Home to the royals, custodian of major historic sites, and host to countless cultural milestones, Kensington is not simply a posh neighbourhood – it is a destination in its own right.
The Best Places to Eat in Kensington
With all its pomp and grandeur, the locale is brimming with restaurants to boot. With innumerable cuisines represented through Michelin-starred fare, Kensington is certainly a mosaic of elevated culinary expeditions. Read on to discover the ten best restaurants in Kensington.
Dishoom
A spirited take on the country’s cuisine, Dishoom (which translates to “blast”) is London’s beloved joint for punchy Indian food. Upending the conventional norms of a typical Indian restaurant, Dishoom’s interiors embody art deco lavishness, inspired by the 1930s Bombay jazz music scene. Marble table tops, slim chandeliers, ebony-panelled walls, and glossy red sofas come together to evoke the seductiveness of Bombay’s old-world money. Memorabilia of early modern India, such as a rickety table fan, an old clock, and black and white portraiture, are peppered around the dining room.
The menu has strong Parsi influences. For breakfast, guests love ordering the vegan sausage naan roll, the bacon naan roll, or the Parsi omelette. For lunch and supper, Dishoom’s Nalli Nihari biryani (lamb biryani) is highly popular. Their bottomless chai is not only delicious but also the ultimate comfort beverage.
The Ivy Brasserie
A short walk away from Kensington’s major tourist attractions, the Ivy Brasserie boasts a contemporary, eclectic menu with a casual yet sophisticated dining experience. A splurging take on art deco interiors, the Ivy has tall ceilings, velvety armchairs, glamorous mirrored walls, and trendy lamps. In addition to their a la carte menu, there are seasonal concept menus. At the time of writing, their seasonal menu “£19.17” is a throwback to when the restaurant was established back in the year 1917. The venue is equipped with a private dining space, littered with ostentatious mirrors, and a table for nine people.
The Mexican chicken strips, pan-fried sea bass, ribeye steak, and “Ivy” burger are popular gems on the menu. Guests may zhuzh up the dining experience by ordering the salted caramel espresso martini.
Eve
Eve offers the ultimate Mediterranean gastronomic experience. Dripping in vivacious shades of sea-blue, yellow, and green, paired with the appealing symmetry of pastel pink chairs, modern artwork, and lush plants, this establishment is truly a feast for the eyes.
Led by esteemed Chef Talia Prince, the food bursts with southern and eastern Mediterranean flavours, which pair remarkably with the bellinis and Eve's signature Bloody Marys. There’s a special weekend brunch menu in addition to the standard a la carte menu. The fattoush, pistachio polenta rice, Zhoug stonebass, and the beloved almond hummus are popular choices at Eve
San Pietro
San Pietro is a pizzeria that prides itself on serving the real deal – their signature technique of resting the pizza dough for 48 hours certainly underscores their commitment to authenticity. An accent wall bearing haphazard rings of an oak tree is the centrepiece of this charming little pizzeria. Muted tones throughout the cafe, with the light wooden flooring and the beige chairs, create a bold statement of minimalist elegance.
The restaurant’s shining star is its treasure trove of authentic Italian bites. All the classics, from their margherita pizza to the antipastos, are packed with flavour. So steadfast is their commitment to perfection that they serve some of the rarest and most expensive beluga caviar. For guests who are fond of their liquor, San Pietro serves the perfect aperol spritz and Prosecco.
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi is an Italian restaurant that has gone above and beyond to deliver on all fronts. Residing in a giant 4000-square-foot mansion, Jacuzzi has the ultimate fine dining experience, with unique ingredients sourced from all corners of Europe. The trattoria encompasses four floors, adorned with intricate mosaics, Roman statues, and Murano glass. Every floor is decked with unabashedly green creepers, gilded chandeliers, handsome armchairs, and marble-top tables. The cacophony of opulent patterns sings harmoniously to create a breathtakingly regal palazzo.
Their menu is filled with hidden gems in Italian cuisine. Chef Manuel, a Neopolitan artiste, has created showstoppers such as “Lobster Risotto ai Fruitti di Mare” (lobster seafood risotto) and “La Gran Cotoletta Alla Milanese” (fried veal breaded cutlet). The premium white sturgeon caviar from Veneto makes the fine dining experience at Jacuzzi all the more ritzy.
Samad Al Iraqi
Samad Al Iraqi is a fitting ode to Iraq’s culinary marvels and its rich tapestry of cultural heritage. The restaurant pays homage to the architectural excellence of Mesopotamian civilisation. Middle-eastern extravagance defines the interiors, with intricate lace screens and majestically sculpted armchairs adorning the establishment. Rich dark wood, emerald green, and mustard yellow imbue the dining room, enhancing the restaurant’s distinguished appeal.
Millenia-old Mesopotamian recipes are brought to modern-day London in Samad Al Iraqi’s menu. Age-old techniques are perfected and leveraged, like Masgouf, which is an old method of grilling fish. It dates back to Sumerian times and is a prized skill used by chefs at this restaurant. At the time of writing, the chef’s signature dish is “Lamb Quzi," which comprises Iraqi-style lamb chops served on a bed of biryani with vermicelli and raisins.
Akira at Japan House
Akira’s elevated take on Japanese cuisine relies on the trinity principle – unifying “the finest food, tableware, and presentation.” The Michelin-starred restaurant’s architectural pivot is the open kitchen, about which the minimalist seating plan is arranged. Bamboo-backed chairs, intricate screen dividers, and the asymmetrical wood-panelled ceiling are subtle details that strongly evoke contemporary elegance.
Guests can marvel at the chefs theatrically wielding their craftsmanship, using authentic techniques such as grilling over a robata (charcoal grill). Skewers made over the fiery robata, the medley of sushis, and the range of wagyus are highlights on Akira’s menu. Guests are also treated to bona fide Japanese cocktails and rare sakes.
Baalabakis Restaurant
Baalabakis promises a casual dining experience with Lebanese classics and shisha pipes. An unassuming abode with exposed brick panels and sleek ceiling lamps, Baalabakis’ crown jewel is the flavoursome fare. From shish taouk and lamb kofta sandwiches to the fattoush salad and baklava, the menu has perfected the age-old favourites of Lebanese cuisine.
The shisha menu is extensive, with sweet flavours of blueberry, apple, and raspberry, as well as complex flavours as demonstrated in Baalabakis Special. Visitors can also indulge in the ultimate sugary comfort of their Turkish coffee.
Ognisko
Tucked away in a grand old Victorian building lies the Polish Hearth Club and its restaurant, which celebrates Central and Eastern European cuisine. Bursting with regal splendour, the main dining room is outfitted with sparkling white walls, symmetrical panels, pillars, and an ornately sculpted fireplace. Copper light fixtures and a giant mirror are statement pieces that inject a contemporary flair into the space. Ognisko boasts an assortment of menus, from canapes, bowl food, and bar food to an a la carte and set menu. Additionally, flavoured vodkas, wines, and cocktails are in store.
The krolik (rabbit in a vegetable broth with dumplings), meat dumplings, chicken Kyiv (a chicken fillet dish), and the smoked eel starter have received rave reviews. Their home-made vodka and racuchy (apple fritters with chantilly cream) are the perfect climax. With a seemingly endless number of options, visitors are spoiled for choice.
Osteria Romana
Osteria Romana forays into uncharted territory in the Italian culinary space – Rome’s cuisine. It has earned the title of "one of the best Italian restaurants in London” by the Gambero Rosso guide. Rome’s startling historical significance and culture are celebrated through the restaurant’s authentic Roman produce and discerning elegance. Textured brown accent walls adorned with black and white portraits, graceful ceiling lamps, and dashes of greenery exemplify the architectural refinement of the Romans.
Their beef tartare, spaghetti alla carbonara, tiramisu, and cacio e pepe pasta have been particularly praised by visitors. Kensington’s historical significance and immense riches speak for themselves. Its multicultural wealth, however, truly sings in the diversity of its gastronomic hubs. Time to indulge in the ultimate global culinary sojourn by exploring Kensington’s best restaurants.
