Best restaurants in South Kensington

The fun starts from the moment you walk into Restaurant Ours, the celebrity haunt and selfie-haven bound to make your Insta friends very jealous. As the DJ gets the party started, picture yourself indulging in a piece of chocolate, liquorice and black-truffle mousse cake; and don’t forget to get a snap of the flower wall.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Part of the Royal Albert Hall’s food and beverage line-up, you'll need to be a ticket holder to dine at Coda. The menu is a mix of European, French-accented dishes, and there is also a standalone bar which serves Champagne, cocktails and a selection of G&Ts. Our favourite part? You can return for dessert during the show’s interval! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.