Clarke's Restaurant

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Food: Modern British A really special restaurant. A very warm, welcoming atmosphere with prompt first class service at this well established Notting Hill institution. The food was beautifully prepared and served and everything was delicious. The hand cut chips and egg custard tart were outstanding. It’s a treat to dine here and somewhere you’ll be keen to return to. What I liked: • Absolutely everything. • Delightful, attentive service • Beautiful dining room • Stunning presentation • Delicious flavours • Good portion sizes • The delicious bread What I didn’t like: • N/A Do I recommend going? YES Will I go again? YES Was it good value? SOMEWHAT Price Point: $$$+

I enjoy everything about this place. Always a good experience. Food is simple and seasonal. I wish it was more “spot on” in terms of execution. As someone who enjoys cooking I got rather precise expectations when I go out and spend quite a bit for the food. I really do like the atmosphere. It feels like being in one’s dining room without having to cook and serve the food yourself!

I hadn’t been to this wonderful restaurant in over 20 years. As a Californian, with a high respect for Alice Waters, a mentor to Sally Clarke, I wanted to revisit with my London-resident children for a celebratory dinner. We were all thrilled with our experience. The waiters were such professionals, friendly and helpful, but discreet. The seasonal menu and daily suggestions made it very hard to choose our courses. I think each of us had menu envy for the others’ choices. We wanted it all! I hope Clarke’s truly enjoys their upcoming 40 year anniversary dinner. The team deserves it. Thank you for creating such a warm environment, allowing me to host my children, and treat them to a really delicious meal, original cocktails and a perfect bottle of Duoro Valley red. Well done!

Clarke's Nottinghill Review Clarke's Nottinghill, established by Sally Clarke in December 1984, is a London restaurant with a rich history and a loyal clientele. Known for its simple, seasonal cuisine and welcoming ambiance, Clarke's has long been a staple for artists, writers, and local residents. However, my recent visit to Clarke's for a birthday meal presented a mixed experience that left me questioning the value and service quality. Atmosphere and Setting The dining room at Clarke's is elegantly decorated, with light sage-colored walls, woven bistro chairs, and pristine white tablecloths, creating a comfortable and inviting ambiance. Paintings by renowned artists like Hockney and Freud adorn the walls, adding to the sophisticated yet homey feel. The table spacing was just right, ensuring a cozy but not cramped dining experience. However, the fair ambiance was overshadowed by a disappointing service encounter that set an unfortunate tone for the evening. Food and Presentation The menu at Clarke's features a blend of British and Mediterranean influences, celebrating seasonal ingredients with a simple, no-nonsense presentation. We started with Scottish smoked salmon with crème fraiche and rye toasts, and burrata with flat peach, pistachio nuts, and garden rocket. Both starters were fresh and flavorful, though unremarkable in presentation. For the main course, we had the roasted Scottish halibut fillet with datterini and red peppers, and the grilled Correze veal fillet with sage and broad beans. The halibut was well-cooked and complemented nicely by the wine we chose, a Sally Clarke Touraine Val de Loire Sauvignon Blanc. The veal fillet was tender and accompanied by perfectly steamed spinach and potato mash. We concluded our meal with a selection of British and Irish cheeses, affogato, Peche Melba, and Eton Mess. The desserts were enjoyable, particularly the Eton Mess, which offered a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Service Despite the pleasant setting and decent food, the service was a major letdown. The manager on duty rudely moved our plates to another table after they had been sitting on ours for just four minutes, without offering any apologies. This experience marred the evening and made it difficult to fully enjoy the meal. Value for Money Considering the high price point, the overall value for money at Clarke's was disappointing. The food quality and taste did not justify the cost, especially when coupled with the subpar service. While the restaurant has a storied history and many glowing reviews, my experience suggests that there are better dining options in London for the same price range. Conclusion Clarke's Nottinghill may have a long-standing reputation and a loyal customer base, but my recent visit did not live up to the expectations set by its history. The ambiance and food were satisfactory, but the poor service significantly detracted from the experience. Given the high prices, I find it unlikely that I will return to Clarke's, especially considering it was meant to be a special birthday meal.

I booked Clarke’s for my mums 70th birthday family dinner. I was honestly blown away by the service we received. We had pre organised champagne on arrival and a personalised birthday cake for dessert. We absolutely loved our dining experience, the food was delicious, the service was fantastic. Sally came over to chat to us and wish my mum a happy birthday. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better restaurant to celebrate such a special occasion! Thank you so much!

I recently dined at a fantastic restaurant that truly impressed me! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, with tasteful decor that set the perfect mood. The staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel welcomed throughout our meal. We started with a few appetizers, and each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. For the main course, I ordered the grilled salmon, which was cooked to perfection—flaky and seasoned just right. The sides complemented the dish beautifully. To top it off, we indulged in dessert, and the chocolate lava cake was a standout. Rich and decadent, it was the perfect way to end the meal. Overall, this restaurant offers a wonderful dining experience, and I can’t wait to return for more! Highly recommended!

Clarke's Restaurant is an absolute gem! From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with warm smiles and a cozy, elegant atmosphere that set the tone for a perfect dining experience. The menu is thoughtfully curated, offering a variety of options that cater to every palate. Dessert was the highlight of the meal – their signature Tarte Tatin. It was the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a buttery crust that melted in my mouth. The service was impeccable, with the staff being attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. Every detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the ambiance, reflected a commitment to excellence. Clarke's is more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to indulge in exceptional cuisine and outstanding service. I can’t wait to return!

A little disappointing experience. The food was nothing particularly special, and it was very pricey for what it was. The front of house service was however excellent and attentive. We went on a Friday night and it was not busy, so I think we might not be the only ones who think that it is over-priced for the food offered.