British, Modern Restaurants in Kensington
1. Clarke’s
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
124 Kensington Church Street - W8
“Never failing to excel, even after years and years…” – Sally Clarke’s Kensington HQ (opened in 1984) is nowadays a “classic”; and even those who say “it’s a bit of a time warp nowadays”, concede that her California-inspired cuisine is nigh-on as “modern and fresh” as ever. “The moment you step in, often to be welcomed by Sally herself, you know you are in for a wonderful evening, with imaginative but unpretentious dishes that are impeccably prepared – with great ingredients that are allowed to stand out – while service is always professional and present-without-hovering”. The atmosphere here has always been slightly divisive: for a few “dull” or “formal”, but to most diners – “with its artwork, soothing colors, and low noise level to allow plenty of engaging conversation” – romantic and “always a delight”.
2. Launceston Place
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
1a Launceston Pl - W8
“In a quiet residential corner of Kensington”, on a picture-book street – this “lovely and calm” pre-Victorian townhouse (established as a restaurant in 1985, and owned by D&D Restaurants since 2007) creates a sense of “privacy” that’s particularly “great for a romantic evening”. “Over the years there have been many changes of chef”, but since Ben Murphy joined in early 2017, the food rating here has been “on an upward trajectory” and his “exciting” cuisine – “fun, whimsical, delicious” – won impressively consistent praise this year. “Surely a Michelin star is now beckoning for this young chef”?
3. Kitchen W8
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
11-13 Abingdon Road - W8
This under-the-radar venture, in a smart row of businesses off Kensington High Street, has supplied “unexpectedly delicious” meals to a well-heeled local crowd for 10 years – although the consistently high marks should be no surprise given that it’s part-owned by star chef Phil Howard (of Elystan Street and formerly The Square). Atmosphere-wise, it’s somewhere between “quietly sophisticated” and “Spartan”.
4. The Abingdon
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
54 Abingdon Rd - W8
With its “cosy red-leather booths” to the rear and attractive dining room and bar, this posh gastropub has been a “locals’ favourite” of chichi backstreet Kensington for 21 years. The food is “above average (fantastic steaks!)” and there’s a “decent wine list” – “what’s not to like?”.
5. Park Terrace Restaurant, Royal Garden Hotel
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
2-24 Kensington High St - W8
With its “beautiful views over Kensington Gardens”, this “quiet and comfortable” hotel restaurant makes a useful venue for lunch or afternoon tea. “The service is a perfect blend of efficiency and friendliness”, while the Sunday roast – sirloin of Buccleuch beef, carved from the trolley – is “delicious”.
6. The Ivy Kensington Brasserie
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
96 Kensington High St - W8
2017 Review: “What Kensington High Street has needed for many years”, say fans of Richard Caring’s “busy” year-old Ivy spin-off, which brings oodles of “buzz” (it’s “extremely noisy”) to the premises that were so dead in their previous guise (as Pavilion, RIP). But numerous sceptics feel the offer here is “truly not exciting: the food’s very ordinary, takes ages to arrive, and staff seem uninterested”.
View full listings of 6 British, Modern Kensington Restaurants
Popular Kensington Restaurant Searches