The Counter

At this low-lit Notting Hill spot, being the first to arrive is a good thing. It means you get the whole romantic restaurant to yourselves; time to peruse the menu before it gets too rowdy to discuss it; and the chance to have a moment of silence for the sensational sweet and salty clotted cream and pide bread starter. The Counter serves Turkish food with exciting twists that work: babaganoush has white chocolate in it and tzatziki has a nice tang from pickles. While dishes like the dry-aged beef sirloin are perfectly cooked, we think the starters and small plates are the best part. So bring a date who’s down to split a bunch of quirky dishes, or a couple of close friends and order the clotted cream, pickled tzatziki, and cheese saganaki. And despite the restaurant's name, we’re fans of the lower seating where it feels like you’re part of the action without it being chaotic.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch