Tonda - Kensington and Chelsea

Tonda is located at the Ladbroke Grove end of Portobello Road and offers great Italian Pizzetta. It's one of the few places in the area that has space for a quick, affordable, late lunch on a Saturday afternoon, especially since it's a bit further away from Notting Hill. The restaurant has seating available on both the upper floor and in the basement, so don't be discouraged if it looks full from outside. Tonda also provides take-away options for those in a hurry, offering Pizzetta and focaccia sandwiches.

I have been disappointed with Italian restaurants in Great Britain for a while now. While some have great food (the best in London by far), many lack authenticity. They are overpriced and serve mediocre fare at best, and at worst, it's downright unpleasant. While strolling along Portobello Road on a Sunday, a favorite pastime of mine, I stumbled upon this small restaurant. It was a refreshing change from the usual places, perfect for a light snack instead of a full meal. The small pizza I tried had a thin, crispy crust that I suspect was made with a sourdough base. Overall, a hidden gem worth visiting for a quick bite.