The creative minds behind modern British bistro Dorian have expanded their culinary footprint in Notting Hill with the launch of Eel Sushi, a sushi bar located directly opposite the Michelin-starred restaurant on Talbot Road. Led by hospitality heavyweight Chris D’Sylva, the group continues to redefine London’s dining scene, having already gifted the city with cult favourites like Notting Hill Fish Shop, Tuna Fight Club, and Supermarket of Dreams.
Eel positions itself as a laid-back alternative to Dorian’s refined offering, billing itself as a 'casual walk-in traditional sushi bar' serving low-priced sushi made to order. D’Sylva announced the opening on Instagram with characteristic flair, describing the venue as 'no omakase horsesh!t and ponce.'
Head chef Nick Xie, formerly of Dinings SW3, leads the kitchen, crafting an à la carte menu that champions freshness and precision. Fish is sourced daily from the group’s own Notting Hill Fish Shop, ensuring top-tier quality. Highlights include five-day dry-aged tuna belly, rich with fat and flavour, and delicate otoro. The menu is compact but curated, designed for speed and satisfaction, with dishes turned over rapidly throughout the day.
Eel Sushi occupies a former antiques shop, transformed into a minimalist haven clad in pale Swiss pine - a nod to traditional Japanese Onsen design. The space is intimate, seating just 10–16 guests around a central counter that wraps a large open kitchen and wine fridge. It’s a deliberate choice: the kitchen dominates the room, reinforcing the bar’s focus on craft and immediacy. The restaurant welcomes walk-ins, and queues forming early with diners eager to snag a seat.
In a move that sets Eel apart, the bar shares Dorian’s acclaimed wine list and sommelier team, which the group boldly claims is 'the best wine list of any sushi bar in the world'. Expect a selection that pairs beautifully with the clean, umami-rich flavours of the sushi.