Best restaurants in South Kensington

The flagship restaurant of one of the most the recognised chefs in the world thankfully lives up to his famous name – which is good because it can take up to two months to secure a table reservation at this coveted dining spot. Make sure you try the signature sweet lobster ravioli.

The Big Mamma group (Gloria, Ave Mario, among others) is synonymous with maximalist decor, and Jacuzzi, set in a four-storey Sicilian mansion, is no exception. Look beyond the oversized chandeliers, however, and you'll find some exceptional food - we recommend the indulgent pasta puttanesca, and the classic Big Mamma tiramisu to finish.

A luxurious ode to modern Japanese cuisine, Dinings SW3 is exactly what you would expect from fine Knightsbridge dining. Predictably, there's caviar, truffle, and wagyu all over the menu, but also some surprisingly affordable choices like the shrimp tempura inside-out roll (£17 for six pieces), and some interesting cocktails, such as a miso-infused Espresso Martini.

One of London's most romantic restaurants, La Poule au Pot has been delighting Londoners with its Gallic menu for more than half a century. The quiet terrace is the perfect setting for alfresco balmy evenings, while the atmospheric bare-brick interior is decorated with bushels of dried herbs, flowers and twinkly candles.

Another brick in the Gordon Ramsay empire, this glamorous and lively dining spot is best enjoyed when booking the eight-seater chef’s table in front of the kitchen (although it comes with a serious bill). Honourable mentions go to the seasonal rhubarb souffle with creme anglaise and crumble, and the genius take on Black Forest gateau.

Described as "incredibly authentic", Cambio de Tercio offers a mix of classic and modern tapas. Regulars say must-order dishes include the 'nuevas’ patatas bravas filled with spicy tomato and alioli, but new additions like rock oyster tempura with plankton seaweed cream deserve a chance too.

With nearly 40 years of history, the traditional, family-run Italian La Famiglia will transport you to a better, friendlier time where first-rate ingredients make the classics more delicious than ever. Expect no glitz and glamour, this place is all about the wholesome hearty food and welcoming environment. We hear the truffle tagliatelle is a must try!

Formerly the Cheyne Walk Brasserie, this beloved local gem was refurbished and relaunched by Sally Greene, founder director of The Old Vic and owner of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. With marble tables set on parquet floors and chandelier-lit ceilings, its classy interiors match the sophisticated flavours on the menu by Chef Iain Smith.

Decorated in a cute pastel colour palette, Wulf & Lamb offers up a wide range of options to its vegetarian and vegan clientele. Vegan alternatives to popular dishes include a vegan burrito made with ackee for mains and a creamy, pull-apart mac ’n’ cheese as a side, as well as a range of Insta-worthy burgers.

A traditional Italian mainstay that has held its spot on Pavilion Road since 1974, Sale e Pepe certainly lives up to its glamorous reputation, while recent interior renovations prevent it feeling dated. The food has a welcome focus on high-quality produce, and signature dishes like the veal Milanese or whole seabass shared between two cannot be missed.

French chef Claude Bosi is described as being at 'the top of his game' in one of London’s most iconic rooms. This two-Michelin-starred master of innovative French cuisine uses the finest produce around to create inventive dishes - think a Moroccan-inspired take on French guinea fowl, or quail served with raspberry vinegar and lemon thyme.

Rustic French bistro Josephine Bouchon (a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant) is named for the grandmother who inspired head chef Claude Bosi's approach to traditional French cuisine. This is thus a nostalgic tribute to Bosi's hometown of Lyon; dishes like beef Bourguignon are prepared with unpretentious warmth, and also come with decent value for money (£15.50 for a special).

The view is without a doubt one of Min Jiang’s best selling points – 10 floors up and nothing short of mesmerising. But its scrubbed-up but authentic Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine is a close second, especially the star of the show – the Beijing duck, in all its crispy-skin-dipped-in-fine-sugar glory.

Sumosan Twiga has plenty to explore inside - from its basement nightclub, first-floor dining room, to its spacious top-floor bar. The menu is a mix of Japanese and Italian dishes, so you could pick from sushi, sea bass risotto, or veal Milanese. Our favourite? The T&T sushi rolls - they're heady with truffle-laced tuna.

In Myrtle Irish chef Anna Haugh has made her solo restaurant debut, following successful stints at big names like London House and Bob Bob Ricard. Turns out if you mix an elegant take on modern Irish cuisine and add in friendly hospitality, you get the perfect cosy location for a date night or an overdue catch up with a friend.

A London take on a traditional country pub, the Hunter's Moon will fill you instantly with nostalgia, with its rustic oak floors and open fireplace. The food, however, is in no way dated - menu highlights include scallop ceviche with wasabi mayonnaise and yuzu dressing, and Dua Lipa favourite olive oil ice cream with Maldon sea salt. 

Housed in a 1830s townhouse, Launceston Place is hard to spot if you don’t know this gem is there. But once in, diners rave about the exceptional quality of the modern European cuisine. For a more affordable visit, head there at lunch for the bargain menu - the cheese trolley is a show-stopper.

From acclaimed chef Phil Howard and restauranteur Rebecca Mascarenhas, Elystan Street merges sleek, cool interiors with a refined yet comforting Modern European menu. Removing the twice-baked cheese souffle from the menu garnered widespread complaints, so thankfully it's now back; elsewhere, enjoy baked berry ice cream with warm Madeleines for dessert.

On the hunt for somewhere to eat on Kensington High Street? This hotel restaurant is warm and welcoming, with bright interiors, views of Kensington Gardens, and international menus that cater to every occasion - including afternoon tea and a Sunday roast! 

When food is described as “sublimely fresh”, you know you're onto a winner. Throw in incomparably warm and genuine service, with a classically elegant, warmly lit, low-ceilinged room and you get The Five Fields, possibly the most unassumingly glamorous joint to ever exist.

Finding an Indian restaurant in London is not hard - finding a good one is a different story. Enter Kutir, a place where modern Indian cuisine gains centre stage. For extra novelty points, you'll be amused to hear diners must ring a doorbell or rap the silver elephant door knocker to enter.

A charming neighbourhood spot with elegant white and green decor, Medlar has built up a reputation for its excellent service and and exceptionally well-priced set menu. The menus are updated regularly but steaks and the signature crab raviolo are a mainstay. An insider tip tells us everyone should "request some Madeleines with after-dinner coffee".