Italian Restaurants in Kensington
1. Clarke’s
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
124 Kensington Church Street - W8
“Sally has triumphed in maintaining stands and a smile across the decades” and the “super-civilised institution” she opened in 1984, south of Notting Hill Gate, has shown rare staying power. That “there is always a really warm welcome” from the “effective and nurturing” staff goes down well, as does the way she has “maintained excellence with the finest seasonal produce perfectly cooked” (inspired by Alice Waters of Chez Panisse in California, her friend and mentor since the late 1970s). “Simple but elegant decor” and a strong wine list focused on North America complete a picture which still inspires practically zero criticism.
2. Il Portico
Italian restaurant in Kensington
277 Kensington High St - W8
“One never tires of Il Portico”, say fans of this “lovely local Italian” with “an authentic feel” opposite the Design Museum, which has been run by the Chiavarini family for more than 50 years. “Everything is served with enthusiasm” and “if prices are a bit on the high side, it’s because of the proximity of some very classy residential areas”.
3. San Pietro
Italian restaurant in Kensington
7 Stratford Road - W8
2024 Review: “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
Near the Albert Hall, on a quirky site built in the Venetian Gothic style to please Queen Victoria, this “typically bustling family-run Italian” opened in 1967, and offers a “standard menu, with properly cooked pasta” and dependable pizza. “Kids are really well looked after, just like being in Italy” – as Princess Diana found, when she used to take Wills and Harry out for a treat from nearby Kensington Palace.
6. Jacuzzi
Italian restaurant in Kensington
94 Kensington High Street - W8
“A stunning space that’s great for a fun night out” – Big Mamma group’s “exotic” Kensington mega-trattoria is “definitely a place to impress” (especially if you are relatively young-at-heart). With four floors, 4,000 sq ft and 170 seats, it would be amazing if its pizza, pasta and other Italian fare was totally consistent, but the poor reports from last year have subsided and it received a much better rep this year.
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