1. MAKAN, (Malaysian) Portobello Road, under the Westway

What can you say about Makan? Undisputed king of eateries on this mightiest of lists. Best place to eat cheaply in West London. Roti channais. Nasi Lemaks. Singaporean Laksas. Chicken Satay. Amazeballs aubergine, fried tilapia. All institutions. Incredible service and value for money.

2. KAS, (Moroccan) Golborne Road

You’ve seen the burger vans outside football matches, right? Well, this definitely ISN’T that. Because the food is good – three great soups – very generous – beans, lentils (with cardamom etc)

£3 a pop including bread. Burgers with egg – £4. Done. Stand outside. Tell Kas I sent you!

3. PANELLA, (Italian) Goldfinger, under Trellick Tower

Giulia and Giuseppe run this like a Sicilian canteen. Beef Ragu pastas, Arancinas, Escalopes, Caponatas and the tiramisu. Well, the tiramisu is to die for – got me into tiramisus.  Out of this world.

4. BABAJANI, (Kurdish) Portobello Road

Kurdistani Middle Eastern fusion restaurant that does amazing falafel and halloumi and lamb wraps and incredible salads – everything is super fresh and made with love – massive salads are only £9 and owned by Chris, originally from St. Vincent where my Mum is from, and his Kurdish wife

5. THE FISH HOUSE, (British) Pembridge Road

Crisp batter, fresh fish. Great chips too. Best fish and chips in West London. MUCH better than the Chipping Forecast. And cheaper too. I think it’s like £9 for haddock and chips.

6. LOWRY & BAKER, (British / Mediterranean) Portobello Road

Great sandwiches – not that cheap – but incredible consistency – artichoke, chicken and pesto, mushroom, and brie. Don’t tell Falafel King on Golborne but they also do a better falafel, IMHO.

7. EAT TOKYO, (Japanese) Notting Hill Gate St

Japanese food. Not too ornate or fancy – like a Japanese tavern – izakaya vibe but not without the kotatsu seating. Excellent food. Grilled Mackerel set, Soba noodles. Great sushi boxes. £9.50 for the bento box set.

8. MARAMIA CAFE, (Palestinian) Golborne Road

Very friendly Palestinian restaurant. Their hummus and aubergine dishes are incredible. CHICKEN MOUSAKHAN is the star of the menu though. £9.95 but that’s all you need

9. HASSAN FISH, (Moroccan) Golborne Road

Moroccan fish place – open all week – I seem to go there on a Friday. Sole, sea bass, tuna, swordfish, calamares. £7 for the fish, chips, and salad. Another great deal.

10. KURDISTAN BAKERY, (Kurdish) Church Street

Another kiosk, hole in the wall. Incredible lentil soup with incredible flatbread done on stone oven = £3 = Aubergine and cauliflower – £3.

Also

HIBISCUS, (Jamaican) Portobello Rd, under the Westway

Used to be Boom Burger; this is a bit more upmarket, but they’ve kept the Caribbean vibe. Great curried goat, ackee and saltfish dumplings, callaloo, amazing rotis and lovely hibiscus sorrel drink too. Eat well for about £12.

By Chris Arning

chrisarning.weebly.com