Creative Chinese small plates with standout Korean-style chicken and friendly owner-led service; excellent for dates and curious eaters, but small portions and pricing divide opinions.
ChoJo delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by standout Korean-style chicken and polished small plates, paired with warm, attentive service from an engaged owner. Consistency shows minor variation across visits, and the intimate 25-cover space, while charming, limits the destination appeal needed for grade A territory. Creative cross-Asian execution and well-crafted cocktails make this a worthwhile neighborhood discovery for adventurous eaters.
Tucked just off Westbourne Grove, ChoJo feels like a cozy, intimate hideaway where the owner steers you through a small, creative menu. Plates arrive polished and quick; as one diner put it, "the room was calm at first, then pleasantly buzzing." Service is warm and attentive, with tea top-ups and thoughtful suggestions. Cooking skews contemporary Chinese with Taiwanese cues and cross-Asian touches—think crispy Korean-style chicken, masago prawn rolls, and oolong tea eggs. Flavors lean clean and precise rather than heavy; adventurous eaters will find plenty to explore, though a few guests wished for bigger portions or bolder seasoning on certain plates. Cocktails are bespoke and well-crafted, rounding out the experience. For families, results vary. Some kids loved the crispy chicken and noodles, while others balked at more assertive or unfamiliar flavors like salted egg prawns or cucumber salad. There is no explicit kids menu, but simpler items (edamame, tofu, noodles) help; picky eaters may prefer the milder choices over the spicier or more traditional plates.
Area vibe: Leafy residential streets near Westbourne Grove; affluent mix of locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit with steady foot traffic into late evening.
What's nearby: Close to Notting Hill, Bayswater, and Westbourne Grove boutiques and cafes.
Go for the Korean-style spicy chicken and masago prawn rolls, then add a couple of small plates to share.
It’s casual and cosy but tiny, so book ahead and be prepared for small plates and extra charges.
Tiny, pretty and owner-run, ChoJo feels like a tucked-away date spot that livens up as the evening goes on.