London South Kensington Restaurant Guide

This upmarket fixture in South Kensington – on the Indian dining scene in London since 1982 – doesn’t make waves nowadays, but still earns solid praise by producing consistently “very good food”. Current owner Taj Hotels have spruced up the interior, although the odd reporter is “not keen on the current look”.

“Reliably upmarket curry house” on the Earl’s Court-South Ken border – a true veteran (est. 1964) whose loyal, well-heeled clientele rate its “consistency” and comforting atmosphere. Given its posh neighbourhood, it’s attracted its share of slebs, with Brangelina, Gwyneth and Robbie spotted over the years. The Bayswater offshoot is similar, but less fashionably located.

Backstreet sushi restaurant in High Street Kensington of high ambition which typically elicits high praise, but which curiously inspired practically no feedback this year. By contrast its South Kensington spin-off, which occupies a characterful landmark (formerly Brompton Library) is usually ignored, but inspired a number of reports, mostly adulatory regarding its “exceptionally good” (if pricey) cuisine: “the chef asked us if we wanted him to do something special, he did, and it was the best sushi we have ever had”.

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.

“Some of the most reliably good tapas in London” – “delicious and perfectly executed” – plus “an interesting, if pricey wine list” can be found at this “vibrant”, black-and-red liveried offshoot of Cambio de Tercio, the South Ken fixture, directly opposite. “Constant innovation” in the kitchen means there’s “always something different and appetising” on the menu.

“Subtle, aromatic and utterly delicious food” based around “family recipes” are on the menu at this unusual, family-run Indian café decked out with vintage Bollywood posters, on the outer fringe of South Kensington. “I just don’t understand how this place isn’t better known”, it’s a “real gem”.

Abel Lusa’s “little corner of Spain on the Old Brompton Road” has pioneered upscale Hispanic cuisine in London for 26 years with “tasty creations that wow the diner” alongside “a joy of a wine list – not cheap but with an exceptional selection”. It’s a “destination of choice for every mood and occasion, be it just for tapas or a full meal” – or, if you’re Rafa Nadal, if you’re in town for a game of tennis…

“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.

These retro-glam cafés are mostly located in-store, but the portfolio now also boasts the “beautiful building by the Serpentine Sackler Gallery” designed by Zaha Hadid. Perhaps because their price-tag is not exactly ‘bargain basement’, feedback is somewhat limited, but there’s a fairly clear picture of chic Italian dishes that, while “good and tasty”, can seem “nothing special” given the Monte Carlo-esque bill. Any such caveats do not seem to be getting in the way of the chain’s ongoing expansion however, most recently into Kensington.

“There’s a friendly buzz” at this pair of “good-value neighbourhood Italians” in South Kensington and Dulwich Village, which are handy for most occasions: “reliable for an informal business lunch”, but equally “very child-friendly” and “perfect for a family meal with half portions of everything for kids”. On top of that, the “food is actually not bad at all – better pizzas than the chains and decent enough fresh pasta”.

“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”.

“Brilliant”, “fresh” and “unusual” Levantine flavours; “cheerful and helpful staff”; and “sunnily charming decoration” ensure these “above-average”, modern Middle Eastern bistros are “invariably lively and bustling”. The SW7 branch is a well-known fixture of the ‘Petit France’ enclave of South Kensington, while its two-year-old spin-off has made a good start establishing itself at the top end of Soho – “you can understand the popularity when food of such a high standard is produced at such very reasonable prices”.

“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”.

“When all you want is an old-school burger”, these US-based arrivals of recent years really “hit the spot” – you can “build your own”, with “tons of accessories”; plus “seriously addictive fries”, “thick milkshakes”, and “more soda flavours than is reasonable”. “The eat-in experience is as depressing as McDonald’s”, though, in fact perhaps more so – “some branches have a strangely gloomy ambience” – but fans feel that “if you don’t mind 1980s-rock, a trip can still be surprisingly fun”.

This “great neighbourhood favourite” on a Chelsea corner wins solid marks for its “genuine Italian food”, “with Riccardo himself ensuring you’re well looked after”. It’s “cheap ’n’ cheerful” with a “lovely informal environment” – “perfect for family Sunday lunch with dog under the table and children throwing pasta over each other”.

“Faded old-world charm and traditional hearty food” (“stuffed cabbage most enjoyable with potato vodka”) are the hallmarks of this “historic Polish gem” (est 1947) near South Ken tube, where legendary restaurant critics Jonathan Meades and the late AA Gill used to meet regularly for lunch. Even if dishes can be “stodgy” they are “wonderfully authentic” and in “robust portions”, and act as a portal to “the distant past”.

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.

“It’s easy to go too often” to this “friendly” Fulham Road Italian, that has built a strong local following over 15 years. “The menu changes regularly with the seasons” and “portions are generous”, but what is “spectacular value” at lunchtime becomes “expensive in the evening for almost the same menu”.

“A little corner of France in the SWs” – Didier Garnier’s “comfortable and old-fashioned French brasserie” on a tucked-away site (with a large outside terrace for the summer) has, for just over two decades, maintained a massively loyal following, particularly amongst “older Chelsea residents”, on the strength of its “classic” (if rather “no frills”) cuisine; “an excellent wine list with prices that are hard to beat”; and notably “courteous” service. “Tables are packed closed” though, and “it’s noisy when busy”.