Casa Cruz’s new menu under chef Jacob Rowley’s produce-led menu, blending British ingredients and Latin flair in one of London’s most elegant settings.
Casa Cruz, Notting Hill’s copper-clad jewel, has unveiled its most significant culinary transformation since opening nearly a decade ago.
Under the skilled direction of newly appointed Head Chef Jacob Rowley, this beloved institution is writing its next chapter with a menu that balances British provenance with subtle Latin flair.
A New Culinary Vision for a Notting Hill Icon
For almost ten years, Casa Cruz has maintained its status as one of West London’s most coveted dining destinations. Nestled among the leafy streets of W11, the restaurant has cultivated a reputation for exceptional hospitality, sophisticated interiors, and a discerning clientele.
Now, as it approaches its milestone anniversary, Casa Cruz is reinforcing its culinary credentials with an ambitious menu refresh led by a chef whose pedigree speaks volumes.
Jacob Rowley joins Casa Cruz following an acclaimed tenure at Hampshire’s Oakley Hall, where his produce-led approach earned the establishment 2 AA Rosettes and three consecutive “Restaurant of the Year, South East” titles at the Food Awards, most recently in 2024. Rowley’s appointment signals Casa Cruz’s commitment to elevating its dining experience while honouring the distinctive character that has made it a neighbourhood favourite.
“Having risen through the ranks in kitchens both in the UK and abroad, Rowley brings invaluable expertise to delivering an exceptional dining experience,” notes the restaurant. “His new menu for Casa Cruz marks the restaurant’s most significant change since opening in 2015, artfully blending a modern European style with a subtle nod to the Latin flavours that have shaped Casa Cruz’s spirit from the start.”
British Produce with Global Inspiration
The new menu reflects Rowley’s philosophy of letting exceptional ingredients speak for themselves. By cultivating close relationships with farmers and fishermen across the British Isles, he ensures that each dish showcases the finest seasonal produce at its peak. This farm-to-table approach means diners can expect constant evolution, with dishes adapting to capture the essence of each micro-season.
Despite this distinctly British foundation, Rowley’s creations maintain a subtle connection to the Latin influences that have been integral to Casa Cruz’s identity since its inception. This balance creates a dining experience that feels both innovative and comfortingly familiar to long-time patrons.
Signature Dishes: Refined Indulgence
Among the standout additions to the menu is the hand-picked day boat crab served with brown crab brioche French toast – a decadent combination that exemplifies Rowley’s talent for elevating classic flavours with technical precision. Equally impressive is the poached St Ewes egg, generously topped with shaved winter truffle – a dish that has quickly become a favourite among the restaurant’s Instagram-savvy clientele.
Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the grilled Dover sole finished with rich chicken skin butter, a masterclass in balancing delicate fish with intensely savoury notes. For those with heartier appetites, the impressive 1.2kg côte de boeuf offers a theatrical sharing experience that epitomises the convivial dining atmosphere Casa Cruz has cultivated.
Vegetarian options receive the same careful attention, with the beer molasses-glazed salt-baked celeriac standing as a testament to Rowley’s commitment to creating satisfying plant-based dishes that rival their meat and fish counterparts in both presentation and flavour. Similarly, the roasted delica pumpkin with stracciatella demonstrates how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results in skilled hands.
Beyond the Main Event
The revamped menu extends beyond its headline dishes to include an array of smaller plates designed for sharing and exploration. The grana padano tapioca croquettes with salsa macha offer the perfect excuse to arrive early for aperitifs at the restaurant’s famous copper bar. Meanwhile, the spiralized merguez sausage with apricot and green pistachio showcases Rowley’s flair for unexpected combinations.
For the ultimate indulgence, discerning diners are encouraged to begin their Casa Cruz experience with a caviar bump – perhaps the most glamorous way to commence an evening in Notting Hill. Other highlights include the vadouvan spiced lamb belly with pomegranate and mint, a dish that reflects Rowley’s talent for balancing robust flavours with fresh, vibrant elements.
Pasta aficionados will find satisfaction in the native lobster pappardelle, which marries the ultimate luxury ingredient with comforting, handmade pasta – a perfect example of how Casa Cruz bridges the gap between refinement and the simple pleasure of truly excellent food.
The Setting: Sophisticated Charm
Casa Cruz’s physical space remains as captivating as ever. Spread across two handsomely designed floors and crowned with a sought-after rooftop terrace, the restaurant continues to offer multiple experiences under one roof. The intimate, copper-clad bar remains a focal point, while the dining spaces strike a balance between see-and-be-seen excitement and neighbourhood warmth.
It’s this duality that has cemented Casa Cruz’s position in London’s competitive dining landscape. While it attracts a notable clientele that includes some of the city’s most recognisable faces, it has never sacrificed the welcoming atmosphere that makes regulars feel like they’ve discovered a hidden gem, despite the restaurant’s established reputation.
A Decade of Excellence
As Casa Cruz approaches its tenth anniversary, this menu refresh represents more than just new dishes – it’s a statement of intent. By bringing in a talent like Rowley and investing in a comprehensive culinary overhaul, the restaurant demonstrates its commitment to evolution while respecting the elements that have made it successful.
The timing couldn’t be better. As London’s dining scene continues to evolve, established venues must find ways to remain relevant without chasing trends. Casa Cruz’s approach – focusing on exceptional ingredients, skilled preparation, and an atmosphere that balances exclusivity with warmth – positions it perfectly for its next decade.
The Chef’s Journey
Jacob Rowley’s path to Casa Cruz reflects a career dedicated to culinary excellence. His experience spans prestigious kitchens both domestically and internationally, providing him with a diverse repertoire of techniques and influences. However, it’s his commitment to building direct relationships with producers that truly distinguishes his approach.
At Oakley Hall, this philosophy earned the restaurant not only critical acclaim but also remarkable consistency – as evidenced by their three consecutive regional Restaurant of the Year titles. By bringing this same dedication to Casa Cruz, Rowley ensures that each plate that leaves his kitchen represents the pinnacle of seasonal British produce.
His technical skill allows him to balance simplicity with sophistication, creating dishes that impress without overwhelming. This approach aligns perfectly with Casa Cruz’s ethos of understated luxury – an experience that feels special without being pretentious.
Looking Forward
With this menu launch, Casa Cruz positions itself for another successful decade in London’s ever-changing gastronomic landscape. By investing in culinary excellence while maintaining the atmosphere and service that has built its reputation, the restaurant demonstrates a thoughtful approach to evolution.
For Notting Hill residents, the refresh offers a renewed reason to visit a neighbourhood favourite. For visitors, it provides an authentic taste of contemporary London dining at its finest – sophisticated yet welcoming, ambitious yet approachable.
As Jacob Rowley settles into his role and continues to develop his vision for Casa Cruz’s culinary identity, diners can expect ongoing innovation within the framework he has established. Seasonal menu changes will showcase the best of British produce throughout the year, ensuring that repeat visits reward with new discoveries.
The Essence of Casa Cruz
At its core, Casa Cruz remains what it has always been – an intimate, warm, and elegant neighbourhood restaurant and bar that happens to also be one of London’s most coveted dining destinations. The copper accents, the rooftop terrace, the sophisticated clientele – these elements contribute to the experience but don’t define it.
What defines Casa Cruz is its commitment to creating memorable evenings. Whether that’s through a perfectly executed Dover sole, an impressive shared côte de boeuf, or simply the warm welcome that greets each guest, the restaurant understands that true luxury lies in attention to detail and genuine hospitality.
With Jacob Rowley’s innovative new menu, Casa Cruz reaffirms its place in London’s culinary firmament – a restaurant that respects tradition while embracing evolution, that celebrates British produce while acknowledging global influences, and that offers exclusivity without sacrificing warmth. For those fortunate enough to secure a table, an extraordinary dining experience awaits.
A Destination for Discerning Diners
As word spreads of Rowley’s culinary reinvention at Casa Cruz, securing a reservation may become even more coveted than before. For those planning a visit, the recommendation is clear – book well in advance, arrive early to enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the copper bar, and come with an appetite for exploration.
Whether you’re a long-time patron curious about this new chapter or a first-time visitor eager to experience one of Notting Hill’s defining dining destinations, Casa Cruz promises an evening of exceptional food in a setting that perfectly balances sophistication with comfort. Nearly a decade after opening its doors, this neighbourhood gem continues to shine brighter than ever.
*Images: Haydon Perrier
