RestaurantsLondonKensingtonW8

survey result

Summary

£74
  £££
2
Average
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Such traditional, family-run restaurants are quite a rarity in London these days”; and the Chiavarinis have maintained this “quintessential”, “old-fashioned” trattoria, opposite the Design Museum, for over 50 years. Fans say the food is “terrific, albeit a bit pricey probably because of its posh postcode”. But there is a less charitable school of thought, which says results are “uninspired, but it’s always busy, possibly because the locals don’t know how to cook…”

Summary

£73
  £££
3
Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

This “old favourite” opposite the Design Museum, now in its sixth decade, is “always buzzing, with great Italian food and a sense that every patron is ‘family’”. It’s family-run, too, with James Chiavarini having taken over from his father, Pino. “James has introduced some modernising touches but I love the feeling that you’re in Italy when you walk in the door – there’s nothing minimal or characterless about it”.

Summary

£73
  £££
3
Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

This “lovely neighbourhood restaurant” opposite the Design Museum on Kensington High Street has welcomed customers with “delicious family cooking” from Emilia-Romagna for 55 years. Current owner James Chiavarini has driven its modernisation since the retirement of his father, Pino, who now runs the family farm in Kent. “It’s not cheap”, but “there’s a reason it’s packed every day without having done a marketing drive”.

Summary

£62
  £££
3
Good
5
Exceptional
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

This “proper, family-run Italian trattoria” in Kensington pre-dates the new Design Museum on the other side of the road by decades, and exudes “cosy”, “olde world charm”. That it’s “family-owned and family-friendly” is key to its longevity, and has made it a “go-to restaurant” for its many long-term regulars. But “after decades, the business has passed down a generation, and young and old alike agree it’s brought an improvement, with an approach that’s more energetic”. Its strengths are “a charming atmosphere”, “authentic Emilia-Romana cuisine, instead of the usual floods of red sauce” and the “unfailing and unflappable care of owner James Chiavarini and his well-trained staff”.

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Restaurant details

Portions
Yes
No dress code
60

Il Portico Restaurant Diner Reviews

Reviews of Il Portico Restaurant in W8, London by users of Hardens.com. Also see the editors review of Il Portico restaurant.
Grace I
Heavenly pasta - makes home cooked seem ped...
Reviewed 3 months, 18 days ago

"Heavenly pasta - makes home cooked seem pedestrian. Friendly, unobtrusive & efficient service. We'll definitely be back. (Thanks JK Rowling for the recommendation.) "

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Grace I
Dealt with our delayed arrival I a friendly...
Reviewed 3 months, 18 days ago

"Dealt with our delayed arrival I a friendly manner. Charming service. All the food was fabulous - the veal shank pasta parcels were the outstanding - silky pasta & a deeply umami filling. Will definitely be back. (Thanks JKR for the recommendation.) "

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William H
Simply one of the best Italian restaurants ...
Reviewed 10 months, 1 day ago

"Simply one of the best Italian restaurants in Londo, perhaps the UK? The food is cooked with love and using amazing ingredients some of which they import directly from Italy My recent meal was perfect and I cannot wait to go back"

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Ian C
A good meal in a pleasant venue. Service (...
Reviewed 11 months, 3 days ago

"A good meal in a pleasant venue. Service (otherwise fine) marked down simply because the bill included reference to both one bottle of wine and one bottle of water that had not been ordered."

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Prices

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Veggies Pudding
£12.50 £28.50 £5.00 £0.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £33.00
Filter Coffee £3.50
Extras  
Bread £0.00
Service 12.50%
277 Kensington High St, London, W8 6NA
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Opening hours
Monday12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm
Tuesday12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm
Wednesday12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm
Thursday12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm
Friday12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm
Saturday12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm
SundayCLOSED

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