VIBE

This itsy-bitsy, upscale, white-walled deli is stocked to the rafters with fresher-than-fresh inventive gourmet bites. The recipes are original, and the food is made from ingredients sourced daily from local markets (nothing has preservatives or comes pre-fab). Though the menu has a Mediterranean lilt, they cover cuisines from the world round, plus some dishes they’ve invented themselves. Seating is super limited, so most customers just grab take away, though if you can score a seat at the long communal table in back, it’s worth eating in just to spend extra time checking out their mouthwatering displays of treats.

CROWD

On-the-go suits and shoppers, in-the-know foodies, cool kids, and ladies who lunch.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Something super casual–we’d wear our favorite jeans and a fun t-shirt.

GO HERE WITH

A friend

WHY WE LIKE IT

Their creative eats (especially the desserts) are consistently delish, and their speedy takeaway service makes this a grand spot to stock up for a picnic.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Their portions are a little on the dinky side. We can deal with the small space…but small slices of cake? Not cool.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you want to skip queues and beat the rush, you can order ahead and request items set aside for you from 11:00am on everyday. If you are going to brave the tiny space and eat in, know that this is definitely not a good place to take kids: besides the fact that they only have 10 seats (all at one communal table), their tiny space is packed floor to ceiling with easily breakable items, and they also have no loo for customers. Ottolenghi also does catering, offers cooking classes, and has its own cookbook; check out their website for a full schedule of events.


OTHER LOCATIONS

Kensington (London); Belgravia (London); Islington (London)

CLOSEST COMPS

Café Albion (London); Daylesford Organic (London)

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