I needed a break from studying and the continuous downpour we’ve had this week in London, so my Nonna and I decided to meet at Ottolenghi in Notting Hill for some lunch. I love everything about this place, the freshness of the ingredients, the inventiveness of the flavor combinations, and the way the food and pastries are spread out, reminiscent of a candy shop display.

I chose Saffron couscous with roasted cauliflower, pomegranate seeds, flaked almonds, and dill, coriander sweet potato wedges with poppy seeds, coriander, chilli, lemon grass and sour cream, and delicious seared tuna with soy sauce, sesame oil, chili, ginger and spring onion sauce. Every bite was packed with contrasting flavors that combined to create a surprising, but delectable taste. We sat at the back of the restaurant where one table that seats about ten stands with a stunning, massive flower arrangement. The atmosphere is intimate and customers happily chat to each other as a result of the close proximity. After our chat, I had a beautiful passionfruit meringue cupcake – the perfect end to a beautiful lunch.