London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [116]
E&O.
££ | ASIAN | The global jet set and fashionistas hang out here, one of London’s most successful hip bar scene and restaurant, off Portobello Road street market. E&O means “Eastern and Oriental,” and the mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes includes a slew of figure-friendly, low-carb vegetarian options. Don’t skip the lychee martinis, miso black cod, chili tofu, Thai rare beef, papaya salad or green fried rice; the sea bass sashimi is fresh. There are pavement tables and curbside bench seats to watch the world go by on Portobello. | 14 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill | W11 1NN | 020/7229–5454 | www.rickerrestaurants.com/eando | AE, DC, MC, V | Ladbroke Grove
Electric Brasserie.
££ | BRASSERIE | There’s no better people-watching than at the Electric, a popular Portobello Road market hangout from morning ’til night. Expect oysters, steaks, roasts, hearty sandwiches, and seafood platters. The zinc bar’s a neat place to meet up with friends—or strike up with new ones. Check out the cocktail list, with a broad selection of martinis and champagne cocktails. | 191 Portobello Rd., Notting Hill | W11 2ED | 020/7908–9696 | www.the-electric.co.uk | AE, MC, V | Notting Hill Gate
Julie’s.
££££ | BRITISH | The warren of peekaboo alcoves and opulent dining rooms at this cute 1969 throwback ooze Victorian sensuality and allegedly have witnessed all manner of naughtiness over the years (noted is the draped-off downstairs dining room known as the “G-Spot”). Royalty and rockers—from Mick Jagger to Lady Di—have famously cavorted here. The food is pricey and unremarkable, but the old memories abound. Poached lobster with Russian salad, swordfish carpaccio, pork and Calvados, quail with Swiss rösti (grated potatoes), and crab spaghetti are all popular favorites. | 135 Portland Rd., Notting Hill | W11 4LW | 020/7727–7985 | www.juliesrestaurant.com | AE, MC, V | Holland Park
Fodor’s Choice | The Ledbury.
££££ | MODERN FRENCH | Australian-born chef Brett Graham’s fantastic fine-dining housed in a handsome high-ceiling dining room, full of drapes, mirrors, and leather seats continues to impress. The £40 weekend set lunch is a tour de force that weaves from monkfish and truffle purée to ceviche of scallops and seaweed, to Pyrennean lamb with Chinese artichokes. Graham is known for his desserts, so finish with unusual olive oil panna cotta and fig leaf ice cream. Excellent service and a confident sommelier round out this winning proposition. | 127 Ledbury Rd., Notting Hill | W11 2AQ | 0207/7792–9090 | www.theledbury.com | AE, MC, V | Westbourne Park
Notting Hill Brasserie.
£££ | MODERN EUROPEAN | There’s something quietly seductive about the Notting Hill Brasserie, with its side entrance, twinkle of live jazz piano in the bar, muted conversation, African artifacts, mini-armchairs, and friendly service. Definitely a restaurant and less of a brasserie, it’s in a converted Victorian town houses; the food is imaginative with strong and confident flavors. Feeling like fish? Try sole with brown shrimp, halibut with white beans, or cod and Spanish chorizo. Meat lovers might like the rabbit with pea purée and the Brillat-Savarin cheesecake will surely send you home happy. | 92 Kensington Park Rd., Notting Hill | W11 2PN | 020/7229–4481 | www.nottinghillbrasserie.com | AE, MC, V | Notting Hill Gate
BAYSWATER
Alounak.
££ | MIDDLE EASTERN | The food at this lively Persian canteen on Westbourne Grove may be tried and tested, but lines still form for the hot