Harden's survey result
Summary
“Feeling like a neighbourhood restaurant but with the Michelin-standard cooking you would expect from Phil Howard (a partner in the management)”: this “charming venue” – “tucked down a side street away from Kensington’s main drag” – remains something of a “hidden star”. But even those who feel it continues to “excel quietly” can feel that the “low-key” setting, though “comfy”, “needs an injection of energy”. Top Tip – “the £34 fixed-price lunch is a steal”.
Summary
“I’ve had dinner here at least 20 times over the last 10 years and have never had a bad meal. I’m a fan!” – this smart and “very comfortable” (“slightly dull?”) fixture sits in a side road off Kensington High Street and is very accomplished by the reckoning of neighbourhood venues (and is nowadays in the top-100 most mentioned London restaurants in our annual diners’ poll). Star chef Phil Howard is a partner in its management, and standards are “very good all round”, including the “really creative and delicious” modern European cuisine.
Summary
“Polished cuisine” with a “creative mix of ingredients” – overseen from afar by star chef Phil Howard – elevates this “classic neighbourhood restaurant” off High Street Kensington into something “top class” and one of London’s better-known foodie destinations. If criticism is made, it’s typically that a diner “had heard great things, but was underwhelmed despite finding nothing obviously wrong”. In a similar variable vein, service veers from “very pleasant” to “sometimes chaotic”; and the “well-spaced” dining room is “lovely” to some, too low-key for others.
Summary
“The cuisine’s always delicious, seasonal and inventive” at this smart venue in a sidestreet off Kensington High Street – a “top local” more akin to “West End quality” due to the input of stellar chef Phil Howard (of Elystan Street and formerly the Square), who is a part owner, alongside Rebecca Mascarenhas, who has a long history in running excellent establishments. Not everyone agrees about the low-key interior, though – what is “a little souless” to some folks, is, to others, “lovely”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Kitchen W8?
11-13 Abingdon Road, London, W8 6AH
Restaurant details
Kitchen W8 Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Exceptional food. Modern European. "
"This little gem located in a side street near the design museum offer a perfect set lunch. Dishes are very creative and attractively presented. Service is friendly and knowledgable. Even though it was busy there was an air of calm. "
"Mixed bag - asked for one of two tables when I reserved; requested ignored by the manager, as usual; superb scallop starter followed by hugely disappointing lobster risotto that was overwhelming cheese / salt - no-one asked why we left most of this course. Table service was friendly and efficient. Have had far better experiences at this generally good restaurant; think we got the “B team”. "
"Very enjoyable; ambience is a 5 because of the table we were given - one of the best two in the restaurant."
"Good uncomplicated dishes. Particularly nice for lunch--light and not too busy. Set menu good value. "
"Very friendly, professional and engaging. Love the food and drink recommendations. Feels such a comfortable welcoming place to enjoy an amazing experience"
"Splendid early evening dinner - very good value."
"Traditional French so I was a little hesitant but I really enjoyed it. the food is wonderful and the service excellent and the place is quiet. Set lunch is very good value. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £34.50 |  |
|
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| Dinner | £34.50 | |
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| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 110.00 | Always available | 6 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £19.20 | £36.00 | £11.00 | £12.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £35.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £7.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
11-13 Abingdon Road, London, W8 6AH
Opening hours
| Monday | 12:15 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12:15 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:15 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12:15 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12:15 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12:15 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12:15 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑8 pm |
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