Home to some of London's best restaurants, Kensington and Chelsea are synonymous with fine dining. From the leafy green streets of Notting Hill to the boulevard of High Street Kensington, the Michelin Guidebook is filled with recommendations for exquisite dining spots, several of which have been awarded the coveted three stars over many consecutive years.
Apart from the glamour of some of the country’s best restaurants, Kensington and Chelsea also have many hidden gems for would-be diners to discover that deliver a level of quality comparable to their more prestigious competitors, in a much more low-key setting. The following list offers a balance between the most in-demand restaurants in the area and those that delight in taking a more laid-back approach to dining, whilst delivering a quality experience on all fronts.
Claude Bosi At Bibendum
Claude Bosi at Bibendum, housed in the iconic Michelin House building in Chelsea, offers an extraordinary fine dining experience. This two-Michelin-star establishment celebrates classic French cuisine with modern flourishes, in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Signature dishes like the famed Brittany lobster and veal sweetbreads showcase meticulous, classic French cooking techniques paired with premium ingredients, providing a real feast for diners.
Chef Claude Bosi’s passion for culinary excellence shines through every course of the seasonal tasting menus. With the restaurant’s impressive art deco interior and impeccable service, guests are ensured that their dining journey will be seamless and full of distinctive flair. Visitors can also opt for more casual dining at the restaurant's Oyster Bar. Bibendum is a must-visit for connoisseurs of French gastronomy, blending tradition with innovation.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
As one might expect from the world’s most famous chef, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is synonymous with timeless elegance and culinary artistry. Holding three Michelin stars since 2001, this flagship restaurant showcases Gordon Ramsay’s mastery of French-inspired cuisine and is the master chef’s pinnacle of gastronomic excellence. The intimate 14-table setting creates an exclusive experience, which sets this restaurant apart from many other flagship restaurants with said exclusivity, only adding to its allure.
Guests can choose between the a la carte or the tasting menu, complemented by an impressive wine selection. Popular dishes include the lobster and langoustine ravioli and the Dover sole grenobloise. For a truly unprecedented dining experience in Chelsea, this iconic destination is unbeatable.
The Five Fields
Nestled in a quieter part of Chelsea, The Five Fields is a Michelin-starred gem offering an intimate and off-the-beaten-track dining experience with just a handful of tables. The restaurant is renowned for its seasonal tasting menus that highlight British ingredients, many of which are sourced from their Sussex garden, and accompany their classic dishes such as Herdwick lamb and Cornish turbot.
The Five Fields is ideal for romantic dinners or special occasions. The house sommelier enhances the dining experience with expertly paired wines, ensuring every course is as unforgettable as it is delicious. This understated yet exceptional restaurant is a testament to modern British fine dining and is comfortably one of the best restaurants to dine at in Chelsea.
CORE By Clare Smyth
Located in Notting Hill, CORE by Clare Smyth offers a dining experience that is both innovative and unforgettable. The restaurant has earned three Michelin stars for its take on modern British cuisine, with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes like potato and roe and lamb carrot demonstrate Clare Smyth’s dedication to showcasing humble ingredients in extraordinary ways.
The relaxed yet sophisticated setting allows diners to feel at home while indulging in world-class cuisine. CORE’s tasting menus reflect Smyth’s deep respect for the natural world, creating a narrative on the plate of taste and texture that evolves with the seasons. Award-winning service and a carefully curated wine list complete the experience, making it one of Kensington’s premier culinary destinations.
Elystan Street
Elystan Street offers contemporary dining with an emphasis on dramatic but clean flavours. This Michelin-starred restaurant is located on the eponymous street of South Kensington and features a menu designed around seasonal British produce. Dishes like the wild mushroom lasagne and slow-cooked pork shoulder strike a fine balance between comfort and sophisticated dining.
The stylish yet unpretentious decor creates a welcoming atmosphere with the attentive restaurant team on hand to ensure a relaxed and smooth dining experience, along with a meticulously curated wine list to compliment the menu. Elystan Street is a testament to modern British cuisine delivered exceptionally well.
Myrtle
Myrtle, an intimate restaurant in the heart of Chelsea, is both a tribute to and highlight of the revolutions of Irish cuisine. This restaurant, which has been recognised by the Michelin Guide, combines bold flavours with seasonal ingredients, offering both a la carte and tasting menu options. Chef Anna Haugh celebrates her heritage with dishes like Clare Island salmon and Irish beef Wellington, delivering a menu brimming with comfort and creativity.
The relaxed dining room and warm service create a cosy and home-cooking dining experience. The wine pairings are carefully selected to enhance each dish. Myrtle is perfect for anyone seeking a standout, yet understated fine dining experience in Kensington and Chelsea.
Medlar
Medlar, located on King’s Road, is a neighbourhood favourite known for its elegant yet accessible approach to modern European cuisine. The Michelin-starred restaurant offers a menu that changes with the seasons, featuring standout dishes like crab raviolo and roast saddle of lamb. Each plate is a masterclass in flavour and presentation with exceptional terroir.
The warm atmosphere, understated restaurant decor and attentive service make Medlar a perfect spot for either casual lunches or lavish dinners. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list, carefully curated to complement the diverse menu, making it an excellent choice for those looking for exquisite dining at any time of the day in Chelsea.
These restaurants showcase the best of Kensington and Chelsea's culinary scene, blending tradition, innovation, and exceptional hospitality. From prestigious, three-Michelin-starred institutions run by the country’s best chefs, to the more low-key and understated establishments that are more focussed on subtle dining experiences, this is arguably the best area in London for dining at any level.
