Notting Hill Brasserie

I love this restaurant. Yes, its pricey; but for an evening out in notting hill with great food and wine, you can't beat it. Not too formal but with staff who are attentive, its always a pleasure to go here.

This restaurant has been a long-time favourite of mine for many years. Although the menu has remained largely unmodified, I don't think this is a bad thing – if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Staple dishes such as lobster cannellone and the slow cooked beef fillet are to die for. They use excellent ingredients and I have never had a single quibble about the cooking or the service during any of the numerous meals I've had here.

Then there's the atmosphere – African wood carvings, interesting paintings, live jazz and all set in a beautiful Victorian townhouse, with very comfy seating and a relaxed lighting scheme set at just the right balance between not too bright and not too dark.

If you are looking for somewhere to host a small private dining function, their private room is just the place. A part of the normal dining area, it can be closed off to create a lovely room that is a bit like dining in someone's expensive townhouse in Notting Hill, complete with waiting staff and a very good chef in the kitchen.

To call this place a brasserie doesn't really do it justice, other than conveying the relaxed feel of the place. It really is one of those restaurants you can just melt away in, spending a long evening over a fantastic bottle of vin rouge and perhaps a few of their cocktails to boot. Long may it prosper!

Even though its location isn't brilliant (for me at least), this brasserie is definitely worth a visit. We started the evening in their traditional and elegant bar, just the way I prefer it, and had the dinner in what I believe was the private room. Also in the same style.

I had three courses and they were all excellent, especially the duck I had for starter, but the rib of beef main was absolutely lovely as well. I'm not sure about the value for money since I was lucky enough not to pay, but judging from the guide price here, it's actually ok. The way the restaurant was laid out created a great atmosphere, which was made even better thanks to the pleasant and helpful staff.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this for a second, especially for a more formal event. Since our group was so big (30+) and quite lively, I'm not sure if the place might be a stiff otherwise, but generally, no complaints.

Dinning at the Notting Hill Brasserie, you feel spoilt! The decor is smart, plush yet refined. The menu delivers, and is cleverly organised by the principal ingredient.