Casa Cruz: Inside Taylor Swift’s Latest London Hangout

By Ellie Smith

5 months ago

This Notting Hill restaurant is a magnet for A-listers


Taylor Swift is currently working her way around the UK’s cities for the latest leg of her Eras tour, and fans are loving seeing her get stuck into British life. The popstar is reportedly staying in a home in Chipping Norton, the Cotswolds – but last week she popped over to London for a night out with some fellow A-listers, heading for dinner at Notting Hill restaurant Casa Cruz. Keen to follow in her footsteps? Here’s what to expect at the celebrity favourite. 

Casa Cruz: What’s Behind The Hype?

 

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The Backstory

Everyone is talking about Casa Cruz right now (call it the Swift effect), but this Notting Hill eatery actually opened many years ago, back in 2015. It’s the brainchild of Argentinian designer and restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz, who rose to fame with his debut restaurant Casa Cruz in Buenos Aires in 2004 – and also helms London hotspot Isabel, an equally glitzy spot in Mayfair.

Although it has remained fairly under-the-radar, celebrities have been flocking to Casa Cruz for years: regulars include Kate Moss, the Beckhams and Sienna Miller. It’s a favourite with royals too: Prince Harry was spotted there before he left for California, and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice are reportedly fans. 

In 2021 the restaurant came under fire for breaching lockdown rules to host a 30th birthday party for Rita Ora. However, it seems to have recovered from the scandal: this year alone, Casa Cruz’ guestlist has included Leonardo DiCaprio, Dua Lipa, Stormzy, Charlotte Tilbury and Edward Enninful. And, crucially, last week Swift visited with a starry gang that included Cara Delevingne, Phoebe Waller Bridge, Stella McCartney and Andrew Scott.

Spread across two floors, the restaurant has an exclusive feel (naturally), with sultry interiors – think mahogany-clad walls and plush green banquettes – and a roof terrace.

What’s On The Menu?

So what are all these A-listers eating? The menu at Casa Cruz is suitably chic, focusing on South American fare across four key sections: small plates and salads, pastas, fish and meat, and vegetables. To begin you could enjoy starters of tuna and sea bass crudo, prawn carpaccio and steak tartare, ahead of mains of blackened chicken, steak or lemon sole, paired with caramelized sweet potatoes, steamed asparagus or organic carrots. There’s also a dessert menu featuring dishes like pistachio tiramisu, tarte tatin and fruit parfait.

 

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On the drinks side, Casa Cruz is all about elegant cocktails: signatures include Mirrors, made with Tanqueray Gin and peach liqueur, and Charlie’s Favourite, a blend of tequila, chartreuse verte, lime juice and ginger beer. There’s also an extensive wine list featuring bottles from some of the world’s top wine regions – including plenty from Argentina.

Where Is Casa Cruz?

Casa Cruz is located between Notting Hill and Holland Park in west London. The address is 123A Clarendon Rd, London W11 4JG.

How To Book

You can book tables online at casacruz.co.uk – just be prepared to splash the cash…