The Blurb
Serving up simple-but-sublime Italian dishes, Chucs Westbourne Grove is a stylish little bolthole that draws a devoted neighbourhood crowd of gourmands and Italophiles. The restaurant concept was first launched in 2014 as an extension of the swimwear brand founded by Charles Finch, which is inspired by 1950s Italy. With relaxed and refined design nods and midcentury nautical vibes, Chucs Westbourne Grove follows suit with the 50s theme and serves cicchetti (little plates designed to be shared over Negronis and Aperol Spritzes), as well as homemade pasta, pizzas, Mediterranean mains, and Italian desserts. There are several Chucs restaurants and cafes located in London, including the original Chucs Mayfair on Dover Street.
The Experience & The Food
In Notting Hill, it’s a poorly kept “secret” that Chucs Westbourne Grove has one of the best little backyard gardens for al fresco dining, but until outdoor dining returns, we have their delivery menu to hold us over. It may not be the same as dining under the olive trees, but Chucs Westbourne Grove does an absolutely fantastic job of recreating the chic restaurant experience in your home.
Every little detail is thought of and taken care of for you, starting with the pre-prandial Italian cocktails: skilfully mixed Negronis in bottles presents a delightful way to start your meal: all you need to do is pour them over ice. Alongside the Italian classic cocktails, Chucs also sent over a mix of cicchetti to accompany the drinks, including charred Padron peppers that all but melt in your mouth and little bite-sized truffle arancini, that you’re sure to fight over. The silky, authentic burrata served with slightly sweet, roasted Delica pumpkin and crunchy, salty cubes of pancetta is another starter that will leave you fighting for the last bite, as it hits all the right sweet and savoury notes.
The Cacio e Pepe Bigoli is simply sublime, with a glossy sauce and plenty of punchy black pepper, and the standout Chicken Milanese dish with a peppery rocket, lemon, pecorino, and olive oil salad is the ideal example of what makes Chucs so special: It’s an unfussy dish, made with the highest quality of ingredients, and cooked absolutely faultlessly. (Also, don’t miss out on the side dishes too, like the peas with bacon and gem lettuce, as they’re almost as good as the mains.)
Desserts are faultless: the utterly indulgent signature tiramisu is a must. Also, the chocolate brownie made with Virunga chocolate and served with fresh raspberries and tangy vanilla crème fraiche is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Ever resourceful, Chucs Westbourne Grove also delivers wine, and the cool, crisp Vinvita Trebbiano (delivered chilled, by the way) pairs perfectly with the richness of the mains. Until we can twirl our linguini in person at the garden of Chucs Westbourne (or jump on a plane to Italy), this is the next best thing. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Chucs.
The Details
Chucs Westbourne Grove is located at 226 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W11 2RH (Phone: 0207 243 9136). Chucs Westbourne Grove is currently open for collection and delivery every day from 12:00 – 22:00. Order via Deliveroo. DIY Meal kits, wine cases, and special occasion boxes are also available for pick-up and home delivery.