Tucked away in the heart of Notting Hill, Dove is the latest culinary creation from renowned chef Jackson Boxer – and it’s already making waves.
Taking over the former Orasay site on Kensington Park Road, Dove opened in January 2025, and the buzz is real. The vibe? Understated, effortlessly cool, and intimate enough to feel like you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret – for now, at least. This is the kind of place where you settle in with a glass of exceptional wine, share incredible food, and lose track of time.
Boxer’s cooking philosophy is rooted in seasonality and high-quality produce, and it shines through in every dish. While the menu is still evolving, the focus is clear: exceptional seafood, perfectly cooked poultry and steak, and a touch of bold creativity. The approach? Let the ingredients speak for themselves – no unnecessary theatrics, just plates that deliver on flavor and technique.
To kick things off, we went for the Deep-Fried Taleggio & Wiltshire Truffle Lasagna (look away, traditionalists!). Imagine silky, rich Taleggio cheese, laced with aromatic truffle, encased in a golden, crispy shell – every bite lead me to umami heaven. This is comfort food with an elegant edge, and I’d go back for it in a heartbeat.
Next, the Fried Bonito, Burrata, and Mortadella Pizzette had our full attention. A playful twist on a classic, this dish layers buttery burrata, delicate bonito flakes, and deeply savory mortadella atop a crispy fried potato base. It’s light yet decadent, with a mix of flavours and textures that just work.
The Ricotta Dumplings in Lobster Cream with Lime Leaf was a standout. Imagine pillowy-soft dumplings swimming in a velvety lobster-infused bisque, lifted by the bright, citrusy aroma of lime leaf. This dish had me instinctively reaching for some bread to soak up every last drop.
We also had the Grilled Bavette Steak, which was nothing short of spectacular. The tender, deeply flavoured cut of beef was paired with smoked bone marrow and earthy morel mushrooms, creating a bold and complex profile that lingers long after the last bite. The kind of dish that makes you stop mid-conversation and just appreciate.
On the side, we indulged in:
Whipped Fava, Braised Chicoria & Szechuan Crumb – a dish that balances nutty, smoky, and slightly spicy notes with remarkable finesse.
Duck Fat Fries – golden, impossibly crispy, and dangerously addictive.
And let’s talk about the one that got away – the Gorgonzola Burger Special. A double-minced blend of aged rib cap, brisket, chuck, and suet, topped with Lyonnaise onions (slow-cooked for six hours in caramelised butter and champagne) and a generous layer of gorgonzola, all tucked into a bun toasted in aged beef fat. It looked and smelled insane. If I had even an ounce of room left, I would’ve gone for it.
Stuffed as we were, skipping dessert was never an option.
We went for the Estate Dairy Fior Di Latte Soft Serve, and wow—pure creamy indulgence, drizzled with early harvest olive oil and served with oat cookies. The contrast of silky ice cream, grassy olive oil, and crunchy, nutty cookies? Absolute chef’s kiss. No notes. Just perfection.
With all this incredible food, we sipped on a few glasses from their thoughtfully curated wine list – a mix of classic European bottles and some more offbeat, lesser-known gems. Each selection felt like it had been chosen with care, designed to elevate the experience rather than just fill a menu.
Despite being a brand-new opening, Dove already delivers when it comes to service. The staff are warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate – happy to recommend pairings, talk through dishes, or just let you enjoy at your own pace. The flow of the meal was relaxed yet perfectly timed, striking that fine balance between attentive and unobtrusive.
It’s rare for a new restaurant to nail every aspect of the experience from the get-go, but Dove has done exactly that.
With its welcoming atmosphere, meticulously crafted dishes, and an impressive wine selection, this is the kind of spot you’ll want to revisit – and recommend to anyone who’ll listen. Whether you’re a Notting Hill local or making the trek across London, Dove is absolutely worth your time.