Located in Notting Hill, Caractere recently won its first Michelin star, with judges praising the venue for its ‘top notch ingredients’ and ‘strong classical techniques’.
Gordon Ramsay has named a London restaurant as one of the “best kept secrets”. Based in Notting Hill, Caractere Restaurant is run by husband and wife duo Diego Ferrari and Emily Roux.
The restaurant’s name translates as “personality” in French, something the pair say they like to show off through their cooking. The Westbourne Park Road venue was a former pub before the pair transformed it into a “stylish” restaurant.
Upon being awarded its first Michelin star, the venue was praised for its “top notch ingredients” and “strong classical techniques” that run throughout the menu. Speaking to YouTuber Harrison Webb, celebrity chef Gordon named the venue as his number one restaurant in the UK.
He said: “There’s this little hotspot in Notting Hill and it’s run by this incredible husband and wife team, which you don’t see today. It’s called Caractère.
“Diego and Emily Roux, powerhouse. She just won her first Michelin star, she is the daughter to Michel Roux Jr, and I remember being in the kitchen at Le Gavroche when Michel and Giselle [Roux] were pregnant with her.
“A young incredible female and an incredible duo. Caractère in Notting Hill, it’s one of the best-kept secrets because they’re sandwiched between two three-star Michelin [restaurants].
“They’ve just started and within 400 metres there’s two three-stars and then Caractère sandwiched in between, it’s really cool.”
YouTuber Harrison decided to visit the venue to try it out. He was impressed with the “accessible” lunch time sitting, priced at £65 a person, as opposed to £125 for the evening meal.
“This is the thing, if you want to try a Michelin-star restaurant, you see the dinner and think, ‘Oh, I’m looking at £100, £150 sometimes per person, it’s not really that accessible’,” Harrison explained in a video.
“Lunch time, it’s a little bit more accessible than £100 per person. So if you do want to try a Michelin-star restaurant, opt for a lunch sitting.”
Upon arrival Harrison was given some canapes, which he described as “light and airy” and “banging”. He also found the welcoming “super relaxed”.
Harrison’s dishes included celeriac fettuccine, which he says would be ideal for people with a gluten intolerance, and a risotto. He commented on the food as looking “like a piece of art”.
He commented: “I feel like I’m in the Garden of Eden eating that. All of the produce is just ridiculous.
He added: “I can understand why this is Gordon Ramsay ’s favourite restaurant. It’s laid back, it’s relaxing, the level of food is outstanding.”
The content creator concluded that the venue was a “great shout” from Gordon, and joked that he would even message the chef to praise his recommendation.
