20 Amazing Restaurants In Kensington

Date post added: 12th January 2026

What are the different types of restaurants in Kensington?

Oh Kensington, how swanky you are. One of London’s wealthiest borough’s, Kensington is home to royalty, nobility and a few dinosaurs. And, as you’d expect from “the Royal Borough,” there’s a wealth of world-class cuisine to enjoy – from Michelin star fine dining restaurants to fast food takeaways.

Kensington isn’t only one of the swishest residential neighbourhoods in London (along with Mayfair and its neighbours, Chelsea and Knightsbridge), but it’s also one of the most cosmopolitan. Over 50% of Kensington residents were born abroad. So, if you venture into this corner of West London, you can expect everything from British pub grub to Japanese, top-rated Italian fare to cracking curry houses, European-style bakeries and cafes and everything in between.

It’s hard to whittle them down, but these are our pick of the best restaurants in Kensington, selected by London Walks’ Kensington expert David Tucker. You can also listen to David’s podcast on his favourite places to eat in Kensington.

What are the top dining spots in Kensington?

These recommendations aren’t based on Michelin stars or Tripadvisor ratings. These are the neighbourhood restaurants and eateries that David would choose to visit.

1. Locanda Ottoemezzo, W8 5ET

Expect: authentic Italian food

Locanda Ottomezzo is named after Frederico Fellini’s 1963 cinematic masterpiece Otto e mezzo, meaning 8 ½. Stepping into this adorable restaurant is a little like stepping into your own Italian movie. Vintage movie posters, cosy seating, and a true taste of Italy. Sister restaurant to the Ottoemezzo Café, Locanda Ottomezzo is one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in London. It’s a hidden gem, tucked away in the heart of Kensington. And, it’s one of David’s favourite dining experiences.

2. The Orangery, W8 4PX

Expect: traditional British cuisine

If you’re looking for elegant, refined surroundings in which to sip tea or a glass of Champagne, The Orangery serves up all that and more. Created for Queen Anne in 1704 (before she became queen), it’s a beautiful, light-filled space. Located next to Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens, it’s the perfect location for an elegant lunch or indulgent afternoon tea. Walk ins are welcome, but it can get busy on a sunny day so it’s safer to book.

3. Dishoom, W8 5SE

Expect: Indian food

More than an outstanding Indian restaurant, the renowned Dishoom Kensington is an excellent night out. Step into extravagant Art Deco surroundings complete with dazzling chandeliers and swooping curves. It’s a lively, fun place that pays tribute to Bombay’s jazz age in the 1940s with live music on Thursdays and Fridays. Amidst this opulent setting, you’ll be served Bombay comfort food at its finest.

Another top spot nearby is Zaika, which is tremendous for grilled Indian food.

4. Jacuzzi, W8 4SJ

Expect: Italian cuisine

Looking for a showstopping venue with the wow factor? Well, Jacuzzi on Kensington High Street brings 4 floors of dramatic interiors that are incredibly social media-worthy. There’s so much to take in and the decor’s a definite talking point. Head to the loo and you’ll find disco balls and tiles adorned with penises. We said there were talking points!

Their Italian food will also get you talking. The lobster and seafood risotto is luscious, and even the pizza’s offered with a truffle topping. But the lasting memory is the sight of the home-made mafaldine with creamy truffle sauce which is served in a huge pecorino wheel.

5. Akira at Japan House, W8 5SA

Expect: Michelin star worthy Japanese food

Authentic Japanese food beckons at Akira, situated on the first floor of Japan House, the cultural home of Japan in London. Based on Akira’s trinity of cooking principles; food, tableware and presentation, this Michelin starred restaurant is the place to experience a Japanese style afternoon tea with seasonal wagashi and sparkling sake. Watching the talented chefs cooking over robata flames (charcoal) is pure theatre.

6. The Scarsdale Tavern, W8 6HE

Expect: pub food

What’s a ‘where to eat in Kensington’ guide without a proper British pub, and The Scarsdale in South Kensington is a belter. Located in Edwardes Square in all its late Georgian splendour, you can gaze upon the Scarsdale’s blinding good looks (it may well be the handsomest pub in London) or you can step inside for comfort food and ale on tap. We say comfort food, but it’s a bit more special than that sounds. Think venison pate en croute, Zaatar roasted cauliflower or a classic American cheeseburger with the addition of bacon jam and/ or smashed avo.

7. Ceru, SW7 3EY

Expect: Eastern Mediterranean food

As you open the doors to Ceru in South Ken, the scent of Eastern Mediterranean spices prick up your senses. You’re quickly transported to the Mediterranean coastline. This is an ideal place for a group. Order a selection of dishes that you can all dip into, share and enjoy. You’re literally breaking bread together, and their pitta bread is definitely worth breaking into and dunking into the wonderful hummus. There’s something for everyone. So many dishes are vegetarian, but there’s also Halal, gluten-free and vegan options.

8. Korean Grill Kensington, SW7 4LH

Expect: Korean barbecue

It’s always a special occasion at the Korean Grill. Each table has an in-built grill and servers flip and cook the meat beside you. It’s pretty dramatic to watch. Traditional Japanese Wagyu beef is even more special when it’s grilled at your table. Their signature dish, King Kalbi is sublime – diamond cut beef short rib with their house Korean Grill Kensington sauce. Vegans may be put off by the abundance of meat surrounding them, but a vegan menu is available too.

9. Ffiona’s, W8 4BA.

Expect: British comfort food

One of Kensington’s most important streets is Kensington Church Street, connecting Kensington to Bohemian Notting Hill, and it’s here that you’ll find Ffiona’s. Their brunch is the stuff of legends, from a full English breakfast to French toast and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. It also serves one of the best Sunday roasts in Kensington. For dinner, the house speciality is the chicken Kiev, a free-range chicken breast stuffed with garlic butter and served on a pink peppercorn sauce. True to their ethos of being “inclusive not exclusive”, they offer plenty of dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan options too.

10. Churchill Arms Pub, W8 7LN

Expect: Thai food

Another Kensington Church Street diamond is the Churchill Arms Pub, known in London as much for its exterior festooned with flowers and hanging baskets – or Christmas trees and lights in December – as for its interior packed with WW2 memorabilia. It’s said that Winston Churchill’s grandparents frequented this pub, and Churchill’s legacy is very much on display at the Churchill Arms. As for the food, it’s Thai that’s on the menu here, from Pad Siew noodles to Kaeng Par curry.

11. Min Jiang, W8 4PT

Expect: Chinese food

When Babylon at The Roof Gardens in Kensington closed its doors in 2018, many mourned its loss, not least for the stunning London skyline views. But fear not, occupying the 10th floor of the Royal Gardens Hotel, Chinese restaurant Min Jiang has some of the best views in Kensington, looking out over Kensington Gardens and London beyond. They’re known for their delectable wood-fired Beijing duck, prepared to an ancient Chinese recipe and presented in two servings, with both à la carte and dim sum menus.

12. Da Mario’s, SW7 4PP

Expect: Italian food

Loved by Kensington locals and celebrities, Da Mario’s was Princess Diana’s favourite Italian restaurant when she lived up the road at Kensington Palace. The family-friendly trattoria was opened by Mr Mario Molino in 1965. His son Marco now runs the place. On a warm day, sit out on their al fresco terrace with their signature Aperol Spritz and a classic thin crust pizza. It may not be Napoli, but it feel pretty close.

13. Capote Y Toros, SW5 0LJ

Expect: Spanish tapas

Another Mediterranean gem in the heart of Kensington, Capote Y Toros is an absolute treasure. It’s an authentic Spanish taverna that serves up the tastes of Cadiz. Tuck into their exquisite tapas and sample their range of sherries. There’s often live Spanish guitarists there to add to the vibrant atmosphere.

14. Stick and Bowl, W8 5NP

Expect: Chinese food

We’re not talking fancy, beautifully-presented Chinese cuisine here. Stick and Bowl serves decent Chinese food with some western touches. It’s quick and tasty, and an absolute treat. Run by a local family for over 30 years now, it’s reliable, affordable and an excellent find on Kensington High Street.

15. Montparnasse Café, W8 5ET

Expect: French bakery

Located in Thackeray Street, and styled on a traditional French café, this is the place to sit awhile at a pavement table with a croissant, coffee or a patisserie style treat. Dog friendly, the in house boulangerie makes the Montparnasse Café a winner for a lunchtime baguette or slice of homemade quiche. French brasserie-style street food at its best.

16. Kitchen W8, W8 6AH

Expect: modern European dishes

A Michelin starred eaterie in Kensington that achieves the relaxed neighbourhood vibe thanks to its tucked-away location and modern European style food, which is on show in abundance in the three course set menu for £49.50. Get ready for fine dining delights including peppered carpaccio of Roe deer, fillet of Cornish pollock and elderflower panna cotta.

17. Grato, W8 5EP

Expect: Italian food

A short stroll from the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park, and close to Gloucester Road, Grato in Kensington Square is a dog-friendly restaurant serving fresh Italian fare. The food’s handcrafted and seasonal. The curated wine list features artisan vineyards. The prices, pretty reasonable for Kensington, are rather refreshing too! Choose to dine al fresco overlooking the oldest garden square in Kensington, upstairs in the beautiful eating quarter or downstairs in the private dining room (an excellent space for parties).

18. Cheneston’s at the Milestone Hotel, W8 5DL

Expect: Fine dining

Taking its name for the Anglo-Saxon name for Kensington, Cheneston’s is within the 5-star Milestone Hotel opposite Kensington Palace. The building itself is a tour de force – dating back to 1883 it’s the frontispiece of the most beautiful “Conservation Area” in London (it’s got a brilliant cameo role on David’s Kensington walk). Sophistication and elegance are the bywords at Cheneston’s. The decadent and award-winning Royal Afternoon Tea is an exceptional experience. The dining is all about fine, contemporary British cuisine. Don’t miss the smoked salmon platter from London’s oldest smokery in the east end.

19. The Ivy Brasserie Kensington W8 4SG

Expect: Modern British food

This neighbourhood brasserie on Kensington High Street brings a refined dining experience to the high street. It has a varied menu of modern British dishes mixed with eclectic, global cuisine. There’s something for everyone at The Ivy Kensington, from brunch to afternoon tea, breakfast to dinner.

20. Whole Foods, W8 5SE

Expect: Healthy, organic and plant-based food

Now, we know this isn’t a restaurant. It’s not even a cafe or brasserie. It’s a grocery shop for the health conscious. And you can easily spend as much here as in a fine dining restaurant. Whole Foods features top quality, nutrient-packed enticing stuff at high end prices.

But here’s David’s tip. It’s the perfect place for lunch. Go into Whole Foods and make up, for example, your own salad. There are endless ingredient choices and everything’s incredibly fresh. Pop it in a box, take it to their functional but comfortable seating area and chow down. It won’t cost you restaurant prices, and you can feel it doing you good with every delicious mouthful.

Explore Kensington with our expert guides

If Kensington’s on your must-visit list, check out the Royal Kensington Walk, guided by David or Adam. Starting at 2pm on a Thursday and Saturday, they’re an ideal after brunch/lunch stroll or pre-dinner walk.

Don’t miss our inspiring list of things to do in Soho and the best restaurants in Hampstead. Plus, our 20 quirky restaurants to visit in London.