Yotam Ottolenghi's celebrated deli-restaurants across London serving vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Famous for colorful salads, creative vegetables, and stunning cakes displayed in windows.
Ottolenghi is a group of delis and restaurants in London founded by chef and author Yotam Ottolenghi, whose cookbooks have popularised Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours in Britain and abroad. The first shop opened in Notting Hill in the early 2000s, and further branches followed in areas such as Islington, Kensington, Belgravia and Spitalfields. The cuisine blends Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and British influences, and is known for vibrant vegetable dishes, bold use of herbs, spices, citrus and yoghurt, and long counters of colourful salads.
The listed signature items are the mezze platter, shakshuka and a cauliflower cake. Salads built around roasted vegetables, grains and pulses are a trademark, often shown in the window, and they change with the season. Brunch and breakfast dishes include eggs with spiced sauces, while larger plates include grilled meat or fish with herbs and tahini. The shops are also famous for their meringues, cakes and tarts stacked in the windows, which many visitors buy to take away. Vegetarian and vegan options are extensive.
The branches vary in format, with deli-style shops that have shared tables and a counter-service model, and some larger restaurants offering table service. The atmosphere is bright, buzzing and informal, with white interiors, communal tables and a steady flow of customers. Noise is moderate to high in the busier branches. There is no dress code. Drinks include coffee, teas, juices, wine and beer, with some branches serving a more extended evening wine list.
Reservations are recommended at the larger sit-down branches, especially at dinner and weekend brunch, while the deli counters operate on a walk-in and takeaway basis. Listed hours are daily from 08:00 to 22:00, although hours differ by location. Prices are mid-range for London, with a mezze platter or main dish costing in the mid-teens in pounds sterling, and cakes and takeaway salads priced by weight or portion. The address is listed as multiple London locations, so visitors should confirm details for the branch they plan to visit.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 08:00-22:00 |
| Reservations | Recommended |
| Address | Multiple London locations |
Signature dishes
- Mezze platter — $16
- Shakshuka — $14
- Cauliflower cake — $6
Location
Multiple London locations
51.5223, -0.1542 View on map
Highlights
- Yotam Ottolenghi's Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking
- Colourful salads and vegetable dishes displayed at the counter
- Shakshuka, mezze platters and cauliflower cake
- Meringues and cakes stacked in the windows
- Strong vegetarian and vegan choice across branches
Tips for visiting
- Reserve for weekend brunch and dinner at the sit-down branches
- Buy salads and cakes to take away from the deli counter
- Share several dishes to sample the range
- Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter table
- Check the specific branch for its format and hours
When to visit
Weekday mornings and mid-afternoons are quieter; weekend brunch is the busiest period.
Accessibility
Access varies by branch, and some sites have steps or narrow shared tables. Visitors who use a wheelchair should confirm step-free access with the specific location.
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Frequently asked questions
Is booking required?
Reservations are recommended at the sit-down branches, especially for dinner and weekend brunch. Deli counters are walk-in.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. The menu is strong on vegetables, and many dishes are vegetarian or vegan.
Can food be taken away?
Yes. The delis sell salads, cakes and pastries to take away.