Geales Notting Hill Restaurant Review: Perfectly Cooked Seafood in Notting Hill

It’s been a while since I was last in Notting Hill. Living only around the corner (almost), it’s always the places that are closest to you which you seem to forget about the most. Trekking across to Shoreditch or drinks on the Southbank – no problem. But a short hop over to Notting Hill or browse on the King’s Road. I don’t do it nearly enough as I should. But finally, on one very sunny Saturday afternoon I made my way over to Geales in Notting Hill. One of the local’s favourite seafood hangouts. I even spotted some of the Made in Chelsea cast hanging around outside.

With the gorgeous weather outside, we couldn’t resist a quick drink on the terrace before our lunch. Sipping on two glasses of rose Prosecco – with the sun beating down on our face. I really couldn’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon.

The only real problem with Geales is that they have a menu which you’ll struggle to pick from, because it all sounds so good. The trick is to share. We started with the special of the day of beautifully cooked scallops, served with a drizzling of oil, capers, mushroom and a lovely foam sauce. I can’t quite remember what flavour the foam was – though I can remember it was outstanding. Equally as delicious were these heavenly looking tempura tiger prawns with a lemon mayonnaise. Well-cooked, very crispy and very delicious. If there was one thing you shouldn’t miss out on – it’s these prawns.

If Geales was renowned for one thing in particular, it would have to be for its fish & chips. Which meant we had to try it for ourselves – all in the name of research of course. A chunky piece of cod was encased in a deep golden crispy batter and given a sprinkle with parsley. It was perfect. The chips were the right side of crispy and the tartar sauce had an acidity which cut through the oil of the fish. The only thing I wasn’t quite in love with was the side of mushy peas. Though I couldn’t put finger on quite why.

Star dish of our entire afternoon was this piece of whole Brixham dover sole. It’s a fish I really don’t eat enough but will continue to more so now – especially if it’s going to be this good. Extremely well-cooked, smothered in herb butter and served with grilled new potatoes. The top of the fish had a lovely smokiness running through it which I loved and the underneath being more meaty and buttery.

Barely any room for dessert (as usual), we couldn’t leave this neighbourhood favourite without sampling them. These desserts are incredibly decadent and full of calories – so save lots of space. A caramel apple pie with a scoop of ice cream was more of a tart in all honesty, but despite its surprising appearance it was immensely satisfying. The apples were soft and sweet. The pastry was flaky and the caramel sauce which covered everything was good enough for me to want to lick the plate clean. Equally as satisfying was the Geales sticky toffee pudding. Rich and sticky – just as it should be.

We had such a lovely afternoon at Geales and if we had the time we could have easily sat here for many hours longer – sipping glasses of Prosecco on the terrace in the sun. If you’re looking for quality fish & chips, seafood cooked incredibly well and desserts which satisfy all of your senses – then look no further. It’s a great little find and I can’t wait to come back in the Summer to satisfy all of my seafood cravings.