Raoul's Café (CLOSED)

Please note, Raoul's is now closed. Time Out London Food editors, December 2018

The Notting Hill branch of Raoul’s (the original is in Maida Vale) is particularly strong on brunch (available until 6pm). The full range of egg-based dishes (omelettes, frittata, eggs benedict, poached) as well as options like smoked haddock, lamb’s kidneys on toast, a selection of pastries and very generous smoothies, make this an ideal hangover-soothing grazing spot at weekends. The rest of the menu is equally extensive, with seven main courses (all meat) featuring the likes of cottage pie and organic hamburgers; a range of pasta dishes; excellent sandwiches (Raoul’s focaccia comes recommended: avocado, grilled aubergine, buffalo mozzarella, pesto); and daily specials. Salads are of the Mediterranean ilk – grilled halloumi with roasted vegetables, salade niçoise – with olive oil glugged over the top. The decor has a slick 1970s feel, with tan leather chairs, wooden spherical lampshades hanging from the ceiling, tones of amber and brass, and streaked dark-wood tables with single curved metal legs (plus a kitsch painting of the Queen with her eyes closed). On sunny days, the tables out front are the most coveted. Service is efficient and pleasant enough, if fairly disinterested. Patrons are west London to a tee.