Guide to the best restaurants in South Kensington

Housed in the immediately recognisable Michelin House building with Art Deco decor featuring the Michelin Man, Bibendum is the headquarters of acclaimed chef Claude Bosi. You'll find daring French cuisine on the à la carte and tasting menus at this historic venue, highlighting contemporary cooking, bold flavours and the finest seasonal produce from both sides of the Channel. Iconic specialities such as the Bibendum egg or Bosi's double chocolate soufflé have entered the capital's culinary lexicon, and you can enhance your experience further with the recommended wine pairings.

A stylish spot for authentic Indian food, the eclectic Bombay Brasserie features a skylit conservatory adorned with leafy hanging plants and intricate artwork. The menu highlights cosmopolitan flavours and spans a varied array of starters and mains, from classic curries and biryanis to tasting menus and decadent weekend brunch. The drinks, meanwhile, include a reserve wine list with sought-after fine wines you can order in advance, as well as Indian-inspired cocktails and spirits from around the world.

A well-kept secret of London's sushi scene, this refined sushi counter in South Kensington is run by chefs Yasuhiro Mineno and Shinya Ikeda, known and respected for their knifework and general mastery of the sushi arts. Sit behind the counter and watch the preparation of the inventive delicacies that put the entire fish to use, from nose to tail, or go for one of the takeaway options.

Looking at the meat hanging in the transparent fridge and visible from outside, you might think this was a butcher, not a restaurant – and you wouldn't be entirely wrong. The steakhouse considers itself to be a butchery with added tables, placing top-quality steak cuts sourced from Genoa firmly at the forefront of its offer. Other Italian options such as Sicilian almonds or burrata are available to warm you up for the main course as well. The BYOB restaurant also boasts an exclusively Italian wine list.

Among other dining options, the five-star Kensington Hotel houses this refined, modern restaurant with an internationally inspired all-day dining menu. You can start your day with classic morning options such as a Continental breakfast or a Full English, or order off the à la carte later in the day. Drinks include bespoke cocktails and fine wines from around the world.

Bringing North Indian flavours to South Ken, Thali has won awards for its curry dishes. Despite its elegant setting and the general priciness of the area, the restaurant remains surprisingly reasonably priced. Its dinner menu features the aforementioned curries, as well as the usual tikka, dishes, dals, naans and other Indian staples. Collection and delivery are available too.

In an elegant Grade II listed building with a classical interior, Ognisko provides a tasteful, romantic setting for indulging in a bit of Old Continent hospitality. The menu showcases traditional Polish specialities such as pierogi dumplings, potato pancakes, roast duck and more. In the bar, you can sample wines from around the world, as well as different cocktails. There's also a large covered terrace for outdoors dining.

A café-style eatery from a group that helped pioneer Lebanese cuisine in London, Maroush emphasises the flatbreads, pastries and other baked goods that are an integral part of the country's cuisine. The all-day restaurant starts things off with egg dishes, mezze, fresh juices and hot drinks for breakfast, before continuing the day with charcoal-grilled meats and other regional delicacies.

If it's a sunny day and you're hankering for a nice al fresco meal, The Orangery at Number Sixteen is a sure-fire South Ken hit. The restaurant features a bright, tree-lined garden with an abundance of leafy greenery and unique architectural choices, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor dining. The art-decorated interior isn't too shabby, either. Choose from a variety of international favourites, indulge in afternoon tea, or just relax with a drink.

This bright and vivid spot is known for the creativity it applies to its tapas plates, blending traditional flavours, contemporary culinary methods and global inspirations in a range of a range of tasty dishes that have won over even the likes of Rafael Nadal. In fact, around Wimbledon time, tennis fans can expect to see quite a few familiar faces here, celebrating victory or commiserating over loss with the help of an award-winning Spanish wine list.

Wright Brothers are famed citywide for their fresh seafood, highlighted by their impressive oyster offer and catch of the day specials. Their South Kensington branch is a small, cosy spot that draws inspiration from around the world with an assortment of globally inspired dishes. Venture into the basement to find the Art Deco-styled Mermaid Bar with creative cocktails.

Offering Italian class and refinement in a space boasting Murano glass chandeliers and modern European artwork on the walls, Daphne's has been catering to upmarket crowds since first established in the 1960s by none other than Richard Burton's agent. The menu here revolves around flavourful, seasonal Italian fare with rustic overtones, from Veal Milanese and different pasta dishes to all sorts of plant-based options. House cocktails and an extensive international wine list provide the ideal accompaniment. 

Across the street from Rafael Nadal's beloved Cambio de Tercio and part of the same restaurant family, Tendido Cero offers a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere – though that's not to say it loses much on the sophistication front when it comes to the dining. With vibrant scarlet-and-black decor, different kinds of classic and contemporary tapas creativity on display, and convivial vibes throughout, it's a great place for group celebrations.

The Hunter's Moon effortlessly blends vintage tile flooring and opulent furnishings with pendant lighting, striking a perfect balance between the old and the new. The front pub area is designed for intimate gatherings, while the dining room features natural light, an open fireplace, and original domestic touches like an AGA cooker. The kitchen offers a daily-changing menu of modern European dishes, while the front pub area serves a more casual menu of snacks and sharing plates.

Daquise has been serving Polish dishes in South Kensington since 1947, making it the oldest Polish restaurant in the city. The food is traditional and the venue is steeped in history, with a rustic and classic dining space. Try authentic recipes here like dumplings with various fillings, soup, veal meatballs, and pork tenderloin.

This classic Italian restaurant boasts quite the fanbase – Princess Diana, Madonna and Eric Clapton are all among the more illustrious patrons to grace Da Mario's wall of fame. Who knows whether they came here for the vibrant atmosphere and welcoming service or the homey food but, in both cases, the trattoria had them covered. The menu features all the Italian favs, from antipasti to pizzas and pasta.

Lina Stores started out as an Italian deli, but has since grown to a number of restaurants specialising in fresh, handmade pasta. Their stracciatella ravioli, pappardelle, tagliolini, and other authentic pasts come slathered in various sauces, parmesan, truffles, and more. For dessert, you can polish off a panna cotta or another classic Italian treat. In addition to the signature pasta bar, the South Kensington branch also boasts a heated terrace.

Zuaya is a vibrant Latin American restaurant in the heart of South Kensington that celebrates zesty Latin American fare. The menu is inspired by diverse regional flavours and presented in elegant tapas-style dishes. Choose from à la carte or set menus, with plenty of options for vegetarians. Menu highlights include dishes like grilled octopus, beef empanadas and dulce de leche flan. The venue is decorated with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, lush foliage draping down from the ceiling and lots of tasteful gold tones. There's also a stylish cocktail bar with a resident DJ and a cosy alfresco terrace out front.