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Daphne's

Italian·
££££
·
Gold Award
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SquareMeal Review of Daphne's

Gold Award

Like many of its redoubtable regulars, evergreen Daphne’s summons up the elegant SW3 of Swinging London and E-type Jags rather than MIC and Chelsea tractors. It’s also one of the few restaurants in the neighbourhood with a healthy lunch trade all week – don’t be surprised to see diners lingering over glasses of Vin Santo as the evening’s first drinkers turn up for Negronis at the marble-topped bar.

That’s not to say that the old girl hasn’t moved with the times: Daphne’s has been owned by Caprice Holdings since 1998 and while the ice-cream palette might nod towards languorous holidays on the Amalfi coast, the menu is the sort of English-accented Italian straight out of Chianti-shire.

Expect a collection of Caprice Holdings classics injected with un po dolce vita, from fleshy prawns with garlic and chilli to one of the best veal milanese in London (moist and buttery) or calf’s liver with smoked pancetta and cipolline (aka bacon and onion). Autumn brings white truffle specialities, although summer is the nicest time to visit, when the concertina doors fold open on to the passeggiata of Draycott Avenue. 

The unpretentious approach to authentic regional food keeps regulars coming back but, like all the best Italian restaurants, Daphne’s is also perfect for celebratory bashes (whether you’re 18 or 80). Reliability is the watchword, and the place invariably “delivers on quality and service”, thanks to charming staff who never forget a face.

Prices, alas, are very much up to date, not least on an Italian-led wine list with slim pickings under £40, though generous portions mean you might not make it to dessert; finish instead with a coupe of zabaglione, as delightfully frothy a confection as Daphne’s itself.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
Italian
Ambience
Cosy, Lively
Special Features
Dog friendly, Wheelchair access
Perfect for
Dates, Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

Location

112 Draycott Avenue, South Kensington, London, SW3 3AE

020 7589 4257 020 7589 4257

Website

Opening Times

Mon-Sun 12N-11.30pm (Sun -10.30pm)

Reviews

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20 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Laura P

27 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Always spot on 

Anon

24 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Excellent upscale Italian

Anon

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Beautiful! Absolutely lovely! Great food, service, pricey but definitely worth it! Had a delicious starter and dessert, washed down with a lovely glass of sparkly !

Rob H

06 August 2019  
Excellent concept and delicious food utilising the best ingredients to create some wonderful sharing plates, somewhat costly but worth it. The atmosphere is incredible and the service was spot on.

Caroline H

31 July 2018  
The food is exceptional, been going for years, sit at the bar and have dinner its a great vibe, good quality italian food.

Rebecca W

27 June 2018  
It is a reliable restaurant that always delivers on quality and service.

Petrina M

27 June 2018  
This well known neighbourhood restaurant delivers a warm and welcoming ambience with top class service. The menu is wonderful and you feel like you are sitting in a restaurant in Italy. The perfect place for a weekend lunch.

LInda B

27 June 2018  
Great service, ambience and food.

Piglet

20 February 2018  
Food & Drink 4
Service 4
Atmosphere 5
Value 4
A favourite from years ago
It must be 15 years since I last ate at Daphne's, and I was very pleasantly surprised that nothing has really changed, and I mean that as a positive. I just wish there was an equivalent in NW London! We dined on creamy burrata and sweet tomatoes, salmon and yellowtail sashimi, lobster spaghetti and meatballs and zuchini, all well executed, unfussy and delicious. I will make the trip to SW London again soon.

Maryann B

04 May 2017  
Everything on the menu is fantastic.
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020 7589 4257 020 7589 4257

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