London South Kensington Restaurant Guide

2015 Review: “Consistently good coffee”, and “simple and fresh” pasta too – all part of the ongoing success of these smart but “casual” and “friendly” café-delis.

“Don’t be put off by the simplicity of the dining room” – “a noisy concrete basement” (although you can also sit at the ground floor bar): Tomonari Chiba’s sushi and other Japanese fare is “genius”, albeit “spectacularly expensive” at his original Marylebone venture of over ten years standing. In May 2017 he opened a considerably swankier offshoot in the beautiful and chichi premises vacated by Toto’s (RIP) which seem likely to become the dominant member of the duo hereafter. It features a mashup of Japanese and Western ingredients and ideas – early press reviews are mixed.

“Excellent food in a somewhat formal setting” – an elegant conservatory with colonial decor – elevates this South Kensington stalwart beyond “run-of-the-mill curry houses”. Reports have dwindled in recent years, but consistently high ratings suggest it’s worth a second look.

These “cosy, busy and good-value” local Italians in South Kensington and Dulwich do the simple things well: “handmade pasta, great pizzas and lovely service”. “Perfect for families – kids are well-treated” (so “it can be a bit of a creche if you go at the wrong time”).

For “an efficient and cheerful meal, especially before a visit to the Royal Albert Hall” this “buzzing Italian pizza-fest” (“there’s a wide selection including vegetarian, gluten-free, halal and per bambini”) is “so good, you can forgive them their kitsch, Princess Di-themed decor!” “It’s not overpriced for the location and always entertaining”.

“Fun and casual” spin-off from Jeff Tan’s Soho Viet Food – “the food tastes great and looks magic too” at this a 60-cover café near South Kensington tube.