’s been the go-to for stellar live music – who said London nightlife is dead?
What to do
A weekend at Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill.
Every weekend, without fail, Portobello Road transforms into a market. It’s no secret find or hidden gem, and as a result, you can often find yourself elbowing past swathes of tourists. But don’t write it off yet. As you would approach Selfridges at Christmas – with a purpose, a strategy, and a clear sense of direction – you can still extract the best Portobello Road Market has to offer without getting too overstimulated.
There is an abundance of vintage clothing, but SPHERE recommends: Hannah George Vintage (stocks everything from the Victorian era to the 1980s), Yesterday’s Babe Vintage (1970s vibes, lots of denim), and Sestra Moja (whimsical white Isabel Marant-esque pieces, as well as hand-dyed silks). It’s slightly cheating, but just off the market, you’ll find Vault Vintage, Alexa Chung’s beloved Found & Vision, and One of a Kind Archive, which has sourced archival pieces for collectors, celebrities, museums, and fashion houses alike. Simply impeccable taste. Antiques-wise, there’s a fair amount of tat, but Les Couilles du Chien – a.k.a. “the dog’s bollocks” – has a delightfully unusual collection of Murano chandeliers and furniture.
The Cloth Shop also has reams of striped and floral linens and lovely homeware trinkets. If you’re looking for something more modern, trusty Daylesford is always a joy to look in on. From the splattered enamel crockery to the heavenly tomato vine candles, it’s a masterclass in rustic elegance. After braving the market, you’ll probably need to touch some grass. In lieu of that, the Flower Stand serves as a lovely oasis with the latest seasonal stems.
Inside Cloud Twelve Spa, Notting Hill.
Our very own Izzy Schaw Miller also recently road-tested the spa at Cloud Twelve and could not recommend the oxygen facial more highly – in her words, it was very soothing, hydrating, and amazing all round. Harnessing the power of pressurised oxygen and low-weight hyaluronic acid, the treatment delivers specifically formulated serums deep into your skin. The treatment menu is as long as a scroll and contains everything from full-body infrared therapy to LED hair growth, as well as a whole bio-hacking lab – a one-stop shop for all your beauty and wellness needs.
Street view of Kuro Bakery, Notting Hill.
As with any London neighbourhood, there are spots to escape the chaos of the city. A Sunday morning stroll to a bakery for a coffee and pastry is easily one of the best ways to decompress, so we recommend hitting Kuro Bakery for the signature pistachio sakuro, Le Choux for the decadent chocolate Basque cheesecake, Layla Bakery if you’re after a focaccia sandwich, and of course, the original Buns From Home site on Talbot Road.
Kuro's signature sakuro.
Another stereotypical London fad at the moment is reformer Pilates, which coincidentally pairs perfectly with a pastry. The weekly pilgrimage to the studio is made by Lycra-clad (oftentimes) ladies with perfect blow-dries. Honestly, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em – try Blanc Space Pilates, an independent studio with stunning artwork. It truly is a wonderful stretch, and the equipment isn’t as intimidating as it looks – promise!
Electric Cinema, Portobello, Notting Hill. ©Soho House.
After you’ve stretched, steamed, and serumed yourself, there’s no better way to end the day than sinking into one of the red velvet armchairs at The Electric Cinema. The best way to experience the latest screenings is under a cashmere blanket, a cocktail from the on-site bar in one hand, and a retro pick ’n’ mix in the other.
