Best Italian Restaurants in London Kensington

Kensington is one of London's top treasures. This place is home to cultural activities such as world-renowned museums, a royal palace, and many European embassies. In addition, Kensington offers a wide range of other Italian culinary gems for you to discover.

We know what you’re thinking, Italian food in London? But don’t be skeptical just yet. In this guide, we’ll be sure to change your mind. Say goodbye to fish and chips (for now) and say hello to pasta, burrata, and ricotta.

So if you’re craving some authentic Italian food, Kensington is the perfect destination to try must-go restaurants in London. From cozy trattorias serving traditional dishes passed down through generations to modern establishments pushing the boundaries of Italian cuisine, you’ll surely find something you like on this list!

So here’s our guide to London's best Italian restaurants that you can find in Kensington.

Il Portico

Since its opening in 1967 by Pino Chiavarini, Il Portico has become a beloved Italian restaurant among Londoners. It has proudly maintained its status as London's oldest family-run restaurant. Thanks to its commitment to quality, we consider it one of the best Italian restaurants in London.

Today, James and Marianna are at the head of the restaurant. Together, they preserved the essence of Pino: simple yet authentic Italian dishes from their native Emilia Romagna, following their founder's vision. Pino currently manages the family farm in Kent, which supplies much of the organic produce used in the restaurants.

In 2021, the Familia Portico added its sister restaurant 'Pino,’ which is conveniently next door, allowing guests to enjoy a wider array of delightful cuisine. Il Portico's homemade mouthwatering dishes and excellent selection of wines will blow your mind. One notable aspect of Il Portico is the generous portion sizes. Guests can expect hearty servings that satisfy their hunger and provide excellent bang for their buck.

Now, if you check out from your hotel and have your luggage with you, don't worry. You can store your bags at available luggage storage in London.

277 Kensington High Street, London W8 6NA, Tel. +44 20 7602 6262 

Price Range: ££-£££

Must Try Dishes: Porcini risotto, Pappardelle pasta came with pork belly ragu and Dover sole

Grato

Picture this: you just finished a long stroll at Hyde Park and are craving a nice homemade Italian meal. Why not check out Grato? This charming and chic Italian restaurant first opened its doors in 2019 and is a few minutes walk from High Street Kensington.

Grato offers its customers regional cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients. Every meal is a mix of love and culture, providing every customer an authentic and memorable dining experience.

On the menu, you will find a myriad of options. Sample ravioli, organic sourdough bruschetta, prosciutto di parma... and these are only some of the examples that don’t begin to scratch the surface. Have fun exploring the other mouthwatering options that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

At Grato, a cheerful team of Italians leads the way, infusing the restaurant with their passion and expertise. This restaurant seduces its guest with its heavenly tiramisu and homemade pasta that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Moreover, the alfresco dining experience at Grato offers a view overlooking the oldest garden square in Kensington, enhancing the ambiance and adding an extra touch of charm you can’t find elsewhere.

Whether you are seeking a spot for a leisurely lunch or a delightful family dinner, Grato is the place to be!

Heads up, the place is quite small, so we recommend making a reservation if you want to secure seats.

9 Kensington Square, London, Tel. +44 2033719338 

Price Range: ££-£££

Must Try Dishes/ Drinks: Tiramisu, Espresso Martini, Pumpkin Ravioli

Cacciari

Cacciari is one of the best Italian restaurants in town and has certainly made a name for itself in London. Due to its growing popularity, Cacciari has two branches opened in South Kensington and Earl Court. A few other branches are open around London, ensuring that its authentic Italian dining experience is easily accessible to a wide range of diners.

The restaurant's concept focuses on the traditional "trattoria Bolognese." The restaurant takes great pride in sourcing the finest artisanal ingredients to create dishes that capture the essence of Italian flavors in London.

The menu at Cacciari showcases a wide selection of traditional Italian dishes. Dishes such as Piadina Romagnola, Garganelli, and the renowned Tortellini are all featured on the menu. And these dishes are all handmade with skillful preparation!

So if you're looking for a good, old-fashioned Italian meal with artisanal ingredients, this is the place to be if you’re looking to savor the flavors of a true trattoria Bolognese.

82 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3LQ, Tel. +44 7552 609747 

Price Range: ££-£££

Must Try Dishes: Tortellini, Cacio e Pepe

Enoteca Rossa

Make room on your list of must-try restaurants! Nestled on Kensington's High Street, Enoteca Rosso is the perfect place to go for a spontaneous brunch or dinner and demands a spot on this list. All thanks to the talented and innovative chef Kim Arieta.

Chef Kim has honed his craft and expanded his knowledge of Italian cuisine while delving into the modern Mediterranean and French-inspired dishes. You’ll notice that fusion is some of the dishes offered at Enoteca Rossa.

Every day, the food is the essence of fresh and seasonal ingredients, and each dish creates a multi-sensory sensation that will leave you yearning for more. What sets this restaurant apart is its dedication to catering to various dietary preferences, offering a range of Vegan and meatless options that are equally as tempting as their traditional choices.

With Chef Kim, Enoteca Rosso promises an outstanding dining experience that seamlessly combines tradition with creativity.

For the ultimate dolce vita experience, avoiding having your bulky luggage with you is best. But where do you store them? Using luggage storage in London can be a life-saving trick! You can easily drop off your bags and savor the flavors of authentic homemade Italian dishes worry-free.

Enoteca Rossa also offers a delicious Sunday brunch that is worth checking out if you’re looking for a place to brunch!

276-280 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6ND, Tel. +44 7384 595 191 

Price Range: ££-£££

Must Try Dishes: Lamb Ragu, Arancini, Italian ice cream, Olive oil cake

La Terrazza Kensington

This fine-dining Italian restaurant is a true hidden gem situated on the ground floor of Hotel Xenia. Step into a world of fine dining all within the inviting and elegant setting of this fine-dining Italian restaurant.

As you enter La Terrazza, you'll be greeted by a beautiful, bright, and casual space, making it the perfect spot to enjoy true Italian cooking with a glass of vino.

Behind the stoves and at the heart of the restaurant, you'll find a team of chefs led by the head Chef Raffaele Lauriola. With a commitment to culinary excellence, each dish is crafted using only the freshest seasonal ingredients and specialty products sourced directly from Italy. The kitchen opens from breakfast all the way ‘to dinner, offering breakfasts, tapas-style lunches, afternoon teas, and dinners.

Often regarded as the best Italian restaurant in the heart of Kensington, La Terrazza is the perfect place to have a boozy prosecco brunch or a romantic date— or both. So cheers to the finer things in life!

160 Cromwell Rd, London SW5 0TL, Tel. +44 207 442 4242 

Price Range: ££££

Must Try Dishes: Spaghetti Carbonara, Tiramisu

La Fortuna

Craving some authentic Italian cuisine? Head over to La Fortuna. This family-owned Italian restaurant is located nearby Kensington Garden, right on Church Street. La Fortuna takes pride in creating an authentic Italian experience in London.

Over at La Fortuna, you can expect a wide range of traditional Italian dishes. Pasta is freshly handmade, and antipasti plates are filled with high-quality meats and cheeses. Everything on La Fortuna’s menu is finger-licking, and you might have a hard time choosing what to eat. Reviews online claim it should have a Michelin Star.

La Fortuna also features a small but carefully curated wine list to choose from. If you’re unsure what to pick, make sure to ask the knowledgeable staff for pairing advice.

Looking For private dining? La Fortuna can make that happen for you! Its team will create custom floral arrangements with Chef Elsa preparing the meal to ensure a memorable experience.

Kensington Church Street 32, W8 4H4, London, Tel. +44 207 937 8752 

Price Range: ££-£££

Must Try Dishes: Pancetta, Tiramisu

Casa Bardotti

Located in West Kensington, Casa Bardotti Pizzeria is a “Pizza Heaven.” This is one of Londoners' top choices for authentic Italian restaurants that specialize in pizza. You'll find an extensive selection of fresh pasta, pizza, and wine, all offered at an affordable price. Casa Bardotti is also very allergy-friendly, assuring everyone at the party will be able to indulge. No Italian meal would be complete without indulging in a decadent dessert, and Casa Bardotti does not disappoint. Treat yourself to a tangy yet sweet limoncello and pick between the creamy tiramisu and delicate pana cotta (or pick both!). Ca Bordotti is not just a place to fill up; its atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a gathering. So if you're planning to dine out with your friends or family, Casa Bardotti makes the perfect spot! You really can’t beat a cozy atmosphere with affordable pricing. It’s the best pairing. After pizza and wine, of course. 

1 Charleville Rd, Hammersmith, London W14 9JL, Tel. +44 203 583 3400 

Price Range: £-££ 

Must Try: Spicy Salami Pizza, Courgette Fritti, & daily specials

Como Garden

Visiting Como Garden is the closest you can get to Italy in Kensington. This Italian restaurant is located on the High Street of Kensington and combines traditional Italian cuisine with tapas. You'll come for the food and stay for the surroundings; the elegant dining room is filled with lush greenery that serves as the perfect backdrop. In other words, get ready for some Instagram photos! This place will make you feel like you're dining on a leafy terrace on the Amalfi Coast. On the menu, you’ll find a range of selections from Lobster & Datterino Tomato Tortelloni to Gnocchi Stuffed with Pesto & Mozzarella to Marinated Lamb Chops to Red Wine Sauce to… ok, we’ll just let you read the menu yourself. Due to the size of the tapas, it’s recommended that everyone at the party get about three dishes to get the full experience. The entire menu sounds equally delicious, so you’ll have no issue picking three items— if anything, you’ll have trouble deciding! But wait… there’s more! Just wait until you hear the dessert list! Tiramisu, Como Signature Meringue Torta, Como Ferrero Roché.... and plenty more! If you’re looking to tickle your taste buds with a variety of flavors, then look no further than Como Garden. But since it’s tapas style, we recommend going with a group to get the most out of the experience. 

37 High Street Kensington, London W8 5ED, Tel. +44 207 937 7287 

Price Range: £££ 

Must Try: Como Signature Meringue Torta, Como Ferrero Roché, Truffle Carbonara

Locanda Ottoemezzo

In 2002, Spanish brothers Emidio and Francesco decided to open up Locanda Ottoemezzo after the mass success of their first passion project, Ottoemezzo Cafe. Today, Locanda Ottoemerzo is different from your typical Italian ristorante. In fact, it plays a role as both café and restaurant serving fine Italian cuisine catering to all affairs— from a casual snack to a three-course meal. So you can enjoy Italian coffee with some side pastries during the day. And if you're craving some fine Italian cuisine, you can head there for lunch or dinner. Gotta love the range! And speaking of range, here you can indulge in a variety of foods from homemade tagliatelle with rich Bolognese sauce to the fragrant risotto bursting with seasonal ingredients. Looking for pizza? Locanda Ottoemezzo has got you covered with its exquisite wood-fired pizzas. Locanda Ottoemerzo is always swamped with people. But no worries, if you're looking for a romantic place to bring your date to, Ottoemezzo is the place to go! The place's dimly lit, beautiful decorations and good food will guarantee your date call you back for a second one! The restaurant is named after Fellini’s masterpiece “8½,” but we give this place a solid 10. 

2-4 Thackeray Street, London, W8 5ET, Tel. +44 207 937 2200 

Price Range: ££-£££ 

Must Try Dishes: Seasonal Risotto, Beef Carpaccio

Riccardo's Italian Restaurant

Missing home-cooked meals? Or looking for a new place to try? Travel to Riccardo's Tuscan Italian Restaurant. This place is in the center of Kensington and is well known among fellow Londoners. Riccardo’s Italian restaurant specializes in Tuscan-style Italian food. With meals prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients only. Riccardo delivers all the right flavors, from organic eggs to golden semolina homemade pasta. When you get the menu, you’ll notice there is no order or section. You will see a list. This is done purposefully because you’re meant to carve your own path. Most items are offered in a regular and a tapas style giving you the freedom to choose and order as you wish. It feels like turning 18 all over again! Fun fact: Italy is one of the friendliest countries for people dealing with celiac & other dietary restrictions! Ricardo’s Italian restaurant keeps the genuineness and brings the compromises to London. For those who are vegan or gluten-free, this Italian restaurant has a solution for you. In addition to its main menu, the restaurant offers an attractive vegan and wheat-free menu for you to choose from. When it comes to wine, Riccardo restaurant provides a great selection of the finest Tuscan wines. From the robust reds of Chianti to the crisp whites of Vernaccia di San Gimignano— if you don’t know what that means, the staff is more than happy to help you make a selection. 

126 Fulham Road, South Kensington, London SW3 6HU, Tel. +44 207 370 6656 

Price Range: ££-£££ 

Must Try Dishes: Angel hair pasta with portobello mushrooms, almond chocolate cake

Looking for some cool dining spots? Unfortunately, diners in London can get expensive. It’s a shame, since there are many culinary experiences to try out besides delicious pizza in Kensington. In this spirit, we curated a list of 8 restaurants in London with the perfect atmosphere to have a fancy yet affordable lunch or dinner!