The prestigious streets of South Kensington are home to grand, handsome houses and many wonderful attractions that make a strong argument for this area being the most coveted and admired anywhere in London. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that such a cosmopolitan area with influences from cultures all across the world and centuries of rich history to draw from has developed a culinary scene that reflects this status. The amount of visitors that flock to South Kensington every year produces some astounding statistics with The Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum both welcoming an average of almost 6 million people each.
These annual tourists rub shoulders with the fortunate residents who have been able to make their homes here and experience the most luxurious lifestyle that the capital has to offer. Inevitably, that means some restaurants cater to these huge numbers with meals that provide more standard fare that can be reproduced quickly and efficiently. However, with an enjoyable exploration through these famous beautiful tree-lined avenues and timeless thoroughfares, armed with some expert local knowledge, you will soon realise that South Kensington is indeed a hub of superb restaurants that provide breath-taking menus, dishes, and stories just waiting to be discovered. Here are a few of our most notable favourites to help you on your way.
Jacuzzi
The last five years of restaurant trends in London have seen a rise in doing what Jacuzzi on Kensington High Street does so very well. The immersive experience and divine aesthetics of the premises make it a desirable destination that has people queuing round the block and optimistically looking for reservations some months well in advance. The design of Jacuzzi, led by Studio Kiki of London & Paris, is a glorious image of an extravagant Venetian villa set across three floors of opulent furnishings and seductive seating with a beautifully backlit staircase taking centre stage as you enter. This Instagram-friendly place is by no means style over substance, however. Everything here is home-made and responsibly sourced from local suppliers with fresh produce used from Italy in most dishes. The Pizza Nerona with garlic courgette cream, Stracciatella, and flaked almonds is an inspiring version of an Italian classic that must be tried to be believed.
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Maria G’s
Maria G’s is relatively hidden amongst the more residential dwellings and away from the tourist throngs that wander the pavements of Kensington. This is clearly a neighbourhood restaurant that wants to bring excellent dining to the people of the area with a homely and informal feel driven by seasonal dishes that are dictated by the finest produce available at different times throughout the year. The surroundings of Maria G’s are bright and welcoming with a wonderful secluded garden acting as the perfect place to sample aperitif delights such as the Amalfi passion fruit spritz cocktail. Head chef Robin Gill creates some amazing delicate and distinguished starters here such as Mousse de Canard with ginger & apricot chutney and crostini or more robust dishes such as curried parsnip soup. There are new additions daily which always make a return trip worthwhile too.
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Claude Bosi at Bibendum
The huge stained glass window of Michelin House, with its image of the famous mascot so synonymous with fine dining, provides a centrepiece for one of the most attractive dining rooms in London at Bibendum. This is a cathedral of art deco architecture with a functional and historical presence that has customers travelling through what was once a garage forecourt before they enter the light-bathed venue. With the celebrated French Master of Fine-dining Claude Bosi at the helm, overseen by the design powerhouse Terence Conran, Bibendum has an unmatched prestige that raises expectations before you have even taken a seat. The excellent service and exquisite dishes ensure that those expectations are more than suitably exceeded with food that feels lovingly prepared and expertly crafted by genuine artisans. The Tastes of the Season tasting menu that comes in a choice of five or seven courses is definitely the best way to experience everything that Bibendum does like nowhere else can.
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Daquise
Daquise on Thurloe Street provides a story that illustrates just how important a restaurant can be to the people who work there and the customers who frequent it. This place had been a London Polish restaurant institution for over almost sixty years when it was threatened with closure in 2013. The regulars and staff rallied round successfully to keep the doors open and the kitchen working, maintaining a vital link between the old world and the new for Polish expats and those excited to try Eastern European dishes done tremendously well. Daquise does not disappoint with some rich, hearty, and wholesome food served in shabby-chic brasserie style. The main course classics such as zurek, barszcz, and pierogi are presented after some thrilling starters of the most tender herring with cream, apple, onion, and flax oil, served at the table directly from authentic bowls. Sturdy beer choices and vodka cocktails accompany the food for a powerful and evocative taste of Poland in West London.
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The Orangery at Number 16
There is something particularly special about South Kensington when the sun decides to shine and The Orangery at Number 16, at 16 Summer Place, is definitely one of the places that you would love to be when it does happen. The pastel tables and chairs of the classic English Garden here, with verdant foliage and rose bushes surrounding them, create an indulgent and timeless scene as the backdrop for a magical afternoon or early evening. Despite the traditional setting, the a la carte menu leans towards some seafood staples with baked salmon or Atlantic prawn & avocado cocktail alongside club sandwiches and beef ragu pappardelle. With desserts such as orange and dark chocolate tart with honeycomb ice cream, you can enjoy even more alfresco time sitting by the pagoda and Koi carp pond to make the most of the famously unpredictable English weather while it lasts.
The restaurants of South Kensington continue to evolve and develop in a way that sets the tone for many of the dining experiences across London. There are elements of innovation and luxury, nuance and style, and individuality and comfort all present in the venues across the area. You will be spoilt for choice when looking for the ultimate dinner with a partner or friends. This does mean that there are often waiting lists and reservation scarcities to navigate, so it may even make good sense to book now and decide on the event to celebrate later.
