Emily Roux to open her first restaurant in Notting Hill with husband Diego Ferrari

Emily Roux, the daughter of Michel Roux Jr, is set to open her first restaurant in October together with her husband Diego Ferrari, currently head chef at Le Gavroche. The duo have secured a location in Notting Hill, which is proving to be a popular destination for high-profile openings: last year Clare Smyth launched her debut restaurant in the fashionable West London neighbourhood.

The name Caractère is a play on both chefs’ unique and strong characters, their families’ influences, and their cooking and eating experiences, which will be reflected both in the menu and the décor. The food will be focussed on French and Italian dishes, stemming from the heritage and expertise of both chefs.

Roux and Ferrari recently tested their skills in mixing French and Italian cuisine with a special dinner at the famous two-michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant. Dubbed Italia, the exclusive dinner was led by the godfather of Italian cuisine in London, Giorgio Locatelli.

The couple prepared a Tartare of Red Sicilian Prawns, Jellied Consommé and Caviar and a Rabbit Porchetta, Artichokes, Olives and Rocket; Locatelli, completed the menu with a stunning Egg Yolk Raviolo with Vignarola and Truffle. If the dinner was anything to go by, Caractère should live up to the high expectations any Roux-related food project carries.

“My background and my training is, of course, Classic French fine dining, but I’ve always been so in love with Italian food.  Then I found love with Italian-born Diego when we were both working in Monaco at Alain Ducasse’s three Michelin starred restaurant, Le Louis XV. Since we’ve been together, he has taught me so much about Italian food.  Our new restaurant brings together our story, and our menu will always be a reflection of the food we love to cook and love to eat,” said Roux.

Each season the menu is set to change, and diners will also have the opportunity choose from the daily specials. The wine list will offer both French and Italian wines, and will predominantly feature smaller winemakers.

Diego Ferrari commented: “We are incredibly excited about opening our first restaurant together. Caractère is the manifestation of everything we love, and we cannot wait to share it.”

Filippo L’Astorina, the Editor
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina

Caractère, 209 Westbourne Park Road London W11 1EA, is set to open in October 2018. For further information visit the restaurant’s website here.