Best restaurants in Kensington

This high-end Asian is found at Japan House London, which is part of a global collection established by the Japanese government to encourage cultural interaction (there are other sites in Los Angeles and Sao Paulo). Japan House London takes up three floors of a Grade II-listed building on Kensington High Street, and Akira can be found on the first. The menu, from chef Shimizu Akira, majors in dishes cooked over a robata grill, alongside sushi and chargrilled kushiyaki skewers made from wagyu beef, pork, chicken, seafood and vegetables. Rice is prepared in a donabe (clay pot), while cocktails make use of Japanese ingredients, including rare saké, yuzu and shisho. Those in a rush can instead visit the snack stand, which serves Nel Drip coffee, before perusing one of Japan House’s exhibition spaces or the expansive library. 

Getting its name from the British Raj and the UK's rule over India between 1858 -1947, the Raj of Kensington brings all the best bits of Indian cuisine to its menu. Dishes from a range of regions in India feature on the menu and the simple décor lets you focus on the food.

Headed up by two Nobu trained chefs, Yashin Sushi’s dark wood bar, quirky signs and stylish green tiles make it the ideal place to enjoy some exciting sushi dishes. Try the likes of asparagus tempura, yellowtail nigiri and paradise prawn tempura and don’t forget to wash it down with some sake.

Opening almost 30 years ago and boasting a loyal customer base, Cambio de Tercio serves up experimental Spanish dishes sure to wow. From globes of steam revealing tasty dishes to foam on top of oysters, Cambio de Tercio takes Spanish food to another level.

This laid back Michelin starred restaurant serves up great quality food without all the pretentiousness. The light and airy restaurant mixed with modern interiors make for a great place to enjoy some delights off the menu. These include grilled Cornish mackerel, caramelised truffle gnocchi and glazed choux buns.

Run by three brothers from the Sussex countryside, The Shed brings a slice of rural life to the city. Every element of this restaurant incorporates their farm roots. From the bar fashioned from an old tractor bonnet to the rustic and seasonal menu.

Moving from their glitzy location in Notting hill to a more low-key location in Kensington, Chakra’s classic Indian menu with a contemporary twist is filled with exciting dishes and lots of vegan and vegetarian options. To get started, go for the desi chilli cheese toast before moving on to something hotter.

Located in almost all of London’s most desirable postcodes, it will come as no surprise that this Ivy Brasserie is located in Kensington. Serving up traditional British fare including the likes of shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, this restaurant screams old-school decadence and is ideal for celebrations and business meetings a like.  

As the Greek definition of enoteca is ‘wine repository’ it may come as no surprise, that when you enter Enoteca Rosso, the walls are filled to the ceiling with bottles of wine ready to be paired with its fresh pasta dishes. Although the name may be Greek, the restaurant is firmly rooted in its Italian cuisine so expect the likes of wild boar pappardelle and vension agnolotti.

Sitting in the beautifully kept Holland Park, Belvedere’s terracotta walls, elegant charm and abundance of foliage give the impression of an evening on a Tuscan terrace. A creative menu of Mediterranean cuisine is just as good as the setting, promising excellence from start to finish.

As a landmark Indian restaurant in Kensington, Zaika serves up food inspired by Awadhi royalty and aristocrats. All the dishes that come out of the kitchen are beautifully presented and range from spicy curries to tandoori kebabs.

Serving up a fusion of Latin American cuisine, Zuaya is a modern and stylish restaurant great for enjoying both cocktails and full on meals. Expect to find the likes of jamon Iberico and tacos and listen as the resident DJ plays Latin music. You’ll feel like you’ve left London as soon as you step through the door.   

With spectacular views over Hyde Park and located in the Royal Garden Hotel, this high-end Chinese restaurant serves up some of the best crispy duck in the city. Try the ‘legendary wood-fired Beijing Duck’ with pancakes of course, and choose from a number of other traditional Chinese dishes.