London South Kensington Restaurant Guide

A Prohibition-inspired underground cocktail bar with top cheese and charcuterie from Xavier Rousset and Steve Pineau; see also Old Brompton, which sits above it.

“What a wonderful oasis of calm in the hustle of London’s museum area” – this “elegant dining room of a Polish emigrés’ club” (open to the general public) has a “wonderful 19th-century vibe” and is a “civilised and reliable” setting that’s both “cosy in winter” and with a particularly “beautiful terrace for summer”. Its “authentic traditional Polish fare” is “charmingly served” in “huge portions” with lashings of vodka and some interesting wines.

“Really delicious modern Indian cooking” is making its mark at this three-year-old in Earl’s Court, which is further differentiated by its “surprising steampunk decor” – a tribute to the intrepid Scottish botanists who catalogued the flora of the subcontinent in the Victorian era. There’s a “good selection of wines by the glass as well as bottle”.

“Crazy combinations, truly awesome at times” continue to wow all who taste the “meticulous” sushi and other modernised Japanese dishes at this duo of venues – an “awkward and tired-looking basement” in Marylebone (under chef Tomonari Chiba) and a “much-cooler-than-the original” setting in Knightsbridge (under chef Masaki Sugisaki). “I’ve wandered all round the menu with friends, and each bite was terrific”.

“Quality Italian beefsteaks” – most notably from the Piedmontese Fassone breed – are showcased in style at Genovese owner, Roberto Costa’s, “unique” steakhouse group, where at each branch you “enter through the butcher’s shop” and “you can tell the staff which cut you want”. “The well-hung rump steak is absolutely delicious” and “a great selection of Italian wines” helps make it the perfect place to kill off an evening.

Acres of pavement seating are the most eye-catching feature of this “buzzing” operation (run by the well-known Spanish food importers), which sits on the ant-trail between South Kensington tube station and the museums (go on a sunny day). It’s “reliably enjoyable” for a “cheap ’n’ cheerful” meal as the dishes are reliably good, but it’s mostly chosen for its convenience rather than its foodie potential.

Near the Royal Albert Hall and needing a “reasonably priced” bite? This fun Italian is surprisingly smart given its affordable prices, and its food – majoring in pizza – is consistently well rated. It claims to have been ‘Princess Diana’s local pizzeria’ (and is not shy about promoting the connection via pics on the walls). Top Tip – budget party cave in the cellar.

“Refined Vietnamese food” – “with clean, fresh flavours” – is showcased at this three-year-old South Ken flagship of former Hakkasan chef Jeff Tan, who also owns Viet Food in Chinatown. Top Tip – “the weekend lunch menu is a steal for the quality”.

“The best and freshest oysters by far, with seasonal varieties from time to time…”; “superb plateau de fruits de mer”; and “super-fresh fish” from an “ever-changing selection of specials”, all make this small group of seafood bistros “easy to love”. The style is “busy and jostling” throughout – “be prepared to share your table with other diners” in some locations – in others “some of the tables are so close, you’ll make new friends whether you want to or not!”. The Borough Market original and South Kensington spin-off attract most (and most favourable) reports – other branches (including at Battersea) can seem “a welcome addition but nothing remarkable”.