Chez Lui Bistrot - Review - Notting Hill - London - The Infatuation

"While this gorgeous Parisian bistro is the perfect backdrop for a 10/10 I’m-cooler-than-you thirst trap during the day, it’s also an incredible wingman come evening. Once your eyes adjust to Chez Lui’s barely-on light bulbs, you’ll start to notice the single, flickering candle on each marble table and intimate-feeling corner seats that invite cosy conversations, and later discover the exclusive-feeling downstairs drinking den that begs for a nightcap. video credit: Rianne Shlebak photo credit: John Carey photo credit: John Carey Pause Unmute The polished Notting Hill crowd—On Clouds matched with Polo quarter-zips and fresh blow-drys—come in groups after having already started the party elsewhere. Friends scoot into the burgundy sofa seating and pick at excellent sea bass carpaccio and skinny golden fries until they run out of ketchup. But as good as the food is—and it’s pretty great—you’re here for the scene. And everyone, whether here for a fun catch-up with old friends or a third date they desperately want to go smoothly, is having a great time. RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Pain Chaud Et Beurre Au Piment D’Espelette This baguette is a risk for anyone with a loose filling. The ratio of crunch to crumb is seriously off, skip. PlayMute Carpaccio De Bar Aux Agrumes A delicate sea bass carpaccio that’s nice and citrussy. We’d order one of these for the table. PlayMute video credit: Rianne Shlebak Ravioles Del Plin Au Castelmagno, Truffe De Saison These ravioli bites are so soft and doughy that they lean more gnocchi, and the truffle sauce is nicely balanced and perfectly creamy that you’ll finish this moreish bowl in record time (ours was seven minutes). PlayMute video credit: Rianne Shlebak Poulet Rôti This roast chicken is tender, juicy, and comes in a nice meaty gravy. Get just this with some mash on the side for a seriously satisfying lunch. photo credit: Rianne Shlebak Goujonettes De Lieu These glorified fish fingers are doing everything right. Crispy golden crumb, flaky fish inside, and a healthy drizzle of spicy tartare sauce all over. Oh, and they come with the best kind of fries: skinny, with a golden, 20-minutes-in-a-sunbed tan. PlayMute video credit: Rianne Shlebak" - Rianne Shlebak