This place lives up its hype!
photo: National Restaurant Awards
This restaurant has an edge.
Nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, Straker’s is the brainchild of Thomas Straker, a British chef who's made waves on TikTok and Instagram thanks to his brilliant yet accessible recipes.
In a world where hype often outpaces reality, Straker’s stands as a true testament to its reputation. This cozy restaurant boasts a laid-back, green-themed interior and an open kitchen. It exudes an easygoing charm that's effortlessly cool.
But let's get to the good stuff – the food. Straker's offers an exquisite menu that lets high-quality ingredients shine, featuring elegant small plates, delectable flatbreads, and pasta dishes, along with larger plates of fish and meat for sharing. My favorites were the scorched mini flatbreads, be it the garlic-infused cavolo nero or the chili butter-soaked mussels. They were absolutely mouthwatering.
Service? It's simply what you'd expect from a place like this – attentive and genuinely warm. On my birthday, they even surprised us with a delightful dessert sampler, a taste of everything from the menu.
Strakers’ edge? It's all about quality and simplicity. Instead of hiding behind elaborate concoctions, Strakers lets the ingredients shine. By sourcing from local producers and suppliers, he showcases their true essence in every dish.
Word to the wise: Make a reservation well ahead of time; this place fills up fast. And if they’re full, check out their pop-up with The Pelican, just around the corner. It's effortlessly cool, just like Strakers itself.
