Looking for a good drink, a local coffee, the neighbourhood’s best gallery or theatre?  We are going list crazy so check back here often to see our growing lists of best venues and be a local at the best of the Notting Hood.

Best Cafés in Notting Hill

Serious coffee lovers make a point of visiting these 5 Notting Hill establishments.  The cafés here have baristas as skilled as they are knowledgeable about the world’s most popular, most vital, brewed beverage.  Kick start your day or recharge your battery for the night ahead with a great cup.

The Coffee Plant
180 Portobello Road W11 2EB
Strictly for those that like jolt alongside their caffeine and not for lovers of MOR coffee this fiercely independent coffee shop forgoes any “Friends-like” sofas and Starbuck –style customer service to bring you a great cup in a unique environment. This is the best coffee by far on Portobello Road and with a wide selection of beans from around the world they can set you up for a fine cup at home. Staff are abrupt, frequently disinterested, the beats are loud, the space at time chaotic all a fine antidote to corporate coffee chains

Kitchen & Pantry
14 Elgin Crescent, W11 2HX

Kitchen and Pantry is an incredibly comfortable spacious coffee shop cum deli counter just off Portobello market.   Large fans, huge windows, leather sofas and rustic tables make this a reliable coffee haven for locals and visitors alike.  Although it can be at times overrun it still maintains a nice neighbourhood vibe. Food and drink are surprisingly reasonable given the neighbourhood – lattes are less than two pounds and the outdoor seating faces the sun from morning until late afternoon.

Cafe Oporto
62A Golborne Road, W10 5PS
Cafe Oporto is a gem of a Cafe tucked up the Golbourne Road across from the better known Lisboa Patisserie.  Busy at any time of the day this is testimony to a great atmosphere, excellent coffee and outstanding prices.  This is an excellent venue to meet up with friends or simply enjoy a cup on your own and drink in the vibrant atmosphere that is the Golborne Road.

Lisboa Patisserie
57 Golborne Road, W10 5NR
This destination-patisserie on Golborne Road is known for outstanding desserts and people travel from across London for the Pastel de Nata custard tarts.  The seating area is tight and the furnishings can only be described as functional but the employees are friendly, the coffee is top-notch and the place buzzes with a lively colourful crowd.  The sidewalk tables are by far the top choice on a sunny day.

Orange Coffee
Portobello Road – Under the Westway Flyover
A one-man operation serving fine coffee and tasty treats from the confines of a bright orange VW van.  This moveable coffee shop is noted for fine java and excellent tiramisu in its purely al-fresco environment. The mismatched array of tables, chairs and sofas are generally only set up on a Friday and Saturday but this quirky, unique, landmark is a crucial add to any local’s weekly routine.

Best of the Rest:
Honourable mentions to Pescheria Mattiucci for outstanding coffee and commitment to quality though truly more restaurant than coffee shop – hit this joint for top Sicilian coffee made on a classic antique San Marco machine.  Further mentions include 2 Westbourne Grove stops: Nicole Fahri @202 for outstanding sidewalk people-watching with your coffee and Belleville Cafe @ 77-79 for a quintessentially Française café.