Places To Eat In London: Ottolenghi

I have really got into putting together my ‘Places To Eat In London‘ feature, so one of my favourite Sunday night hobbies has become skimming through the food section of Time Out London and the London edition of Urban Spoon and deciding where I am going to brunch or lunch the following Sunday and catch up with one of my friends. 

DSC_0424

These are the incredible and mouthwatering looking salads you are confronted with the moment you step into the Notting Hill branch of Ottolenghi, where I ended up last Sunday with my best friend Kathryn for an early lunch. 

DSC_0425

The Notting Hill branch is located just off of Westbourne Grove, which is just off of Portobello Road. It is mostly designed to take food away, but there is a big table in the back that everyone who wants to eat in can sit around if you’re lucky enough for there to be some space. 

DSC_0376The next time I am in Notting Hill (which, lets be honest will be very soon no doubt!) I will be stopping by to sample a cake (or five) and one of those delicious looking raspberry meringues. 

DSC_0421
DSC_0381

Kathy and I did not have any pastries, but we were both admiring the board of jams and preserves left on the big communal table for those who did. 

DSC_0382
DSC_0390
DSC_0404

Though we both went up the the counter separately and did not look at or discuss each others choices, we both went for this bacon and egg pie that was mouthwateringly delicious and very filling. The whole eggs hidden throughout were a lovely, surprising and tasty touch.  

DSC_0383

We both shared this piece of Flourless Chocolate Fondant Cake for afters. The look of pure, mouthwatering chocolate enjoyment on my face as I took my first bite was apparently priceless. If you eat or get anything to take away from Ottolenghi, get a piece of this cake. I am not going to allow Sunday to be the only time I ever taste this cake. It was pure chocolate heaven. 

DSC_0416

When we went to pay I noticed all of the bottles and jars of preserves and other such edible gifts they sell, perfect for the foodie in your life! I was also very happy to see that they do a cookbook, I added it to my Amazon wishlist the moment I got home! 

DSC_0419

The picture of these bags of berry meringues are a hint to any of my London based friends who are organised enough to already be considering my birthday, but have no idea what to get  (just saying!) 

Ottolenghi have locations in Notting Hill, Islington, Kensington and Belgravia. The Islington location is the biggest where you can have a proper sit down, and Notting Hill Ottolenghi is the original store. 

Has anyone else eaten or got takeaway from Ottolenghi? What did you get up to last Sunday? 

Discussion