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Dishoom Permit Room PortobelloAMust Try
186 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LA
· Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast restaurant
· 4.9/5 Google (2255 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Polished modern Indian plates and standout chai in a stylish, buzzy Portobello setting, with strong service and cocktails; value feels fair-to-premium given quality and area.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Dishoom Permit Room exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional food quality anchored by signature dishes like Chicken Ruby and black daal, paired with attentive, personable service that elevates the experience. The stylish Bombay lounge aesthetic and vibrant Portobello location create a destination-worthy atmosphere, while strong staff knowledge and consistent execution across visits position it among the region's finest modern Indian dining establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The Permit Room lands in Notting Hill with warm, buzzing energy and a polished Bombay lounge look. Guests rave about attentive servers like Koko and Pauline, and one diner summed it up: "The room felt lively and the food just kept delighting." Expect strong people-watching on Portobello Road and a stylish upstairs dining room. The cooking leans modern and comfort-forward rather than fussy: silky black daal, rich Chicken Ruby, and cheeky chilli-cheese naan bites. It is not molecular wizardry, but a confident, contemporary spin with a bar-first mindset and cocktails that match the spice and smoke. Prices sit in the fair-to-premium lane for the area, with rice and breads typically added on. Families do fine here thanks to familiar crowd-pleasers like naan, daal, and fries-level snacks, though the spice can run lively. There is no explicit kids menu cited, but breakfast naans and milder curries work well for younger palates. Gluten-free needs are trickier; a reviewer noted sparse coeliac-safe picks via QR filters, so plan ahead.
At a Glance
- Lively, stylish space with personable service
- Standout Chicken Ruby and black daal; fun snacks
- Excellent chai and creative cocktails
- Walk-in waits and occasional queue chaos
- Rice/breads priced separately can push up total
What Sets It Apart
- bottomless_chocolate_chai
- modern_Bombay_lounge_aesthetic
- creative_cocktail_program
What People Love
- Warm, attentive servers who guide the meal
- Comforting classics executed with polish
- Bottomless chocolate chai and mango lassi
- A room that feels cinematic but relaxed
- Reliable go-to among Dishoom fans
Points of Concern
- Walk-in system can feel disorganized at peak; reservations help
- Sides like rice/naan add to cost; some perceive overpricing
- Service communication lapses on time limits or bills reported by a minority
- Coeliac-friendly options appear limited via QR filtering
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£36-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair Chicken Ruby (£17.80) with garlic naan and raita for balance
- Order a chaat starter (e.g., Crispy Spinach Chaat £9.90) to share
- If plant-based, Jackfruit Berry Pulao (£15.60) plus daal is satisfying
- Budget for sides: rice/naan typically not included with curries
Perfect For
- A date night with cocktails and shared plates
- Breakfast meetups over bacon or egg naans and chai
- Small group celebrations with a lively vibe
- Market-day refuel near Portobello Road
Location Insights
Area: Vibrant market street with a fashionable, mixed local-tourist crowd; lively daytimes and bustling evenings.
Safety: Generally safe, high footfall; occasional complaints about cleanliness around market and restrooms inside.
Nearby: Steps from Portobello Road Market, boutiques and cafes; close to Notting Hill Gate/Ladbroke Grove stations.
Portobello RoadPortobello Road is famous for its bustling market, antique shops, and a wide variety of eateries ranging from casual street food to upscale dining. The area has a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere with a mix of long-term residents and visitors attracted by its unique shopping and dining experiences.
Portobello Market AreaThe micro-neighborhood around Portobello Market is particularly busy on market days, with a festive and eclectic vibe. Dining options here are diverse, catering to a broad audience looking for both quick bites and sit-down meals in a vibrant street market setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–23:00
Tuesday08:00–23:00
Wednesday08:00–23:00
Thursday08:00–23:00
Friday08:00–00:00
Saturday09:00–00:00
Sunday09:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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