Hattie Lloyd 07/12/22
Some people think that just because West London has a reputation for luxury and fine living so, therefore, must its restaurants.
Those people would be right.
Of course you’ll also find the occasional edgy & inventive spot intermingled here too. But if you’re looking for an area where cutting-edge sushi spots rub shoulders with Michelin Starred stalwarts, cosy gastros, and globally renowned classics then, well, you’ve found it… –
The River Café | Hammersmith
West London is often mocked for being less rapidly evolving than its Eastern counterpart. But that’s probably because it’s busy nurturing the award-winning eateries that have been flying the flag for great British restaurants for over 30 years.
Details: Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, Hammersmith, West London, W6 9HA | ££££
The Shed | Notting Hill
It’s the flagship restaurant from The Gladwin Brothers (Rabbit; Nutbourne), serving seasonal British grub, alongside a lengthy list of Modern European wines.
Details: 122 Palace Gardens Terrace, Notting Hill, West London, W8 4RT | ££££
The Pelican | Notting Hill
The Pelican is a gorgeously revamped neighbourhood pub just off Portobello Road that just so happens to have both chef Owen Kenworthy at the helm, (who was head chef at the critically acclaimed Brawn for five years) and his nose-to-tail philosophy too. Here, he’s cooking up small plates and hearty fare like spider crab on toast; monkfish pie with lobster head gravy; and scorched leeks with crispy shallots…
Details: 45 All Saints Road, London, W11 1HE | ££ –
The Counter | Notting Hill
Well, this place is lovely. To walk in is to be enveloped by warmth, both from the staff and the ocakbaşı grill, which chef Kemal Demirasal and his team use to churn out a parade of mouthwatering, flame-kissed dishes. The cocktails – laced with savoury notes and spices – make perfect and unexpected companions to visionary creations like the white chocolate babaganoush, alongside well-executed Turkish classics. Ask to sit up at the eponymous counter to be a part of the action.
Details: 108 Golborne Road, Notting Hill, W10 5PS | £££ –
SUMI | Notting Hill
SUMI is a neighbourhood sushi restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Endo Kazutoshi (of Endo at the Rotunda fame) known for its effortless elegance and signature Japanese-leaning cocktails. Standout dishes include iced sashimi, hand-rolled temaki, and salmon teriyaki. It’s worth the splurge, even if you have to eat beans the rest of the week.
Details: 157 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W11 2RS | ££££ –
Claude Bosi At Bibendum | South Kensington
It’s Modern European fine-dining courtesy of the illustrious Claude Bosi. You’ll find it in the former Michelin tire factory (hands down the best looking building in South Ken). Here, Bosi and his team are cooking up the likes of Basque pork with parsley root, winter mushrooms, and black liquorice, earning themselves not one but two Michelin stars within a matter of months.
Details: Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, Kensington, West London, SW3 6RD | ££££ –
The Harwood Arms | Fulham
The Harwood Arms is London’s only, yes only Michelin-starred pub, co-owned by restaurateurs Brett Graham & Mike Robinson. It focuses on using as much wild food as possible, particularly game, and has a casual atmosphere with scuffed leather chairs and blond wood. The menu includes dishes such as deer with beetroot, blackcurrant and smoked bone marrow, coronation quail salad with apricot and almond, and whipped chicken livers with thyme hobnobs and onion jam.
Details: Walham Grove, Fulham, SW6 1QP | £££ –
Hawksmoor | Knightsbridge
Arguably some of the best steak and seafood in London, in a chic, Art Deco setting. If you want to argue with us.
Details: 3 Yeoman’s Row, Knightsbridge, West London, SW3 2AL | ££££ –
Cellar at Kindred | Hammersmith
You know that old Georgian mansion sitting unexpectedly right in the middle of Hammersmith Broadway? Well, recently it became Kindred, a members club and co-working space. And even more recently, the basement there became Cellar, a moody restaurant overseen by the lauded Andrew Clarke. The menu here draws together influences from around the world, and accompanies them with some very good cocktails – and the best part is, it’s open to everyone.
Details: Bradmore House, Queen Caroline Street, W6 9BW | £££ –
The Ledbury | Notting Hill
The Ledbury is undoubtedly one of London’s finest fine dining restaurants. Drop in, and you’ll find a streamlined 8-course tasting menu, which focuses on using whole animals as part of chef Brett Graham’s push for more sustainable meat production. No a la carte. The menu is prepared by new head chef Tom Spenceley, previously of the double Michelin-starred Kitchen Table in Fitzrovia. The restaurant’s interior has been redesigned by These White Walls, who’ve gone off-piste with some green & beige walls.
Details: 127 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AQ | ££££ –
Core by Clare Smyth | Notting Hill
Clare Smyth was the first female British chef to net three Michelin stars when she headed up Gordon Ramsay’s eponymous joint – and blow us down if she hasn’t done it again with her debut solo spot.
Details: 92 Kensington Park Road, W11 2PN | ££££ –
Dinner by Heston | Knightsbridge
Your double Michelin-starred dinner at Dinner will take inspiration from dishes through the centuries, with a little help from Heston’s wacky creativity (this ‘orange’ is actually meat), a very old recipe book, and a historically accurate pineapple roasting pulley.
Details: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA | £££££ –
Endo At The Rotunda | White City
It’s Michelin-starred sushi served up in an intimate, 24-seater restaurant on the 8th floor of White City’s Television Centre.
Details: 8th Floor, The Helios, Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, W12 7FR | ££££ –
Maggie Jones | Kensington
A cosy, romantic hideaway hidden in the depths of a Kensington cul-de-sac, filled with ceiling-hung flower baskets, wonky stairs and candle light.
Details: 6 Old Court Place, Kensington, W8 4PL | £££ –
Elystan Street | Chelsea
Laurelled chef Phil Howard is calling this place his “last hurrah”. Which means you should waste no time in going in to experience his glorious seasonal dishes, served up in a surprisingly pared-back space for the area.
Details: 43 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT | ££££
Liked exploring the best restaurants in West London? Follow up with a tour of the best bars in West London
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