Casa Cruz — Restaurant in London

Casa Cruz used to be one of my favourite spots in London, known for its cocktails, buzzing atmosphere, and chic crowd. Sadly, my most recent visit left me incredibly disappointed, and I doubt I’ll be returning.

We managed to book a last-minute table for a Saturday night and expected the usual lively vibe. Instead, we walked into a restaurant that was less than 30% full—which immediately felt odd. We assumed it might pick up later, so we stayed optimistic and placed our order.

The maitre d’ was absolutely lovely—warm, professional, and welcoming. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the server who looked after our table. From the moment she approached us, she seemed visibly annoyed or completely uninterested in being there. We gave her the benefit of the doubt, thinking it might just be a bad day, but her attitude only got worse as the evening went on.

We ordered quite a bit of food, including a salmon ceviche to start. Instead, we were served seabass. When we politely questioned it, the server checked her notes and very firmly said that we had ordered seabass, not salmon. I found that hard to accept, as I don’t even eat seabass and would never have ordered it in the first place. Still, we decided not to argue and let it go to avoid any further tension.

That said, the food itself was mostly excellent. The meat skewers were a standout—tender with a lovely crunch on top and served with a delicious sauce. The spiralised merguez sausage with apricot sauce was also incredible—very generous for an appetiser, but full of flavour and one of the best dishes of the night. The stracciatella with tomatoes was my personal favourite—fresh, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

The seabass ceviche, despite the mix-up, actually turned out to be very enjoyable. The beef tartare was different from what I was expecting—not bad, but it didn’t quite beat the traditional classic in my opinion. Sides-wise, the carrots with pesto were delicious, and the salad—while fresh and tasty—could’ve been a bit larger. The asparagus was fine, though nothing particularly memorable.

As for the main meat dish, we had ordered the 1kg sharing portion. A few minutes after placing the order, someone from the team came over and kindly informed us that there had been a mix-up in the kitchen. To avoid making us wait too long, they’d send out a 500g portion immediately, followed by the full 1kg cut. It was actually a thoughtful gesture, and we appreciated the effort—though in hindsight, it might have been simpler just to serve two 500g portions. The moment happened quickly, and we didn’t overthink it—but we were thankful nonetheless. Thankfully, both portions were beautifully cooked and full of flavour.

Despite the fantastic food, the service was incredibly slow. And that’s what I find most baffling: the restaurant was nearly empty, so there’s really no excuse for sluggish or inattentive service. We even overheard the table next to us arguing with the same server and complaining about incorrect orders and poor service, so clearly it wasn’t just us.

The real kicker came at the end: when the bill arrived, the ceviche listed was salmon—just as we had originally ordered. So yes, we were right all along.

In the end, we decided not to make a fuss. We paid and left quickly, eager to move on with our evening and the plans we had afterward.

To summarise: • Food: 4-5 stars • Service: 1 star • Overall: 3 stars

Would I return? No. The food is still fantastic, but the service has taken a serious dive (not ok for £130 per person). On a Saturday night, a restaurant this empty with service this poor is not a good sign. A real shame—this place used to be a go-to for cocktails and a...

Casa Cruz: Notting Hill’s Chic Dining Gem with a temporary Parisian Twist

Casa Cruz in Notting Hill is undeniably one of London’s trendiest spots, celebrated not only for its uniquely intimate vibe but also for its draw of an international, often star-studded clientele. Nestled amid the leafy streets of Notting Hill, this refined yet cozy neighborhood gem offers a two-story dining experience with a charming rooftop terrace. The terrace, open until 10 PM, provides an inviting, outdoorsy feel—a rare find that makes Casa Cruz stand out as a "home-away-from-home" for London locals and visitors alike.

Ambiance and Design

Spread over two beautifully designed, cozy floors, Casa Cruz impresses with its interior elegance. The restaurant’s décor blends classic and modern elements, offering an intimate, warm setting that enhances the dining experience. With soft lighting and thoughtful design, it’s easy to understand why it’s a longtime favorite for those in the spotlight and beyond. The rooftop terrace, though compact, adds a lovely touch, especially for those who appreciate a relaxed atmosphere outdoors.

Special Collaboration with Jaïs

In a recent twist, Casa Cruz has teamed up with Paris’s acclaimed restaurant, Jaïs, led by Chef Jaïs Mimoun, to bring a taste of Parisian sophistication to London. Running until December 20th, this collaboration transforms Casa Cruz into a Parisian-inspired brasserie. The menu reflects Chef Mimoun’s modern French sensibility, accented with international influences and served alongside a well-curated selection of predominantly French wines. The temporary menu is extensive and diverse, offering both classic à la carte options and daily specials. Diners can enjoy a balanced mix of fish, pasta, and meat options—the latter being Casa Cruz’s original specialty.

Dining Experience and Food Quality

The food quality at Casa Cruz lives up to its reputation. Despite being packed with diners and operating from a compact kitchen, the restaurant managed to deliver a seamless dining experience without noticeable delays. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, with flavors that were well-balanced from starters to dessert. The fish was delicate and fresh, the pasta dishes flavorful and perfectly cooked, and the meats—true to Casa Cruz’s reputation—were the stars of the menu. The attention to detail in each course highlighted the skill and passion in the kitchen, making for an exceptionally satisfying dining experience.

Service and Atmosphere

Casa Cruz prides itself on delivering top-notch service. The staff were not only professional but also attentive and warm, despite the high energy and full house. This attention to detail in service contributed significantly to the overall enjoyment of the evening, balancing the bustling atmosphere with a reassuringly refined touch. While Casa Cruz is always popular, weeknight visits are generally recommended for a more relaxed experience, as weekends can get quite lively.

Overall Recommendation

Casa Cruz offers an elevated dining experience that is both chic and intimate, a perfect mix for those seeking a stylish night out in Notting Hill. With its star-powered crowd, exceptional food, and warm service, it’s easy to see why Casa Cruz remains one of London’s most beloved dining spots. The collaboration with Chef Jaïs from Paris only enhances its appeal, bringing an exciting French twist that is worth experiencing before it concludes in December.

Tip: Weekday visits are ideal if you prefer a more relaxed ambiance; weekend evenings can...

I wanted so much to love this place. I live locally and have watched this venue change hands so many times as people cant seem to get a winning formula. The décor in this place is unique and impressive, but the layout doesn't feel quite right. Service from the start was very good, with professional management and staff. The food itself was nice, the problem is its so over priced you are left feeling exploited. I couldn't give this place more than 3 stars because of the very poor value for money. I do not mind paying more for drinks (£14 + service for a cocktail or glass of champagne is not expensive in nice places) but £36 for a steak with no sides? I could go to Goodmans, Hawksmoor, Mash etc and get better steak with more food for less money. Sides at £8 (potatoes) to £12 (cauliflower), starters around £20. It felt like Michelin prices, but without the associated stars it is unjustifiable. Reduce your pricing, or add sides to your dishes for the prices you are charging. No one likes to feel ripped off, even if they can afford it. I would have returned if the food pricing had been less exploitative which in the long run is a bigger loss for the restaurant as they could have made a fortune off my lot on drinks alone! The layout didn't appear to allow for part of the venue to be just a bar but if upstairs had a bar with snacks then perhaps that would be its saving grace as aesthetically its a cool place to be, i just wouldn't want to have dinner here at those daft prices. Finally - please don't contact your guests 3 times to ask them to confirm if they are coming. The first confirmation should be sufficient, especially for a night when most of your tables are empty. £50 per person cancellation charge is also extortionate. Booking process will be the death of this place (if the food prices dont kill it) if its...