E and O

E and O in London stands on Blenheim Crescent, minutes from Portobello Market, where a steady stream of locals, collectors and fashion editors pass the door. Step inside and the bar hums under dark moody lighting, waiters move with practiced speed and the room fills with the warm clink of plates and glasses. As a London pan-Asian restaurant with roots dating to 2001, E and O draws a crowd that wants food with direct, appetizing flavours and a memorable cocktail to match. Early evenings find the terrace filled with heaters and conversation; late nights, the bar remains lively until midnight Monday through Saturday.

Will Ricker opened E and O in 2001 and the restaurant has since become a Notting Hill fixture within Ricker Restaurants. There is no single celebrity chef listed in public sources; instead the kitchen and culinary team sustain a pan-Asian philosophy that prioritises top local produce and clear, confident technique. Reviewers have praised E and O for remaining relevant more than two decades after opening, calling it "amazingly enduring" and "still fab 20 years on." That sustained popularity is its quiet accolade: consistent execution across multiple Asian cuisines and dishes that customers return for night after night.

The culinary journey at E and O moves from bright raw plates to richer, caramelised mains. Signature dishes include Black Cod with Sweet Miso, where a miso-marinated fillet is gently broiled until the glaze becomes lacquered and the flesh flakes with buttery texture. Crispy Pork Belly with Black Vinegar arrives with crunchy crackle and a tangy reduction that cuts through fat. The Spicy Tuna Roll showcases sushi-grade tuna dressed with heat and served with sesame and soy. Sichuan Steamed Sea Bass is steamed with warming Sichuan spice and aromatic oil for a clean, numbing finish. Pad Thai appears wok-fired with prawns and tamarind for classic balance, while desserts such as Orange and Almond Pudding with Ginger Ice‑cream close the meal on a bright, textured note. Portions tend to be generous, encouraging shared plates and a convivial pace.

Drinks at E and O match the menu’s breadth. The bar’s cocktail list includes the Orient Espresso—Finlandia vodka, Kahlua and umeshu cream—and a crisp Elderflower Collins, both described in past menus and reviews as standouts. Wine bottles start from about £28, and cocktail prices reflect a fashionable Notting Hill crowd. Service style is casual yet well-drilled; front-of-house staff move efficiently and know the menu, though some guests note brisk turnover during busy nights. Reservations are advised, and the restaurant takes bookings by phone and email for the best seating options.

The design balances stylish with relaxed. Dark walls and low lighting at the bar give the room a moody, intimate feel, while a cosy terrace with heaters extends service outdoors on cool evenings. The venue attracts a sceney, fashion-aware clientele from the surrounding area, including media professionals and steady locals. Inside, presentation is careful and tactile: lacquered fish, glossy sauces and crisp tempura contrast with bowls of steamed rice and simple, fresh garnishes. Accessibility is convenient; the nearest tube is Ladbroke Grove and the address sits in the W11 postcode of Notting Hill.

For a first visit, book a table for dinner on a weekday to experience a lively yet manageable service pace; weekends fill quickly, and the terrace is in demand when the weather permits. Dress in smart-casual attire to match the room’s stylish crowd. Call 020 7229 5454 or email eando@rickerrestaurants.com to reserve, and mention any dietary needs when booking. Price expectations vary: menus and drinks can place a two-person evening with wine and cocktails around typical Notting Hill spending, and many guests describe value as fair for the quality and portions.

E and O remains a reliable choice for diners seeking a confident, multi-regional Asian menu in Notting Hill. Whether you start at the bar with an Orient Espresso, share black cod and pork belly with friends, or settle in on the heated terrace, E and O offers direct, appetite-forward flavours and a buzzy London atmosphere. Reserve a table at E and O to secure prime seating and experience a pan-Asian London favourite.