Our favourite restaurants in Kensington, West London

West London knows how to eat. There’s the cool Kensington restaurants. Fancy Chelsea restaurants. Elegant post-gallery bites and casual pre-shopping brunches.

And as local residents based at Ember Locke aparthotel, we know where to recommend.

Once you’ve ticked off uour to dos - and a visit to the Natural History Museum - it’s time to get munching. Here we share the best restaurants in Kensington.

Light bites and brunch in West London

London does brunch well. Vegan, dim sum, bottomless - our lovable city has it all. Here’s the best eats in Kensington for your breakfast cravings.

Megan's on the High Street

Best for: Insta’ worthy bottomless brunch you can share with your furry friend.

You might recognise Megan’s from your Instagram feed. This beautiful restaurant is buzzing with backdrop loving diners from dawn to dusk. And whilst we love the natural, Mediterranean style interiors, the food’s pretty good too.

The most popular time to dine is brunch. It’s bottomless, all-day and dog-friendly. Tuck into classic breakfast dishes like Turkish eggs and banana French toast. Or fill up on fondue with crispy bacon and shallot, spicy Piri Piri or original cheese. You’re also spoilt on drinks choices. House sodas, happy hour wine and giant sharing cocktails are just a bit of what’s on offer.

Balans, Kensington

Best for: channelling your inner A-lister over a Pornstar Martini and plate of eggs.

No matter what time you get out of bed, you can always brunch at Balans. Since 1987, the likes of Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse have been rolling in for breakfast (and late night coffee), with locations opening up across the city. And if you’re west side, the Kensington joint is one to visit.

This all-day brasserie serves breakfast burritos and eggs anyway you like them from open till close. Plus sandwiches, signature pancakes and big or small plates inspired by the best international cuisines. If you’ve got time for a cocktail, don’t miss Balan’s Pornstar Martini. It’s faithfully made to the original recipe as created by a friend of the owner.

Stephanie's Restaurant & Bar

Best for: a secluded midweek catchup with colleagues and good coffee.

Hosted in London Lodge Hotel is Stephanie’s, a stylish bar and restaurant ten minutes from Kensington High Street. Guests are welcome for daytime meets, from business meetings to a glass of wine on the patio.

The food menu is freshly made onsite with a traditional English breakfast a must have for those visiting London. Grab a hot pastry and catch up over a cuppa.

A taste of southeast Asia

From the flavours of Bangkok to Tokyo, Kensington is home to some of the best Asian food in London. Here’s the best places to eat when you fancy some spice.

Addie's Thai Restaurant

Best for: slurping slippery noodles dripping in sweet and sour sauce.

They say don’t judge a book by its cover. And when it comes to Addie’s, you judge by how packed it is, not the exteriors. This long standing local restaurant has served cheap and tasty Thai food for over three decades. And it hasn’t disappointed yet.

Your meal starts with free prawn crackers (the authentic kind) and will undoubtedly include a lot of spice, crispy spring rolls and sticky noodle dishes. We love the pad thai for a comforting choice. But there’s also a bunch of special curries with roasted duck and juicy prawns that’ll tempt you away from the classics.

Dinings SW3

Best for: getting stuck into sushi over sake, Japanese Izakaya style.

Despite its fancy postcode, Dinings is more like a friend’s home than an upmarket restaurant. An izakaya to be exact. Meaning ‘stay-drink-place’, this Japanese style of dining is all about getting comfy, and enjoying a drink and snack. Exactly what Dinings offers.

Whilst sipping on sake, wine and seasonal cocktails, diners can chopstick their way through sushi rolls, cuts of the day and street food inspired bites. Like steamed mini burger buns with yuzu and sweet soy Nagoya style chicken wings.

Raitakrai Thai Earl's Court

Best for: a lunch deal that’ll get you top notch Thai food for a tenner.

Some call it London’s best Thai. Others, the city’s best hidden gem. Well, we’re not one for keeping secrets. If you’re after Thai food near Earl’s Court, Raitakrai’s West London restaurant is where to go.

Stylish, modern interiors meet an authentic Asian menu featuring your favourite stir fries, starters and soups. There’s also whole sea bass served with chilli and lemon, southern curry style or ginger and plum. Come for dinner or stop by for lunch to take advantage of a set menu from £9.99.

Fine dining restaurants in Kensington

West London’s known for the finer things in life. So naturally there’s plenty of fine dining restaurants. Here’s the best places to eat in Kensington when you want a Michelin worthy (or starred) meal.

Cheneston’s Restaurant

Best for: the best of British fare in one of London’s most elegant dining rooms.

Head to The Milestone Hotel and you’ll find Cheneston’s, a refined British restaurant where historic charm meets modern sophistication. Named after an early spelling of Kensington, this homely space is inspired by its Victorian roots, with rich mahogany decor and period architecture.

And with two AA Rosettes, the food lives up to expectations. Local produce including salmon from London’s oldest smokery takes front and centre. Book for breakfast, a set lunch, or pre-theatre dinner. And it wouldn’t be a British restaurant without afternoon tea on offer too.

Launceston Place

Best for: multiple courses of ambitious dishes that’ll surprise every taste bud.

Princess Diana was a regular at this South Kensington restaurant. So you know it’s going to be classy. It’s also considered one of London’s most romantic, most sophisticated and most popular must-visits for foodies in the city.

Whilst the chefs of Launceston Place have changed over the years, the quality of the food hasn’t. A modern European tasting menu features innovative, beautiful dishes including butternut and earl grey oxtail, lemongrass monkfish and a miso chocolate dessert.

Kitchen W8

Best for: a Michelin star meal at a casual neighbourhood restaurant.

Fine dining doesn’t have to be fussy. And nowhere proves it like Kitchen W8. This local spot just off Kensington High Street is relaxed, friendly and packed with regulars who come for another round of exceptional food.

The monthly changing menu is pretty creative, with dishes including smoked fallow deer and scorched Cornish mackerel. And there’s plenty of ways to dine. Try everything with a tasting menu or go for a two course set lunch or dinner to sample chef Mark Kempson’s cooking at an incredibly affordable rate.

Explore the neighbourhood from Ember Locke

There’s plenty of places to wine and dine in Kensington. And there’s no better base to do it from than Ember Locke. Your new home in West London.

Our central aparthotel is more than a place to stay. Each of our 121 spacious apartments are rich in Kensington-style glamour, a vibe that carries on into our onsite restaurant, café and coworking space.

Minutes from Kensington’s museums, shops and members clubs, Ember Locke is yours for the living. Have a nightcap after a three course dinner. Pop in for a coffee. Work hard before you party harder. Be at home with Locke.