Best Restaurants In Kensington

Relaxed and quirky, this gorgeous hotel restaurant just a short walk from the Royal Albert Hall boasts a stunning interior and high quality eats. Chenestons Restaurant can be found within The Milestone Hotel and Residences, featuring dark, traditional decor and plush seating.

Their a la carte menu promises premium British plates like grilled Dover sole, autumn truffle linguine and dry-aged sirloin steak. You can also enjoy an award-winning afternoon tea here, or secure a great deal on pre-theatre dining at £75 for three courses.

A contemporary British eatery celebrating hearty dishes and elegant refinement, Scoff and Banter is a must-visit in London. It offers a fresh aesthetic, alongside a menu of everything from classic brunches to afternoon tea and, of course, the traditional Sunday roast. 

The Duke of Clarence is a classic British boozer with a difference. You can enjoy everything from a casual brunch and small sharing plates to lavish steaks, with all cuts sourced from an award-winning family butcher. Wash your premium pub grub down with a glass (or three) of wine from their extensive list.

For a mighty fine roast with lashings of gravy in Kensington, look no further than modern pub The Britannia. Proudly sitting on the site of the old brewery, the pub is steeped in history and has provided its guests with the very best service since 1834. Expect comfy leather armchairs, a cosy bar and a contemporary dining area.

While best-known for its sumptuous brunches, Megan's is also the ideal place for all-day dining with a Mediterranean twist. Expect a gorgeous setting of trees and hanging lamps to accompany your delish meal at this restaurant in Kensington High Street.

Looking for somewhere to eat after checking out London's iconic museums? Then head on over to ASK Italian for a load of scrumptious eats. Expect dishes such as mushroom and truffle calzone, pollo prosciutto and beef brisket pappardelle alongside all kinds of tasty tipples.

If you're craving a premium, succulent piece of meat, then Steak and Company Gloucester Road is your best bet. Head along to the Kensington restaurant to tuck into speciality cuts, from chocolate-fed fillet to Irish Angus tomahawk, accompanied by a range of tasty sides and cocktails.

Found smack bang in the centre of South Kensington, but away from prying eyes, London Secret Garden is a serene dining destination. Snap up one of its adorable domes to enjoy everything from banging brunch bites to afternoon tea and delightful dinners.

Dine like royalty at The Orangery at Kensington Palace, where you can find a mouthwatering all-day menu served in gorgeous surrounds. This stunning spot has been around since 1704, and today it features beautiful white interiors and a sunny outdoor terrace. You can nab delicious dishes like wild mushroom tortellini, braised lamb shoulder pie or seared chalk stream trout here, as well as indulgent afternoon teas for just £55 per person.

Get ready for a burger bonanza at Byron, offering a modern dining experience in the heart of South Kensington. Using top-notch beef from Alden's, they blend brisket, chuck, and rib cap cuts to craft their special aged patties cooked to mouthwatering perfection. Take a big bite out of their signature burger topped with maple bacon, relish, and red onions, or go for the Clucky with buttermilk fried chicken, smashed avocado, Sriracha hot honey, and pickled red onions. And for sides? Their mac 'n' cheese and hot honey wings always hit the spot. Wash it all down with a delectable milkshake or a cold brew to quench your thirst after feasting like a king.

Tucked away on the quieter end of Draycott Avenue, Fellini is a hidden gem in the heart of South Kensington, offering a perfect blend of old-school hospitality and modern Italian charm.

From the team behind legendary 90s haunts Paparazzi Café and Pizza Pomodoro, this chic yet laid-back spot embraces the spirit of La Dolce Vita, serving up classic Italian dishes in a stylish, retro-inspired setting. Whether you're indulging in their homemade pizza or sipping a perfectly poured negroni, the warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors looking for an authentic Italian experience.

Pravaas in South Kensington is a refined Indian restaurant led by Chef Patron Shilpa Dandekar, whose menu blends traditional techniques with seasonal British produce and bold, contemporary flair. Signature dishes include lamb galouti kebabs, seared scallops and patra chaat, all crafted to take diners on a flavourful journey through India's culinary heritage.

For special occasions, the elegant private dining room offers an intimate setting with warm service, a front-row view into the kitchen and a menu designed to impress.

Book dinner at Macellaio RC South Kensington, a bold Italian steakhouse in South Kensington. From the rustic, butcher-shop-inspired front with exposed brick walls and vintage tools to the intimate, art-filled spaces at the back, every corner is packed with character.

Feast on premium Fassona beef from Piedmont or Marango beef from the Lake District, dry-aged in-house for maximum flavour, or explore Ligurian specialities and nose-to-tail creations, all crafted with the expertise of founder Roberto Costa.

Congratulations, you've discovered Wolves of Tokyo. Now prepare for food made with sharp instincts, served with classic cocktails and a taste of Tokyo. 

Offering a fresh take on Japanese cuisine, its many standout dishes include black cod, wagyu picanha and shiso sea bass. For epic views across the city, head out to the rooftop bar with to sip and nibble alfresco.

Lillie's is a gorgeous rooftop bar and restaurant in the heart of Olympia. Up on its refined rooftop, it serves up sensational English sparkling wines and seasonal British small plates. 

From the land and the sea, the dishes here are nothing short of dreamy. We're talking Gressingham duck, wild boar pasta, beef tartare, Carlingford oysters, Scottish salmon, Orkney scallops, Exmoor caviar and lobster rolls.

In its vast food hall in the heart of Olympia, Arbour serves up all kinds of delicious dishes. 

Grab a table here and you can tuck into fresh salads, knockout burgers, crispy fried chicken and plenty more besides. There's a whole lot to wet your whistle here too, from great coffee and delicious cocktails to draught beers and carefully selected wines and spirits.

In a gorgeous Grade II listed Olympia landmark, Pillar Hall packs in several incredible spots for drinking and dining. As well as stylish event spaces and the stunning Pepperbird speakeasy, there's the modern British restaurant Idalia.

This super sophisticated spot has a menu packed with certified classics. We're talking nettle and spinach soup, crab salad, ribeye steak and spice flamed turbot.

Beasts in the brunch department, you won't be disappointed in a midday trundle to Balans Soho Society Kensington as this fresh restaurant churns out internationally inspired plates and one hell of a brunch. 

From its stunning terrace to the gorgeous interiors of the dining room, Chucs Cafe in Kensington is utterly chic and swoon-worthy. Head over for Italian dishes like cuttlefish and borlotti bean ragu, pizzas, and ribeye steak; perfect for a spot of indulgence.

Fronting the brand's usual signature interiors of mirrored accents, monochrome detailing and cool cowhide, Gaucho Sloane Avenue is all kinds of cool. Aside from its looks, this Kensington restaurant delivers in the food department too, with juicy Argentinian steaks set to be washed down with cocktails.

On the hunt for the best seafood restaurants in South Kensington? Head on over to Wright Brothers, which boasts intimate interiors alongside a delicious menu of sustainable fare. Think oysters, crab and small plates, not to mention lobster with fries and garlic butter.

Jacuzzi is home to some outrageous interiors, from glittering chandeliers and glowing staircases to a retractable roof. On the menu? A whole load of indulgent Italian food, including lobster risotto, juicy steaks and melt-in-the mouth burrata. 

A cafe, bar and restaurant all bundled up into one, EVE is a gorgeous Kensington haunt with menus inspired by the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean. Go for the lamb shawarma wrap and stay for the epic soundtrack of their weekly Friday night bash.

Located near South Kensington's Natural History and V&A Museums, Glamarama Green offers the perfect setting for a delicious Aussie brunch after taking in the sights. Inspired by Sydney's Tamarama Beach and the Victoria & Albert Museum, this stylish venue features an outdoor terrace and 25 stunning portraits of fashion icons by artist Rose Blake.

Enjoy the brand's famous sweetcorn fritters or their award-winning banana bread, served with berries and mascarpone cream, alongside margaritas, spicy mandarin sours, and spritzes made with blueberry, lemon, and elderflower. A stone's throw from the Design Museum and Kensington High Street, you'll also find the sister café, Holland Park Cafe by Daisy Green, bringing a similar vibe to the area.

Step into Dishoom Kensington, where the golden age of Bombay jazz sways through the air, and art deco elegance shimmers all around. Inspired by the roaring 1940s, this lavish outpost captures the glitz and glamour of a time when sell-out bands and quick-tempo jazz had the city in a feverish whirl. Here, voluptuous curves, glittering chandeliers, and a touch of nostalgia set the stage for a dining experience like no other.

The menu is a love letter to Bombay's vibrant culinary scene, where Dishoom's signature classics meet exciting new arrivals. Take the goan monkfish curry - a rich, velvety seafood staple - or the Up-to-date pau bhaji, a contemporary twist on a crowd favourite. And with a brand-new drinks menu to match, you can sip your way through Bombay's history, one exquisite cocktail at a time. The Bombay Bellini bursts with tropical notes of mango and guava, while the Monsoon Sesame Espresso Martini weaves together velvety coffee, chai syrup, and a hint of white sesame for a bold yet balanced kick

In a grand Georgian townhouse on Cromwell Place, The Lavery is one of South Kensington's most elegant dining rooms. Within the former home and studio of celebrated artist Sir John Lavery, the space is light, lofty and incredibly glamourous.

Unsurprisingly, the food is just as attention-grabbing. With Yohei Furuhashi, formerly of The River Café and Toklas, at the helm, the menu is packed with perfectly prepared pastas, vibrant vegetable dishes, prime cuts and show-stopping seafood.