The story
In the heart of Notting Hill, Caractère is an independent fine dining restaurant that lives up to its name. The French word for “character” or “personality” is the guiding principle for owners Diego Ferrari and Emily Roux, a husband-and-wife duo who pour their classical training and shared passion into every dish.
Diego, a Milanese chef who honed his craft under Alain Ducasse and spent three years as Head Chef of Le Gavroche, brings a refined Italian sensibility to the kitchen. Emily, born into a legendary gastronomic family, oversees all things pastry, adding her own delicate touch. Together, they have built a restaurant that combines delicious food with a genuinely friendly and warm atmosphere.
The menu, rooted in European contemporary cuisine, evolves with the seasons. A recent special event showcased dishes like roast Cornish cod with white asparagus and caviar, and a raspberry and almond praline dessert—evidence of the kitchen’s precision and flair. The wine list, overseen by head sommelier Marco Nardi, is thoughtfully curated to complement each course.
Caractère’s approach has earned it a Michelin star for high-quality cooking, a recognition that feels entirely natural given the team’s pedigree. The restaurant’s character is perhaps best summed up by a quote they display: “Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.” At Caractère, that character is one of genuine warmth, technical skill, and a deep respect for ingredients.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
High quality cooking
Notting Hill isn't exactly short of fine restaurants these days but Caractère, which sits on a handsome corner plot, has the distinction of being the only remaining restaurant in London to be run by a member of the Roux family. Emily Roux (daughter of Michel Jr) and her husband Diego Ferrari (former head chef at Le Gavroche) opened this casually elegant restaurant in 2018. It's a destination that exudes a quiet self-confidence. The menu draws influences from the couple’s French and Italian backgrounds, and the results are far from ordinary. Dishes are categorised by character traits such as ‘curious’ or ‘greedy’, and you can build your own five-course tasting menu around these traits. There’s also an à la carte and a good-value lunch menu (available Friday and Saturday). We were intrigued right from the off. A dish of aged risotto Acquarello infused with saffron, topped with roasted bone marrow and gremolata and finished with veal jus was simply delicious, while perfectly pink, perfectly tender Cornish rack of lamb, served with piquillo peppers, black olives, capers and lamb jus, impressed with its precision and clarity. And to finish, we thoroughly enjoyed a dessert of warm 75% Peruvian chocolate teamed with hazelnut, gianduja and salted caramel, which tasted like posh Nutella. To drink, there's a treasure trove of French and Italian wines (from around £60), but the majority are over three figures. However, there is plenty of choice by the glass. Good service is a given.
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