Guide to the best restaurants in Kensington

The Michelin-starred Kitchen W8 pairs an elegant, soft-toned interior with delicate, meticulously presented cuisine that celebrates English and French culinary achievements. You can choose from different seasonal menus, including themed ones that are only available for a limited time. The main menu features fresh dishes such as mussel soup or pork chops, with a roast served on Sundays. The lengthy wine list includes vintages from all over the globe.

Taking its name and inspiration from Federico Fellini's classic film 8½, this dim Italian eatery, adorned with vintage film posters, began life in the mid-1990s as a café. It keeps those origins alive to this day, serving lunch fare and pizzas before going full restaurant in the evening. The dinner menu features signature dishes such as seasonal risotto served in a parmesan rind, accompanied by fine Italian wine by the glass.

Celebrated British chef Sally Clarke launched her Kensington headquarters in 1984, and in the years since, the restaurant has become a favourite of locals as well as critics and folks from further away. It's a tastefully decorated restaurant that is the definition of dining elegance, with artwork on whitewashed walls, polished hardwood floors and views of the garden out of the window. The daily changing menu is inspired by Clarke's home country as much as by her holidays around the Mediterranean, with food that is simple, fresh, seasonal – and elegant.

Dating back to 1967, Apadana has provided Kensington with an authentic Persian dining experience. Fitted out with typically showy Persian decor and opening its glass front wide when the weather allows it, the restaurant serves a menu of traditional delicacies from the country. Start with hot and cold mezze before advancing to mains such as lamb skewers, stews, saffron rice dishes, mixed grill specialities, fresh fish and more. You can quench your thirst with authentic Persian drinks as well as alcoholic potions.

Sitting on the northern edge of Kensington, this snug spot regularly has queues of breakfast-seeking punters stretching down the street. The all-day brekky place serves egg dishes, toasties, pancakes and other similar fare throughout the day, ensuring you won't miss the most important meal of the day no matter what time you wake up. You can accompany your food with freshly brewed coffee, tea, juices and an array of alcoholic drinks.

The Kensington branch of the Ivy brasseries boasts a stylish Art Deco interior, a polished bar and al fresco dining. Offering refined, reasonably priced all-day dining in a relaxed setting, the menu includes global favourites such as tempura prawns and buffalo mozzarella, as well as the usual array of The Ivy's comfy British staples such as shepherd's pie. House cocktails take care of any thirstiness, and indulgent puddings are available as well.

Serving wild and regional Italian fare since the 1960s, Il Portico attracts hungry punters to this day. The simple, authentic menu draws heavily on family recipes and cuisine from the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. The produce, however, is primarily sourced from the family farm in Kent. Expect classic Italian dishes on the menu, accompanied by a varied wine list and timeless cocktails.

In an intimate setting on Kensington High Street, Pascor grills, sears and chars modern Levantine tapas over an open flame, enhancing the smokiness and crispiness. The seasonal menu features choices such as fresh challah bread with whipped za'atar butter, samneh butter-seared scallops, char-grilled octopus or charred lamb cutlet. You can also peruse the concise international wine list for a suitable vintage to go with your meal.

Home to a chef who was named National Chef of the Year in 2022, Launceston Place boasts some impressive credits. The elegant 1839 townhouse has a storied history, with Princess Diana among its more famous patrons. The modern European cuisine here is delivered with a dash of flamboyance and made from seasonal produce. Choose between à la carte or tasting menus, with the latter highlighting a specific ingredient, and browse the dedicated champagne list and award-winning international wine list at your leisure.

Culinary wanderers around the city know that the Dishoom restaurants are always a reliable choice for authentic, flavourful Indian street food in fine dining surroundings. The Kensington branch sticks to the proven formula with house classics such as bacon naans or black daal, location-specific exclusives and decor inspired by the jazzy decadence of 1940s Bombay. There's live jazz on every week here as well.

A vividly coloured, upmarket tapas spot, Cambio de Tercio is known for its inventive culinary approach, fusing tradition with contemporary techniques and worldly influences in a range of tasty dishes. Come Wimbledon time, don't be surprised to run into tennis players here – this is supposedly Rafael Nadal's favourite restaurant in London, after all. The award-winning Spanish wine list also lends itself well to victory celebrations.

The Kensington branch of Maria G's is a stylish retro eatery with Medi vibes and live music, taking advantage of fresh produce and a creative kitchen team to offer a daily changing menu of Italian-inspired cuisine. Expect the classic programme of cicchetti and antipasti to start you off, followed by primi and secondi plates and accompanying sides, and a hefty dessert to provide the final punch.

Sitting on the tenth floor next to Kensington Palace, the suitably upmarket Min Jiang restaurant boasts splendid views of the neighbouring park. There's plenty to look at inside as well, however, starting with the iconic wood-fired Peking duck, which is carved tableside by gloved waiters. Furthermore, there are loaded platters of dim sum, mouth-watering prawn toast, steaming noodle dishes and other Chinese favourites to indulge in at this refined eatery.

The Holland serves a British-led menu that revolves around responsibly sourced produce, for example pork collar steak or grilled pak choi & courgette. Vegan options are always available, and you can go for a two- or three-course set meal during lunchtime. Thanks to having taken over what was previously the Princess Victoria pub, The Holland is suffused in historic charm, with even the floor having been ripped up to uncover the original Victorian deck.

Eve is a chic multi-purpose venue, blending a restaurant, café, bar, and garden space, all adorned in soothing tones and greenery for an indoor garden feel. The restaurant, led by renowned Executive Chef Talia Prince, serves dishes inspired by the Eastern and Southern Mediterranean, while the coworking-friendly café offers light meals and beverages suitable for breakfast or lunch. In the evening, guests can unwind at the bar with an array of classic and signature cocktails, as well as a curated international wine list.

Como Garden is a romantic local dining destination inspired by Lake Como. The low-lit interior is packed with leafy botanicals and terrace dining is available too. The Italian cuisine here is intended for sharing - think small and medium bites like antipasti, pasta, and calamari. A set menu is available too plus a broad range of alcoholic drinks.

In addition to its renowned cultural scene, South Kensington boasts a thrilling culinary world catering to an upmarket clientele. We've highlighted some of the best restaurants in the area in this dedicated guide.