Born from founder Victoria Paltina’s frequent trips to Tel Aviv, HAYA is a new neighbourhood restaurant in London’s affluent Notting Hill with a strong focus on Mediterranean sharing plates and quality; seasonal ingredients served amid a lively ambience and spirited design.
Split over two floors, diners can dive into breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes such as egg white omelette with goat cheese kicking off the daily proceedings, to be followed by small plates including grilled halloumi skewers; cauliflower Jaffa style; and spiced lamb cutlets. Larger delights such as smoked tahini and Zaatar duck breast served with freekeh risotto offer something for later in the day.
Designed by A-nrd studio—the London-based multidisciplinary practice behind the capital’s Portuguese eatery, Casa do Frango; The Belrose pub in Belsize Park; Fitzrovia’s Señor Ceviche among many more—HAYA features floor-to-ceiling timber sash windows that flood the space during the day, before intimate lighting transforms the space with a cosier feel by nightfall.
Warm oak wood flooring and textured concrete walls outline the ground floor dining area, which is dotted with blush marble topped tables, a plant filled ceiling, and splashes of colour It’s the beating heart of the space, especially as the open kitchen is located here, enabling diners to watch their plates being prepared amid the general hustle and bustle of masters at work.
Downstairs, the vibe is more Tel Aviv household with a home-style bar. Here, a bespoke stained glass window lords it over a large marble sharing table; offering small groups the perfect spot to savour Israeli influences in the heart of Notting Hill. Neighbourhoody but with bags of sophistication, HAYA delivers a winning combination in one of London’s most affective ‘hoods.
Photography, courtesy A-nrd Studio / HAYA Notting Hill
