Portobello Garden Caffe

First thought upon walking into Portobello Garden Arcade: "are we really going to fit in here?". Before you visit, beware: the place is tiny, and fills up pretty quickly. If you're waiting for a table, you're condemned to stand outside; it might not be exactly what you'd hope for, unless it's the middle of summer. The good news is you might not have to wait that long: this is a restaurant that would attract far larger crowds and queues if it was any bigger, or any easier to spot from the main road. Right now, it might well be one of Portobello Road's best kept secrets; so well kept, I've only discovered it recently, despite having lived in the area for three years.

I visited the week before Christmas, and found the place decorated with panettone and pandoro boxes everywhere. They were even hanging from the ceiling. "Woah", said the three colleagues I was with, "that's so pretty". "Woah", said I, "Are those for sale?". I averted my eyes before the cake cravings kicked in, but resisting temptation is not an option in there: it wasn't long before I spotted the counter at the bottom of the room, where most ingredients for cold dishes are on display, and staff members assemble generous portions of salads and sandwiches. If you're not hungry by the time you get in, you will be by the time you order.

Encouraged by what I'd just seen, I considered getting the mozzarella, prosciutto, rocket and carasau bread plate (simple but fulfilling, a reliable favourite of mine), or a ham, mozzarella and aubergine sandwich made with pizza bread (boy did that sound promising). It being a freezing cold Friday however, I went for a warm, hearty main: wild boar ravioli, from the daily specials menu.

The ravioli came with plenty of rich, smooth tomato sauce. You can hardly go wrong with slathering pasta with sauce, but this was the overpowering type. I could barely taste the meat, which felt disappointing, as the filling is the best part of a ravioli recipe to me. I loved the smoked ricotta topping, though: I don't see that often enough in London. I'd grate smoked ricotta on all my pasta dishes, if I could find a single store that sells it. I should have asked where they get it from, damn it.

One of my colleagues ordered potato gnocchi with beef ragù. He was impressed with the gnocchi; not so much with the seasoning, which he claimed was missing a kick. Even from the outside, it looked overly rich in tomato passata and poor in beef. The meat was chopped in large chunks, and, I'm told, a bit too fatty for a sauce ingredient.

Another colleague ordered octopus salad, and was very happy with it. She can't eat gluten, so she passed the side bread on to us. We were quick to snatch it, and my enthusiasm about warm bread was quick to fade, as I realised it was garlic bread. I don't know who spread the word that garlic bread being distinctively Italian, but this needs to stop right now. Garlic bread is not a thing; plain bread, which we may dip in olive oil (that's on the menu too, by the way), serve with some kind of spread, ot just eat on its own, is. We do rub garlic on bread, sometimes - but that's to make bruschetta, which is a completely different thing. No discerning Italian I know likes garlic bread. Some don't even know it exists, because bless them, they've never eaten the UK's rendition of Italian food.

In sum: Portobello Garden Arcade makes more convincing food than the average budget-friendly Italian restaurant in London, but their dishes could be much closer to what you'd actually eat in Italy. I could be disappointed; I choose not to be. I went in for a decent, warm, hearty meal, and got exactly that - as well as a mood boost, thanks to the restaurant's warm, lively atmosphere. I wouldn't mind returning, and trying a different dish.

A hidden gem on Portobello Rd. A bright garden-like space set back from the hustle & bustle. Described as homemade Italian, the food was fresh, rustic and delicious. Service was friendly, attentive, but not rushed - I would have liked to linger there all day!

There is something hugely enjoyable about taking a long stroll along the Portobello road on a Sunday, checking out the weird and wonderful market stalls and deciding what to eat for lunch.

A virtuous session in the gym on a Sunday morning is generally followed by an 'unvirtuous' pig out at some splendid eaterie and three of us, having been recommended this place by a customer in the cafe, made our way to The Portobello Garden Caffe, a small, packed, buzzing place whose walls were awash with Italian goodies.

I noticed with great pleasure the array of wonderful meats, burrata, roasted veg, all manner of antipasti being piled onto sharing plates. They looked absolutely beautiful and so it was without hesitation that we ordered the antipasto misto which was delivered promptly and with a basket of bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Unbeknownst to me, a treat was in stall for us - I'd never had smoked sardines before and their salty, soft texture were a complete delight. Strips of peppers were draped on a ball of milky mozzarella and the sun dried tomatoes, so often, harsh, fake tasting nougats of ghastliness were gentle on the tongue and deliciously sweet. A perfect way to start our lunch.

The lasagna arrived in its shiny sauciness and was as light as a feather - just the right amount of pasta was cloaked in ricotta and a rich tomato sauce with shavings of Parmesan on top.

The tuna, mozzarella and tomato on toasted bread was greeted with equal praise - it was so generous in size that we had to ask for a doggy bag.

If I had a little gripe it would be that the wine list was pitifully small and £19 for an indifferent Pinot Grigot is somewhat galling, but this aside, the three of us ate handsomely, including wine and coffees for just over sixty pounds. The service, I have to say, was prompt and our waitress a smiling breath of fresh air.

We were asked, very politely, when we were going to leave as people were queueing to get in. Goes to show, doesn't it ? Give people some simple ingredients of the highest quality in a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, whilst still keeping your arm and leg, and you'll rake it in.

Amen to that,

The Portobello Garden Caffe

269b Portobello Road,

Notting Hill,

London W11 1LR

02077928419

This place is definitely worth a visit. We stumbled upon it completely by accident and left pretty happy. Food was good. We ordered garlic bread with cheese and meat board. I wanted to highlight and thank the bartender, Simone, who made us his signature cocktails and was very attentive. We also had a quick chat with him at the bar. I tried Amaretto sour, Negroni and Smoked Old-Fashioned. Can recommend any of them.

A little hidden gem in the centre of the market! Amazing atmosphere, very authentic feel! Went here for an evening meal and felt very European! The food was good too, well seasoned and bursting with flavours.

I visited this place to escape from unexpected heavy rain, but I ended up finding a wonderful Italian restaurant in Notting Hill. Shandy (mixture of beer & lemonade) is not recommended if you're a big fan of crisp lager beer. However, I 130% recommend to try their grilled sea bass and homemade bread. The fish is cooked, and seasoned just right. And the bread. Um...... It's heavenly bread. Atmosphere is nice and cozy as well.

Absolutely delightful Italian restaurant! My sister discovered it as she has a stall on the market, and invited me along as she knows I love Italian food. Wow! I was seriously impressed, I just loved the place and can’t wait to go back. Lovely rustic surroundings one side, smart but still relaxed the other, with great staff, full of passion, and evidently some serious talent in the kitchen. I shared a veg platter as a side dish and I’ve rarely experienced vegetables being given such reverence and prepared to such perfection, a totally delicious plate to go with my pasta. So many different things on the plate and all just singing with flavour, seasoning and freshness. I opted for the norma rigatoni, a lovely dish. Rich with olive oil and very well-seasoned, pasta perfectly cooked, the aubergine beautifully cooked down. Friends shared a pizza which looked excellent and my side of potatoes were crisp with a dash of salt. Enjoyed the red wine, too. I love this style of appetising, rustic, wholesome food, and the whole evening left me feeling extremely happy, especially as it was a birthday treat for me. I cannot wait to go back and try more of their menu, there is a lot on it that I really want to eat!

After an exhausting but fun day working at the infamous Portobello Road market what better way to unwind is this absolute gem of an authentic Italian restaurant. From the moment we stepped in we were welcomed like old friends and this service is extended throughout their atmospheric and spacious restaurant which has almost themed seating, chandeliers and clean lines on one side, rustic and fascinating at the back. The food is completely amazing from the incredibly cooked Antipasti with the most delicious Aubergine I’ve ever tasted through to the sumptuous fresh pasta. The house wine is fresh and delicious too. This will be my go to after market destress now whether it’s for one of their fabulous cocktails or a full on feast!