Best Italian restaurants in London Kensington

There’s no denying the popularity of Italian cuisine. According to an international YouGov survey, Italian food is the most popular in the world. 91% of British respondents who tried Italian cuisine said they liked it, making it one of the most popular here, too. Of course, given that there’s so much choice in the city, it’s not always easy to find the best Italian restaurants in London.

The good news is you don’t need to go very far if you’re staying with us at Fraser Residence Prince of Wales Terrace, as you can find some of the best Italian restaurants in Kensington right on our doorstep. 

Italian Restaurants in Kensington:

Here’s our pick of the 10 best Italian restaurants in Kensington.

1. Il Portico

Il Portico serves classic Emilia Romagna cuisine including antipasti, freshly made pasta, secondi, and contorni, as well as an excellent selection of cocktails and wine.       

Stand-out dishes: Calamari Mari & Monti, and gnocchi with gorgonzola, walnuts, and nutmeg.

Great for solo dining, date night, and family meals.

Address: 227 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London W8 6NA

Average price: £45 - £60 for a meal

2. Cibo

One of the best Italian restaurants in London, Cibo serves a variety of authentic Italian dishes and is especially well-known for its seafood. Vegetarian options are available.

Stand-out dishes: mini ravioli filled with veal in a creamy black truffle sauce, and linguine with lobster in a light tomato sauce.

Superb choice for romantic dates, special occasions, and business lunches or dinners.

Address: 3 Russell Gardens, Kensington, London W14 8EZ

Average price: £55 for two people (approx.) without alcohol

3. La Fortuna

One of the best Italian restaurants in Kensington, La Fortuna offers a wide range of traditional dishes, many representing Bolognese cuisine. Vegetarian options are available.

Stand-out dishes: linguine pasta with tiger prawns, calamari in white wine with cherry tomatoes and chilli sauce, and poached pears in white wine with saffron or in red wine with cinnamon.

A wonderful spot for dining with family and friends.

Address: 32 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 4HA

Average price: £48 for a meal

4. Paparazzi Restaurant

Paparazzi Restaurant is an authentic Italian restaurant in Kensington’s Hammersmith district offering a tempting selection of antipasti, pasta dishes, risotto, salads, mains, pizza, vegan pastas and pizzas, desserts, and children’s options.

Stand-out dishes: gnocchi with red wine-stewed baby octopus, and baked salted cod in tomato, olives, oregano, and capers.

A good choice for eating out with family and friends.

Address: 1 Charleville Rd, Hammersmith, London W14 9JL    

Average price: £30 - £49 for a meal

5. Ottoemezzo

One of the top Italian restaurants in London, Ottoemezzo also operates as a café. The establishment serves Italian coffee and pastries, as well as fine Tuscan-style dishes. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Stand-out dishes: Locanda signature beef carpaccio with rucola, citrus dressing, parmesan shavings, and fresh black truffle, and chargrilled Denver steak (olive-fed English Wagyu) with rocket and cherry tomato salad.

An excellent choice for a romantic date or a meal with business associates.

Address: 2-4 Thackeray St, Kensington, London W8 5ET

Average price: £60 for two people (approx.) without alcohol

6. Cicchetti

Opened in 2022, Cicchetti already is one of the best Italian restaurants in London. This chic establishment offers opulent, elevated Italian cuisine and an impressive wine list. Plant-based options are available.

Stand-out dishes: black truffle ravioli, and black salt sea bass with herb and olive oil.

An excellent choice for romantic dinners and special occasions.

Address: 6 Hans Road, Knightsbridge, London SW3 1RX

Average price: £50 - £79 for a meal

7. Maria G’s

Maria G’s is chef Robin Gill’s restaurant serving Italian-inspired food with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce.

Stand-out dishes: pappardelle with chicken liver, sage, and marsala, and Cornish red chicken Milanese with Caesar dressing and Amalfi lemon.

A good choice for business lunches or dinners, elevated family dining, and special occasions.

Address: Coe House, 2-4 Warwick Ln, Kensington, London W14 8FN

Average price: £50 - £79 for a meal

8. Enoteca Rosso

Enjoy seasonal flavours and modern interpretation of classic dishes at Enoteca Rosso, one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Kensington. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available.

Stand-out dishes: small chestnut gnocchi, with creamy gorgonzola and walnuts, and venison ravioli, pumpkin velouté and sauteed mushrooms.

A good choice for lazy lunches with friends, family dinners, and more relaxed date nights.

Address: 276-280 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6ND

Average price: £30 - £49 for a meal

9. Edera

A charming Italian restaurant in Kensington’s Holland Park, Edera offers warm hospitality and a simple approach to classic dishes and Sardinian specialities. Vegetarian options are available.

Stand-out dishes: Sardinian fregola with red prawns and courgettes, and baked sea bass in fennel and salt crust served with parsley potatoes.

An excellent choice for relaxed dining with family and friends, colleagues, or a date.

Address: 148 Holland Park Ave, Kensington, London W11 4UE

Average price: £50 - £79 for a meal

10. Jacuzzi

A relatively new Italian restaurant in London, Jacuzzi fuses high class and high camp for an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll find traditional and contemporary Italian dishes with a focus on seasonality and lesser-known ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Stand-out dishes: home-made green and yellow ravioli filled with lemony ricotta and creamy spinach, served with provola cheese sauce, crunchy sage and toasted hazelnuts, and Neapolitan pizza with San Marzano tomato, mozzarella fior di latte, spicy 'nduja, salame piccante, caramelised red onions, tarragon

A fantastic choice for dining with friends and family, date nights, and special occasions

Address: 94 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 4SJ    

Average price: £50 - £79 for a meal

Where to Stay in Kensington, London for the best Dining options

You’re not short of choice when you’re looking for Italian restaurants in Kensington, and with so many of the the best Italian restaurants in London being on your doorstep, it makes sense to stay in this quiet, leafy area.

With an option to stay over 28 nights, Fraser Residence Prince of Wales Terrace is the perfect base for enjoying the fine dining options in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, especially with its proximity and transport links to other areas of the city meaning if you did want to venture further afield you’ve got tonnes of other options to try out as well.