Lisa’s

Was really planning to have dinner at Lisa’s bec cos of the live music from Thu (i think) but weren’t able to. We went for brunch on a Sat @1pm. Weren’t a lot of people initially but was filled 35mins after we sat. We were seated inside with glass roof on a gloomy day, but was still v nice. The staff was very accomodating. My hubby even asked what’s the recipefor the mashed potato and was welcomed. Try the Swedish meatballs, i just wasn’t in favour of the cucumber (don’t really prefer it anywhere!) but pegranate was quite a nice mix. Will def come back during the evening. Shame this is too far my place so it’s easier traveling on daytime!

A very cute place to stop and have a wine. We did not eat the food, but certainly enjoyed the atmosphere while sipping on our wine. Prices are reasonable too.

Lovely lovely Swedish café tucked away on Portobello Road.
I have a bit of a love/​hate relationship with Portobello Road on Saturdays; this is (subtly and not so subtly) documented in other reviews, and really isn’t super-​relevant here other than to say: PHEW, LISA’S IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. Didn’t have to throw any ‘bows here. Not once.
I mean, literally, it feels *fresh*. Both in a Will i Am-​style of «fr-​fr-​fresssssh» and also due to the skylight in the back, white and bright colour scheme, and large-​scale Scandi posters set against the wall. FRESH. Little mini-​vases filled with a sprig or two of eucalyptus. A big repurposed glass canister holding spring branches. A massive pitcher filled with tulips. It’s the little things, but those little things get big love from me.
It was pretty manic ’round brunch time on a Saturday, but being with just one other we managed to score a (tight) table for two (see: possibly *too* close for a first date, but perfect for chinwagging best friends! Thankfully I was in the latter company). The service wasn’t super attentive or speedy, which suited the pace of brunch with a friend just fine, but could have been an issue in a different context.
I went for the all-​day breakfast: 2 eggs (any style; I went poached, and they were ok, though the yolks were hard), 2 mini Swedish sausages (YES!), avocado and shavings of sharp cheese on a selection of seeded crackers and some lightly dressed pea shoots. 8GBP. It wasn’t hearty, but it was balanced and delicious and varied and… perfect.
Other options range from the traditionally Swedish (meatballs with mash and lingonberry sauce) to salads and a soup of the day which — when I went — was a vibrant green asparagus. So tasty, and with a side of bread and butter, a great light option.
Didn’t have time for the traditional Swedish apple cake for dessert but THAT IS MY BURDEN TO BEAR.
Unilocal note: although there aren’t many hearty vegetarian options, a tip of the hat to the varied options for veggies as sides, including broccoli with toasted almonds, beans, and a personal fave — radishes with butter and salt!

Great little place to go with friends on Portebello Road. Their food is absoluty delish, its simple home cooking. And their chili cocktail was to die for, I’d go back just for that cocktail.

Lisa’s in Notting Hill is a friendly Swedish coffee shop and restaurant with a simple, almost stereotypically Nordic style and an artsy touch to it.
I remember, I read about Lisa’s a few months ago, and when I walked around Notting Hill and looked for a place to sit down and rest a bit, I suddenly came across it again and decided to check it out.
At day, the place is a light, pretty artsy and lovely coffee shop — right for a «fika», as the Swedes say. When it gets darker and dinner service begins, the atmosphere at Lisa’s changes accordingly with lights being dimmed down and candles being lit up on all tables.
I had the luck, or maybe misfortune in some way, to be there right between afternoon and evening to witness the change of atmosphere. Kind of like watching the sun set. Due to my slightly off-​peak arrival time, it all was a little bit chaotic. For example I was offered a coffee, at least until they came back to me and apologised very nicely that they had run out of coffee.
At other places, I might have been a bit grumpy about such a service. At this friendly Swedish place, I was happy just to sit down with a crispy and surprisingly light cinnamon bun.
Initially, the idea was to go to Lisa’s for dinner, but then really I was just looking for a place to sit down, rest and read after an hour’s walk around West London. And Lisa’s turned out to be almost the perfect place for a break — even without a coffee.
Often, cinnamon buns are dense and heavy, which mostly is fine, but the cinnamon bun at Lisa’s was unexpectedly light and fluffy and crunchy. Compared to the IKEA cinnamon bun I incidentally just had earlier that day when I went to one of the furniture empire’s London outlets to satisfy my craving for the world-​famous IKEA meatballs, the cinnamon bun at Lisa’s was a right delight.
I enjoyed my time at Lisa’s, even though not everything was perfect. Of course, I’ve instantly decided to go back soon to check out the full evening menu. Most likely, I’ll go for the meatballs… and I’m already convinced that they’ll be delicious!
If you like Swedish or more general Scandinavian food, Lisa’s on Portobello Road is a place you should know!

I’m still mourning the original Portobello Café that used to be located here — after all, it’s where Johnny Depp and Kate Moss used to hang out …
It’s seen various owners and incarnations since, and I must admit that Lisa’s is the best one yet. The white floor and walls and Scandinavian inspiried furniture work extremely well and make the place look fresh and bright even on a typical grey London afternoon.
I haven’t had a chance to sample any of the food — apparently they are experts in crayfish parties — but the coffee was nice and strong and service super friendly. Lovely neighbourhood café.

My first of many visits to Lisa’s.
Very friendly staff and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
I visited as part of the crayfish festival celebrations which was situated in the ‘secret garden at the back of the restaurant. This was a amazingly unique experience to grab a piece of Swedish culture in London. Great food the fish — salmon was beautiful, fresh and tasty but the crayfish was the star of the evening along with the Swedish and Danish snaps. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for some authentic Swedish hospitality or anyone looking for drink/​food near Portabello market.

Very friendly, neighbourhood/​community experience. We popped into this Swedish joint for a drink and chat after the market (mmm dill fizz– so refreshing). It turned out to be the owner’s birthday party! There were festivities and general good times being had by all. The bartender was so relaxed, but attentive and was happy to charge my phone behind the bar. We sat in the charming patio garden. Wish we had some room for eats. Next time! Fika and Karelia Kitchen (and… Ikea?) will have to fill my swede tooth in Toronto.

One of the worst experience of my life. I am visiting London for the first time and I am so disappointed to have received such poor service at one of the most tourist attraction area. My waitress never even brought me the menu whilst she passed by me 5 times!!! She was either racist or just plain cruel.

I stopped at Lisa’s by pure chance because I had to walk from Westbourne Park to Ladbroke Grove due to the tube strike. I saw herring and gravlax on the written chalkboard menu outside so being a fan of smoked fish I had to stop – while my initial plan was to skip dinner. Trying to eat light on business trips. Very cute place inside with small two people tables hanging from the wall. Candles. Romantic. The place was packed with beautiful blonde women. A bit of a cliché for a Swedish restaurant. The waitress was French. From Bordeaux. Could tell from her accent. I ordered my two favorite appetizers. Gravlax and herring with 3 different sauces. The gravlax was amazing. Both the quality of the fish but the preparation and presentation. But the herring was divine. Best I have ever had. If you are not a herring fan, this is the dish that will convert you. I wanted to order more but I stuck to my light dinner plan. I will be back on this block of Portobello road for sure.

Went to Lisa’s for the first time this Thursday. Part of a group of 20, looking for a good Swedish eatery. They have a happy hour 5−7pm. Cocktails are half price. I had a can of Red Stripe which was just £2.
Lisa’s has a really relaxed atmosphe, almost like visiting someone home for a dinner party.
For a starter, I had gratinated beetroat with goats cheese. It was topped with rosemary honey. It was served warm. I loved it.
For the main coarse it has to be meatballs for me. If your only experience of meatballs is IKEA, you have not tasted really tasty ones until you try Lisa’s. The meatbals were served with potato purée, cream sauce, pickled cucumber and lingonberries — Great!
To finish, I had Kladdkaka, served with whipped cream (Swedish chocolate cake). I’m not usually a desert person but it was super.
Considering we were a group of 20, they maintained a very high standard.
Lisa’s is within walking distance from my home, so I will certainly be back.
They also welcome dogs — Highly recommend.
Unfortunately I’ve been informed that this establishment has closed down.

In my two years of living in London, i hadn’t been to Portobello Road if you can believe it. Long story short, i had a great time, love the vibe, the markets and of course Lisa’s!
Recently opened, this place is probably one of the best places i’ve stumbled across in London.
The décor inside is just amazing with an obvious Nordic feel. I opted for Lisa’s lemonade which was a freshly made grapefruit and lemon drink, so tasty and only £3.
Although on this occasion i didn’t eat, Lisa’s does sell food and judging by my drink and the feisty girls who run the joint, the food is going to be good.
I highly recommend venturing in if you’re around the area. Great for a quiet drink, they also have a late licence and carry through to the evening with live music. Ahhh London living.