La Sophia is a newbie on the Notting Hill circuit. The promise is superb french and mediterranean cuisine with a basement cocktail lounge. I rarely walk down Golborne Road, normally stopping at Portobello Road, but it is clearly a street that could potentially become the next Westbourne Grove if a few more restaurants and bars move in. The decor is quite Moroccan although the menu is classic french, but the ambience is warm and welcoming. The food was fantastic; we enjoyed grilled aubergines and a shoulder of lamb on one side of the table and goats cheese souffle followed by roast confit of duck on the other. Both plates were licked white by the end as testament to the top quality food. Ali, the chef and owner has previously worked in Michelin starred restaurants and this is plain to see. The service was also attentive and friendly. 2 courses and a nice bottle of Rioja came to £30 a head. Expensive? A tad. Worth it? Yes. Ali then showed us the basement cocktail lounge - which is essentially another dining room / private dining room (perfect for parties). So I wouldn't say it is quite ready to be called a cocktail lounge but Ali assures me that early next year it will be transformed into one of the best cocktail bars in West London - and if they do it right, I agree. The space is lovely. I'll be coming back in Jan to check out the transformation! So if you are looking for a romantic dinner in Notting Hill but ready to move 2 mins off Portobello then I would definitely recommend La Sophia. Don't be put of by the slightly naf Moroccan interior as the cuisine is definitely classic french - and some of the best in West London!
