Kitchen W8

British, French, Modern European·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Kitchen W8

Silver Award

Integral to Kitchen W8’s enduring charm is its ability not to overcomplicate things. We imagine that retaining a Michelin star for as long as it has elicits a certain degree of pressure to reinvent oneself from time to time, but co-owners Phil Howard and Rebecca Mascarenhas have stuck to their guns, and for that we’re extremely grateful.  

Their dream was for Kitchen W8 to be a ‘home away from home’ when they launched it in 2009, which it still is now. White tablecloths are the only real reminder that we’re in a high class, central-Kensington establishment, while muted tones and glowy lighting create a relaxed, living room-esque dining space. Integral to this unwavering neighbourhood feel is its clientele of regulars, which we deduced by a number of solo diners who were clearly popping in for a glass of wine and a main from head chef Mark Kempson’s sophisticated menu.  

Kempson’s ability to astound with simplicity is surely one of the best things about Kitchen W8. Our three-course dinner began with three delicate disks of lobster ravioli, enveloped in beautifully thin handmade pasta and topped with lightly pickled cubes of apple. This dainty creation was then destroyed with aplomb as our waitress poured over an utterly addictive pool of shellfish bisque, submerging the lot. Next, a flaky piece of cod partnered with dinky pieces of farfalle pasta and neat little cubes of salty sausage, were doused in a heady tarragon butter sauce soaking every bite in glossy richness. To finish, a still-warm apricot bakewell tart accompanied by softly-sweet honey and camomile ice cream and a puddle of apricot coulee was the understated, plate-licking finale the meal needed.  

It’s possible to dine on three courses for less than £35 a head if you opt for the set menu, although you’re looking closer to £50 if you’re dining a la carte. But for the quality of food, flawless service and its upmarket postcode, Kitchen W8 is one of the best-value Michelin-starred restaurants in London.  

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
British, French, Modern European
Ambience
Fine dining, Glamorous, Luxury, Quiet conversation, Romantic, Traditional, Widely spaced tables
Awards
One Michelin star
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Vegetarian options, Wheelchair access
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Kitchen W8 is a Michelin-starred neighbourhood gem in the heart of Kensington, opened by co-owners Philip Howard (Elystan Street and The Square) and Rebecca Mascarenhas in 2009. Their intention was to provide lucky local W8 residents with a ‘home away from home’, somewhere to enjoy great food in a warm and welcoming setting. Over a decade later and Kitchen W8 is still a vital part of Kensington’s restaurant scene, serving exceptional food in a genuinely relaxed and friendly environment.

Integral to Kitchen W8’s success is its incredibly talented head chef Mark Kempson, who’s been with the restaurant since launch. His skilled cooking helped to win it a Michelin star just two years after opening in 2011, an achievement it’s held on to ever since. Kempson has devised a range of menus for multiple dining styles, including a la carte and tasting menus, as well as an excellent-value set menu available for lunch and early evening.

The style of food is modern British with a French spin, where ultra-fresh ingredients are placed centre stage and treated simply. Examples of dishes you might find include scorched Cornish mackerel with smoked eels, golden beets, sweet mustard and oyster leaf as a starter, and halibut fillet with Delicia pumpkin, chestnut gnocchi, sage and pepper emulsion for main course. While dessert keeps things classic with the likes of muscovado and Madagascan vanilla crème caramel, and clementine and ginger sorbet with warm vanilla beignets.

There is also a carefully-chosen and varied wine list which features a selection of great-value and premium bottles. If you’d like to bring your own preferred wine with you, you can do so for a corkage fee (with free corkage on Sunday evenings).


FAQs

Does it have a Michelin star?

Yes, it has one Michelin star.

Helpful? 0

Who is the head chef?

The head chef is Mark Kempson who has been at the helm of the kitchen since it opened in 2009.

Helpful? 0

Location

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

020 7937 0120 020 7937 0120

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue 12:00-14:30
Wed 12:00-14:30
Thu 12:00-14:30
Fri 12:00-14:30
Sat 12:00-14:30
Sun 12:30-15:00
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue 18:00-21:00
Wed 18:00-21:00
Thu 18:00-21:00
Fri 18:00-21:00
Sat 18:00-21:00
Sun 18:30-20:30

Reviews

Share your thoughts with other diners

Write a review


38 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Neil P

30 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Always lovely

Kate B

27 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Beautiful food and lovely relaxed surroundings 

Elizabeth P

13 December 2022  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5

Excellent food beautifully presented

John H

12 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Excellent food in a genuinely warm neighbourhood restaurant. Customers can opt for an excellent lunch or a complete fine dining experience knowing that whatever they choose will be of a very high quality.

philippa B

11 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Always a delight with original combinations of flavours served with great aplomb and charm. Sesaonality very much to the forefront. A very welcome and stylish up market local to this part of London. 

Anon

11 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Lovely food, earthy but light to eat, always suprises, great service. I go back again and again.

Linda B

11 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Best value for Michelin food. Always innovative dishes. Wish we lived closer to enjoy it more often. 

We are being priced out of many restaurants and really appreciate your attitude.

Best of luck and thanks.

Paul M

09 December 2022  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5

Consistently inventive dishes by chef Mark Kempson, always faultlessly executed and congenially served in a restaurant that manages to walk the line between fine dining and a neighbourhood restaurant. 

Prunella C

09 December 2022  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5

Delicious food and excellent service 

Anon

29 November 2022  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5

Brilliant seasonal menus with constant precision. 

Book a table

Call Kitchen W8 to make a booking on:

020 7937 0120 020 7937 0120

Visit their website

Sorry, you cannot spend SquareMeal vouchers here yet.

Other restaurants we like near Kitchen W8

The Holland
Kensington

The Holland

Balans Kensington
Kensington

Balans Kensington

Zuaya
Kensington

Zuaya

Check availability