Ottolenghi
63 Ledbury Road Notting Hill London W11 2AD
Sitting amongst the glowing white walls and stacks of glorious aubergines and confectionery, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd died and gone to foodie heaven. Sometime celebrity chef and part-time food writer Yotam Ottolenghi's little café has all the charm of its more upmarket neighbours but none of the stuffiness, and the food is truly wonderful. Prices are reasonable, too, and there's always a great selection of mouthwatering dishes piled artfully on plates all over the counter – whatever you choose, you'll be surprised and delighted. Rightly famous for its pastry and suberb cakes, Ottolenghi is also a great place to have a full meal if you're feeling adventurous, so don't dismiss it as just a café, the mains are equally delicious. There isn't much space, and no toilet, but the food is lovely and the presentation beautiful. If you're feeling inspired to recreate what you've just tasted you can even pick up a signed copy of the Ottolenghi cookbooks. Whether you want just a decent cup of coffee or a full lunch, this is by far the best place in the vicinity – and a great complement to the great man's more expensive proper restaurant, Nopi, in Soho.
