Akub: a journey through Palestinian flavours in Notting Hill
Discover the authentic essence of Palestinian cuisine at Akub in Notting Hill.
Image: Akub London Restaurant. Notting Hill. July 2023. © MTotoe.
Nestled on a charming street in Notting Hill, Akub stands as a vibrant and authentic Palestinian restaurant, celebrating the region's rich culinary traditions and diverse ingredients. Led by the talented Chef Fadi Kattan, Akub artfully combines the essence of Palestine with locally sourced British ingredients to create a truly exceptional dining experience. The menu at Akub is a treasure trove of delightful dishes divided into sections called land, sea, and meat, catering to both meat lovers and non-meat lovers alike. Chef Fadi Kattan's culinary expertise shines through as he masterfully reinterprets traditional Palestinian recipes, with each dish paying homage to Palestine's finest produce with a modern twist while preserving their authentic essence.
Image: Akub London Restaurant. Notting Hill. July 2023. © MTotoe.
Stepping inside Akub, housed in a converted townhouse, is like entering a world of Palestinian hospitality. The space features soft tones reminiscent of nature and reflective of Palestine's landscape, including olive trees and jasmine. The minimalist yet elegantly decorated ambiance embodies the non-fussy wholesome dining experience.
Image: Spiced Focaccia Akub London. Notting Hill. July 2023. © MTotoe.
Image: Dagga Ghazzawieh (chopped Tomatoes, green chill, drill and lemon). July 2023.
We started with comforting squashed courgettes with garlic yogurt and a flavourful spiced focaccia, combined with the Dagga Ghazzawieh, a tasty tomato dish with garlic and lemon. However, the standout star for us was undoubtedly the spiced squash dumplings with beetroot tahini. Not only is it bursting with colour, but the dumplings are also exquisite in taste. For meat lovers, their wild sea bass and slow-cooked lamb are tasty treats well worth tucking into. They evoke a reminiscent feel of a glorious home-cooked meal.
Image: Mafghoussa (courgettes, garlic yogurt and mint). Akub London. Notting Hill. July 2023. © MTotoe.
Image: Shish Barak with Beetroot (spiced squash dumplings, beetroot tahinia and pine nut). Akub London. Notting Hill. July 2023. © MTotoe.
When it comes to desserts, the fenugreek and cardamom baba with pistachios stole the show. We had it with a tasty serving of ice cream. However, it is typically served with a whopping dollop of whipped cream, and the pistachios add that extra bit of crunch to this mouthwatering dessert.
Image: Hilbeh Baba (Fenugreel and cardamon baba with pistachios). Akub London. Notting Hill. © MTotoe.
Whilst there, be sure to check out the fantastic photography in the bathrooms, showcasing the beauty of Palestine. There is also a chic underground bar in soft tones, with walls covered with a Tess Newall Studio-designed custom mural, depicting the landscape of the Palsetine countryside, and the lighting is dimmed to create a relaxed ambiance.
Image: Mural at Akub London. Notting Hill. July 2023. © MTotoe.
Image: Photography at Akub London. Notting Hill. July 2023. © MTotoe.
Beyond the exquisite dishes, Akub's charm lies in its dedication to promoting Palestinian cuisine and culture. If you are a fan of wholesome dining and dishes bursting with flavour, Akub is a destination that promises an authentic taste of Palestine, making it an experience that lands firmly on our list of restaurants to try in 2023.
Image: Akub London. Notting Hill. July 2023. © MTotoe.
Akub serve lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, and brunch on the weekend.
Location: Akub London, 27 Uxbridge St, London W8 7TQ. Instagram: @akub.london. Website: akub-restaurant.com