With a legacy of excellence and an A-list clientele, this W11 hotspot has become the talk of the town.
Nestled along the leafy Portland Road neighbourhood close to Holland Park tube station, Julie's Restaurant has been a cherished fixture in the capital's dining scene since it opened in 1969. Founded by designer, Julie Hodgess before being taken over by Tim and Cathy Herring, Julie's felt like a home away from home, quickly becoming a firm favourite among the local elite, artists, royals and celebrities: Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell, Princess Diana and Tom Cruise included.
More than half a century (and several re-launches later), Julie's Restaurant has been taken over by young restaurateur Tara MacBain, who has breathed new life into the chic neighbourhood bistro. We managed to snag a lunchtime reservation mere days after Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon graced the space with her presence and found the restaurant bursting at the seams during a sunny Thursday lunch service.
Spread across a series of interconnecting rooms, each with its own personality and charm, Julie's Restaurant feels more like a labyrinthine home than a traditional dining space. The interior is a whimsical mix of styles, with influences ranging from Edwardian to Bohemian, creating an atmosphere that is both cosy and quaint. Interior designer Rosanna Bossom has included statement features such as antique mirrored walls, embroidered leather chairs and a glazed volcanic bar top, while original features such as the antique wooden panelling add to the venue's historic allure. The al fresco terrace is where you want to be in warmer months, as wooden tables spill out into the street beneath chocolate brown awnings.
The menu at Julie's Restaurant is a testament to the culinary talent that has graced its kitchens over the years. The current menu, crafted by Chef Patron Owen Kenworthy (formally of Brawn and The Pelican), continues this legacy of excellence, offering a modern European dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients and bold flavours.
Julie's Restaurant celebrates British produce, with many ingredients sourced from local farms and suppliers. Diners can expect a range of dishes that highlight the best of the season, from hearty game in the autumn to delicate asparagus and spring greens in the warmer months. We begin with Spider crab "toast" (£6) a beautiful bite of delicate crab awash with the flavours of lemon and fennel. The rich Duck Liver Schnitzel (£19) is a textural treat served with a shallot marmalade and a velvety quails eggs, while the Tuna Tartare (£19) with spring onion, sesame and chilli offers a lighter yet fresh alternative.
With French bistro classics like Duck confit, Moules au Roquefort and Sole Meunière making up the majority of the main course options, we opt for the signature Lobster Soufflé (£39). Offering a light and savoury take on the popular dessert, Julie's soufflé boasts a superb texture and is served alongside leeks and aged Gruyère cheese for a touch of Alpine finesse.
Desserts at Julie's Restaurant are not to be missed. With only four options offered, including Crème Caramel, Chocolate Pavé and Vanilla Cheesecake, we opt for the Cherry and Almond Tart (£10), which is a layered slice with a crumbly base and sweet frangipane piled high with cherries and served with a dollop of crème fraîche to cut through the sweetness.
With its warm and inviting atmosphere and sterling service, Julie's Restaurant has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the city's finest dining destinations. From hosting a birthday party for Kate Moss to Tina Turner dancing on a tabletop, the restaurant has been delighting diners for years and still remains a place to see and be seen.
GO: Visit https://juliesrestaurant.com for reservations and more information.