Italian Restaurants in Kensington
1. Clarke’s
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
124 Kensington Church Street - W8
“Terrific ingredients, cleverly but unfussily combined” has long been the hallmark of Sally Clarke’s “impeccably run restaurant” in Notting Hill, which has been at the cutting edge of promoting seasonal, Californian-inspired cuisine since 1984. “It’s on the pricey side, but quality remains superb”; the setting is “romantic”; and the service, from a loyal and seemingly well-looked-after contingent of staff is “excellent, all overseen by Sally herself”. The “marvellous” wine list has an “unusual emphasis on North American wines” and some “reasonably priced alternatives to famous names”. Top Tip – “the good-value daily lunch set menu is a fantastic way to try this restaurant out”.
2. Il Portico
Italian restaurant in Kensington
277 Kensington High St - W8
“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…”
3. San Pietro
Italian restaurant in Kensington
7 Stratford Road - W8
“A wonderful display of fresh fish on ice” (“including the biggest scallops with the coral attached”) greets diners arriving at this “unique Italian” in a quiet corner of Kensington, whose “cooking is precise with a light touch”.
4. Enoteca Rosso
Italian restaurant in Kensington
276-280 Kensington High Street - W8
2021 Review: “Go for the wine: there’s a great selection” focused solely on Italy at this Kensington yearling, with bottles lining many of the walls. Even fans can note that the food (pasta, cheese and meat boards, salads) “is not as good”, but it avoids any harsh critiques. Brunch here is also a possibility.
5. Da Mario
Italian restaurant in South Kensington
15 Gloucester Rd - SW7
This “long-established” family-owned Italian in a Venetian Gothic building near the Albert Hall is “set up as a sort of homage to Princess Diana”, who used to bring Princes Wills and Harry for pizza and pasta.
6. Jacuzzi
Italian restaurant in Kensington
94 Kensington High Street - W8
“A fun place for the Insta crowd…” – “the setting is absolute bling (but enjoyable for that)” at this mammoth Kensington newcomer from the Big Mamma group (Gloria, Circolo Popolare, etc), complete with a Sicilian-styled mezzanine with retractable roof and glitter-ball disco toilet. But too often it’s “all about the vibe and location” – the humongous portions of Italian fare can be tolerable, but strike unlucky and “OMG the food is bad”; and service “needs focus” not “annoying loud Italian-style showmanship”. Top Menu Tip – “the pizza is pretty decent”.
View full listings of 6 Italian Kensington Restaurants
Popular Kensington Restaurant Searches
Kensington Restaurant News