26 best restaurants in West London

West London hasn’t always had the best reputation when it comes to restaurants, but in the last few years, this once neglected area of London has become home to a thriving restaurant scene. While people previously thought of West London restaurants as being stuffy and formal, it’s now apparent that the wealth of restaurants in the area are as diverse as London itself. So, whether it’s a cosy gastropub you’re after or you’re in the mood for contemporary Indian dishes, there will be a West London restaurant for you. Check out our pick of the best below to see what we mean.

Updated on 10 July 2023

West London might not have the same cool reputation as East, and it might not have the excellent transport links of central, but what it certainly does have is a dynamic restaurant scene. There was a time when many of the restaurants in the West London area were stuffy fine dining establishments with no real cool appeal, but this has undoubtedly changed in the last decade or so.

Sure, there is still no shortage of restaurants in the area where you can don your finest clothes and splash the cash, but there is also a steadily growing clutch of restaurants which has sparked Londoner's imaginations, using fastidious sourcing, attractive interiors and often underrepresented cuisines to offer the kind of experience that would have East London’s residents considering a trip across town.

West London is also home to charming riverside walks, plenty of shopping opportunities and of course the chance to catch some live entertainment at the Hammersmith Apollo. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll by the Thames or are on your way to a gig, it’s always a good idea to reward yourself with a delicious meal out. Our pick of the best West London restaurants should have you sorted.

Hereford Road

Hereford Road

3 Hereford Road, Bayswater, London, W2 4AB

This British bistro is as much part of the fabric of Notting Hill as Carnival, loved by old hippies and new money alike. From the menu of stripped-back classics, our favourites are the traditional desserts.

£30 - £49

British

No. Fifty Cheyne

No. Fifty Cheyne

50 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, London, SW3 5LR

Formerly Cheyne Walk Brasserie, this grown-up restaurant is classy, yet comfortable. It’s a worthwhile spot for comforting, homely dishes, while hearty Sunday roasts complete with all of the trimmings are not to be missed either.

£50 - £79

French

Claude Bosi at Bibendum

Claude Bosi at Bibendum

Michelin House, Chelsea, London, SW3 6RD

Found at Michelin House, this legendary London dining room is now overseen by two Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi. Expect a mesmerising tasting menu created with best in class produce, paired with an inventive wine list.

Over £80

French

Two Michelin stars

SquareMeal London Top 100

Wild by Tart

Wild by Tart

3-4 Eccleston Yards, Belgravia , London, SW1W 9AZ

Wild by Tart co-founders Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison often get lumped in with the clean-eating brigade, but their restaurant is actually a haven of comfort food – think miso caramel cookies with milk ice cream.

£30 - £49

Modern European

Vardo

Vardo

Duke of York Square, Chelsea, Chelsea, London, SW3 4LY

This casual Chelsea restaurant comes from the team behind all-day dining group Caravan and takes up residence in a stunning building on Duke of York Square. Head here for simple dishes inspired by global flavours.

£30 - £49

Modern European

The River Café

The River Café

Thames Wharf, Hammersmith, London, W6 9HA

The word ‘iconic’ might be thrown around these days, but it’s definitely the only way to describe this long-standing Italian. Exquisite food and that famously seductive terrace have secured its place in London’s foodie history.

Over £80

Italian

One Michelin star

Ceru South Kensington

Ceru South Kensington

7-9 Bute Street, London, SW7 3EY

This all-day Levantine sharing plates operation is a great casual option in the area, with a children’s menu and Middle Eastern take on traditional afternoon tea served alongside its à la carte. Fair prices too.

£30 - £49

Mediterranean

Darcie & May Green

Darcie & May Green

Grand Union Canal, Sheldon Square, London, W2 6DS

Moored on Grand Union Canal, this colourful barge serves up Australian-style brunches in the daytime, followed by seasonal sharing plates in the evening. There are nine craft beers on tap and occasional live music too.

£30 - £49

Bars

Le Vacherin

Le Vacherin

76-77 South Parade, London, W4 5LF

Le Vacherin transports you to France with its warm ambience and traditional bistro furnishings. It’s great for date night, but if you’re visiting in a group, opt for the chateaubriand with béarnaise and pommes frites.

£30 - £49

French

Core by Clare Smyth

Core by Clare Smyth

92 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 2PN

Remixing fine dining for the modern crowd, Michelin-starred Core is the brainchild of Gordon Ramsay protégé Clare Smyth, who has carved out a stellar reputation for herself thanks to Core’s truly mind-blowing menu.

Over £80

British

Three Michelin stars

Caractère

Caractère

209 Westbourne Park Road, London, W11 1EA

The debut restaurant from Emily Roux actually sees her take up a front of house position, while husband Diego cooks up a storm in the kitchen. Expect a refined Modern European menu and sweet-natured service.

£50 - £79

Modern European

Orasay

Orasay

31 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 2EU

Jackson Boxer’s Orasay was crowned SquareMeal’s Best New Restaurant for 2019. Artfully plated dishes, fastidious sourcing and wines on tap help to paint the winning picture, and we’re fans of the sweet, knowledgeable service too.

£50 - £79

Modern European

Fish

Da Mario

Da Mario

15 Gloucester Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4PP

Da Mario’s food may not be the best Italian you’ve ever tried, but the appeal of this long-standing haunt lies in its welcoming atmosphere and old-school service. It’s a West London staple for a reason.

Under £30

Pizza

Italian

La Mia Mamma

La Mia Mamma

257 King’s Road, London, SW3 5EL

Every three months, La Mia Mamma imports a real-life Italian ‘mamma’ to create a selection of dishes for its menu alongside the head chef. A gimmick yes, but one that results in delicious, homey fare.

£30 - £49

Italian

Suzi Tros

Suzi Tros

18 Hillgate Street, London, W8 7SR

Casual Suzi Tros has made a name for itself since opening in 2019, thanks to friendly service and a convivial atmosphere. We’re fans of the sharing-style menu too, with the tahini aubergine winning our hearts.

£30 - £49

Greek

The LaLee

The LaLee

75 Sloane St, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9SG

Housed inside The Cadogan hotel in Chelsea, The LaLee is a Modern European cafe, bar and restaurant boasting vintage interiors and an all-day menu that takes diners on a culinary tour of Europe.

£50 - £79

Modern European

Harry

Harry's Dolce Vita

27-31 Basil Street, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1BB

This Italian-leaning restaurant from Caprice Holdings (the team behind The Ivy Collection) is all 1930s glamour and indulgent pasta dishes. It’s also a good place for cocktails in an area otherwise littered with hotel bars.

£30 - £49

Italian

Ukai

Ukai

240 Portobello Road, London, W11 1LL

Ukai proves the old adage that looks can be deceiving. Seemingly an unassuming Portobello pub, this is actually a capable Japanese restaurant serving up the unmissable likes of steamed pork belly buns and vegetable gyoza.

£30 - £49

Sushi

Japanese

Kricket White City

Kricket White City

2 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, W12 7FR

The third and largest site for Kricket offers an affordable choice in an area of London that can often seem stuffed with fine-diners. Our top picks? The Keralan fried chicken and the crunchy bhel puris.

Under £30

Indian

Elystan Street

Elystan Street

43 Elystan Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 3NT

It’s only been open a few years, but Phil Howard’s Elystan Street has already established itself as a Chelsea essential. Refined luxury is the order of the day, matched by an impossibly chic dining room.

£50 - £79

Modern European

One Michelin star

SquareMeal London Top 100

Dishoom Kensington

Dishoom Kensington

4 Derry Street, Kensington, London, W8 5SE

Although Dishoom is practically a high street chain at this point, it still hasn’t lost its alluring magic. The Kensington site is among the prettiest in the portfolio, modelled after a 1940s Bombay jazz club.

£30 - £49

Indian

The Jones Family Kitchen

The Jones Family Kitchen

7-8 Eccleston Yards, London, SW1W 9NF

Sometimes you want a meal without any fuss or gimmicks, but one that is still skilfully executed. Enter The Jones Family Kitchen, with its Ginger Pig steaks, epic whisky list and ever so charming staff.

£30 - £49

International

Dozo Sushi

Dozo Sushi

68 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3DL

If you’re on the hunt for sushi in West London, Dozo is a must. All the classics are present and correct, alongside a few luxury takes on tradition, such as startlingly tender Wagyu beef maki.

£30 - £49

Sushi

Japanese

Chicama

Chicama

383 King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 0LP

This Peruvian on the King’s Road champions sharing plates of seafood in a rustic, casual setting. The gorgeous outdoor terrace is the place to enjoy a glass of wine from Chicama’s assured South American list.

£50 - £79

Peruvian

Fish

Zuaya

Zuaya

35B Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, W8 5BA

Offering a broader selection of Latin American cooking that most London haunts, stylish Zuaya is overseen by Spanish chef, Francisco Lafee. The ceviches and tacos are the best bits, but it’s great for veggies too.

£50 - £79

Peruvian

South American

It's safe to say that West London boasts a plethora of exciting eateries. But if you're looking to narrow down your search, have a look at our list of the coolest restaurants in Chiswick, the best restaurants in Fulham, or top places to eat in Barnes.

Once you’ve explored all that West London has to offer, why not hop across town to visit some of East London's best restaurants and decide for yourself which end of London takes the gastronomic crown. Of course, if you're after a spot that's guranteed to please every time, then we suggest treating yourself to a standout meal at one of London's Michelin starred restaurants.

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