Beluga Restaurant & Bar

"This corner spot in Notting Hill is tardis-like in size and old-school in design, so here’s how to play it. If you’re coming to Beluga with a big, kind-of-annoying group, the downstairs area is where you should be. Just as long as you don’t mind having to send smoke signals for more freshly made naan. After somewhere for a serious life debrief? The ground floor is where long-awaited catch-ups over buttery koobideh skewers take place. And if you’re trying to seduce someone into sharing chelo jujeh makhsoos, know that up the steps is where low-key dinner dates thrive. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch The classic Persian dips and starters are excellent here, with deep bowls of smoky kashk e bademjoon that we ended up eating with a spoon, and tangy mast o khair that’s perfect for scooping with freshly baked taftoon. Of the mains, the jujeh can be a little tough, but if you go for the impressive mixed grill for one, you’ll understand why this restaurant is never empty and you should call ahead at weekends. Tender lamb chops are cooked just right and thinly sliced chicken is citrussy and charred." - Rianne Shlebak