Updated on 24 October 2019
This area is known for some of the best museum and shopping spots worldwide, but it also has plenty of places with lovely food and great atmosphere which we’ve gathered together in our list of the best restaurants in South Kensington. From romantic French ambiance, to modern British cuisine and some of the most delicious Italian dishes you’ll ever taste, there’s something for every palate and every price point. So, after you’ve done a spot of shopping at Harrods or checked out some art at the V&A, it’s time to tuck your feet under one of these tables and sample some of the best restaurants the capital has to offer. There are quite a few Michelin-starred places, so you know you’re in for some very high quality food in South Kensington. But quality doesn’t always have to come at a price - we have found some delightful food at elegant yet unassuming spots that won’t break the bank, but will leave you feeling happy and satisfied.
Every one of the restaurants featured in our best restaurants in South Kensington list have been tried and tested by food critics and our own customers so make sure to click through to check out the full reviews.
10 Lincoln Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 2TS
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.
1 Kinnerton Street, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 8EA
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 quince tart with poached rhubarb and ginger ice cream and the genius take on Black Forest gateau.
163 Old Brompton Road, London, London, SW5 0LJ
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 spicy suckling pig meatballs with crunchy ear deserve a chance too.
68 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4HP
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.
1A Langton Street, London, London, SW10 0JL
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.
50 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, London, SW3 5LR
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.
Michelin House, Chelsea, London, SW3 6RD
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, and ingredients are served in inventive dishes - think whole lobster glazed in Singaporean pepper with crisp wontons of claw meat; a king-sized langoustine paired with punchy iced consommé and smoked pike roe.
7 Langton Street, Chelsea, London, SW10 0JL
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 pasta is a must try!
4 Sydney Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 6PP
This is the sister location of the original Zheng in Oxford, and despite the London branch looking more high-end, you can expect the same excellent Chinese-Malaysian food. And don't be fooled by the classy interiors - there's still spice to be had in abundance. Seafood is a must-try, especially the crispy squid and the deep-fried prawns rolled in oats with curry leaf.
165 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9QB
Sumosan Twiga has plenty to explore inside - from its basement nightclub, first-floor dining room and spacious top-floor bar. The menu is a mix of Japanese and Italian dishes, so you could pick from sushi, sea bass spaghetti, Dover sole or veal Milanese. Our favourite? The T&T sushi rolls - they're heady with truffle-laced tuna.
350 King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UU
Revamped in the summer of 2016, The Bar at Bluebird Chelsea is a 1920s former garage turned bar with a cool industrial edge. Sample the true stars of the show sitting at the art deco stainless-steel island bar - Gingerbread Mojitos and aged Old Fashioneds - but the snacks, including tiger prawns aïoli and barbecued quail and guacamole, are not to be sniffed at either.
231 Ebury Street, Belgravia, London, SW1W 8UT
One of London's most romantics 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 al-fresco balmy evenings, while the atmospheric bare-brick interior is decorated with bushels of dried herbs, flowers and twinkly candles.
Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, W8 4PT
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.
86 Fulham Road, South Kensington, London, SW3 6HR
The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7RL
Previously known as the Caramel Room, the beautiful interiors in this chic dining room at one of London’s finest hotels are enough to dazzle any guests – but wait until you try to the food. With an afternoon tea option availabl and an all day menu, there's something for whatever time of day you stop by. Highlights include the dolce and white chocolate mousse and the sautéed tiger prawns with girolles and shellfish sauce.
112 Draycott Avenue, South Kensington, London, SW3 3AE
Daphne's has been loved by many regulars for over two decades, and it's easy to see why. Its unpretentious approach to authentic regional Italian food coupled with the excellent delivery on "quality and service” keeps people coming in on special ocassions for celebratory bashes or just to enjoy fabulous food.
243 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, London, SW1X 0BP
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 spicy, meaty chilli ‘non’ carne served with a dollop of cashew sour cream for mains and a creamy, pull-apart mac ’n’ cheese as a side.
87 Pimlico Road, Belgravia, London, SW1W 8PH
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), then Enoteca Turi’s will steal your pasta-loving heart away, and that's before you discover its extensive wine list. Owners Giuseppe and Pamela Turi know their stuff and will treat you to classics like the wild mushroom risotto from Veneto or surprise you with more unusual specialities like marinated beef carpaccio with salt-dried egg yolk and Parmesan from Trentino.
438 King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 0LJ
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”.
15 Lowndes Street, Belgravia, London, SW1X 9EY
Zafferano has been the go-to in Belgravia for over twenty years for those in the know who want reliable yet sophiticated Italian dishes. Served in an exposed brick dining room with striped banquettes, our favourite dishes include the signature lobster linguine, chargrilled rib of beef with roast potatoes and veal Milanese with saffron risotto.
96 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, W8 4SG
This branch of the classic London hangout has been unofficially crowned as the best one in the capital by those in the know. The familiar but comforting array of comfort food options - including the classic shepherd’s pie and chicken Milanese – make it a reliable dining option with a swish twist.
8-9 Blacklands Terrace, Chelsea, London, SW3 2SP
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.
1a Launceston Place, Kensington, London, W8 5RL
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.
If you like dining out in West London, you’ll love your round up of the best restaurants in Chelsea
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