Best restaurants Kensington

As one of the most affluent areas of London, the restaurant scene in Kensington offers up some of the finest eateries in the city. Despite plenty of the restaurants in this part of town screaming decadence and wealth there are now hundreds of restaurants to suit every budget so no matter what your requirements may be, Kensington will almost certainly have a restaurant for you. Take a look at some of the ones we think are the best before you next head to W8.

Updated on 16 October 2019

As one of the most desirable postcodes in London, Kensington has a well-heeled clientele who are always looking for the next hottest ticket in town when it comes to dinner. Thankfully this appetite for good restaurants, whatever the price point, means there are places that suit every taste and budget.

From upmarket Indians, to classic British institutions, Kensington is home to a plethora of restaurants both on and off the high street. Being so central in London, not only is it a great place to stop for a meal if you are in the area, but as it is so close to lots of tourist destinations, offices and residential areas, Kensington is definitely worth travelling to for a spot of lunch or dinner around other activities.

We’ve put together a list of must-visit restaurants Kensington has to offer, so that next time you are strolling down the high-street and stuck for somewhere to get a good meal, you can refer to this list for some dining inspiration.

Launceston Place

Launceston Place

1a Launceston Place, Kensington, London, W8 5RL

Residing in a 1830s townhouse, this minimalist restaurant only employs chefs that are on the rise. Dishes served here are on the quirky and experimental side and are beautiful to look at too. Try the Presa Iberica to get you started. 

£50 - £79
Modern European
Akira At Japan House

Akira At Japan House

101-111 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, W8 5SA

This high-end Asian is found at Japan House London, which is part of a global collection established by the Japanese government to encourage cultural interaction (there are other sites in Los Angeles and Sao Paulo). Japan House London takes up three floors of a Grade II-listed building on Kensington High Street, and Akira can be found on the first. The menu, from chef Shimizu Akira, majors in dishes cooked over a robata grill, alongside sushi and chargrilled kushiyaki skewers made from wagyu beef, pork, chicken, seafood and vegetables. Rice is prepared in a donabe (clay pot), while cocktails make use of Japanese ingredients, including rare saké, yuzu and shisho. Those in a rush can instead visit the snack stand, which serves Nel Drip coffee, before perusing one of Japan House’s exhibition spaces or the expansive library. 

Over £80
Sushi
Japanese
Afternoon tea
Zuaya

Zuaya

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

Serving up a fusion of Latin American cuisine, Zuaya is a modern and stylish restaurant great for enjoying both cocktails and full on meals. Expect to find the likes of jamon Iberico and tacos and listen as the resident DJ plays Latin music. You’ll feel like you’ve left London as soon as you step through the door.   

£50 - £79
Peruvian
South American
The Ivy Kensington Brasserie

The Ivy Kensington Brasserie

96 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, W8 4SG

Located in almost all of London’s most desirable postcodes, it will come as no surprise that this Ivy Brasserie is located in Kensington. Serving up traditional British fare including the likes of shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, this restaurant screams old-school decadence and is ideal for celebrations and business meetings a like.  

£30 - £49
Brasserie
Afternoon tea
Enoteca Rosso

Enoteca Rosso

276-280 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, W8 6ND

As the Greek definition of enoteca is ‘wine repository’ it may come as no surprise, that when you enter Enoteca Rosso, the walls are filled to the ceiling with bottles of wine ready to be paired with its fresh pasta dishes. Although the name may be Greek, the restaurant is firmly rooted in its Italian cuisine so expect the likes of wild boar pappardelle and vension agnolotti.

£30 - £49
Italian
Zaika of Kensington

Zaika of Kensington

1 High street Kensington, London, W8 5NP

As a landmark Indian restaurant in Kensington, Zaika serves up food inspired by Awadhi royalty and aristocrats. All the dishes that come out of the kitchen are beautifully presented and range from spicy curries to tandoori kebabs.

£30 - £49
Indian
Cambio de Tercio

Cambio de Tercio

163 Old Brompton Road, London, London, SW5 0LJ

Opening almost 30 years ago and boasting a loyal customer base, Cambio de Tercio serves up experimental Spanish dishes sure to wow. From globes of steam revealing tasty dishes to foam on top of oysters, Cambio de Tercio takes Spanish food to another level.

£50 - £79
Spanish
Belvedere

Belvedere

Off Abbotsbury Road, Holland Park, London, W8 6LU

Sitting in the beautifully kept Holland Park, Belvedere’s terracotta walls, elegant charm and abundance of foliage give the impression of an evening on a Tuscan terrace. A creative menu of Mediterranean cuisine is just as good as the setting, promising excellence from start to finish.

 

£50 - £79
Italian
Kitchen W8

Kitchen W8

11-13 Abingdon Road, Kensington, London, W8 6AH

This laid back Michelin starred restaurant serves up great quality food without all the pretentiousness. The light and airy restaurant mixed with modern interiors make for a great place to enjoy some delights off the menu. These include grilled Cornish mackerel, caramelised truffle gnocchi and glazed choux buns.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
French
One Michelin star
The Shed

The Shed

122 Palace Gardens Terrace, Kensington, London, W8 4RT

Run by three brothers from the Sussex countryside, The Shed brings a slice of rural life to the city. Every element of this restaurant incorporates their farm roots. From the bar fashioned from an old tractor bonnet to the rustic and seasonal menu.

£30 - £49
British
Min Jiang at the Royal Garden Hotel

Min Jiang at the Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, W8 4PT

With spectacular views over Hyde Park and located in the Royal Garden Hotel, this high-end Chinese restaurant serves up some of the best crispy duck in the city. Try the ‘legendary wood-fired Beijing Duck’ with pancakes of course, and choose from a number of other traditional Chinese dishes.  

£50 - £79
Chinese
Dim Sum
Chakra Holland Street

Chakra Holland Street

33c Holland Street, London, W8 4LX

Moving from their glitzy location in Notting hill to a more low-key location in Kensington, Chakra’s classic Indian menu with a contemporary twist is filled with exciting dishes and lots of vegan and vegetarian options. To get started, go for the desi chilli cheese toast before moving on to something hotter.

£50 - £79
Indian
Raj of Kensington

Raj of Kensington

1 Abingdon Road, London, W8 6AH

Getting its name from the British Raj and the UK's rule over India between 1858 -1947, the Raj of Kensington brings all the best bits of Indian cuisine to its menu. Dishes from a range of regions in India feature on the menu and the simple décor lets you focus on the food.

£30 - £49
Indian
Yashin Sushi

Yashin Sushi

1a Argyll Road, Kensington, London, W8 7DB

Headed up by two Nobu trained chefs, Yashin Sushi’s dark wood bar, quirky signs and stylish green tiles make it the ideal place to enjoy some exciting sushi dishes. Try the likes of asparagus tempura, yellowtail nigiri and paradise prawn tempura and don’t forget to wash it down with some sake.

£50 - £79
Sushi
Japanese

Want to know more about the best restaurants in London? Take a look at our pick of the best restaurants in Knightsbridge

Join SquareMeal Rewards

Collect points, worth at least £1, every time you book online and dine at a participating restaurant.

Start Collecting Points

Already a member? Sign in