Matthew Steeples highlights five stalwart restaurants for your Rolodex in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
451 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9UZ; +44 (0) 20 3055 0088
The Chelsea Corner replaced the ‘no frills’ Chelsea Kitchen in August 2018 and occupies what was originally a public house. Managed by the most charming of gentlemen, Jonny Lekaj, this all-day dining spot is located on the corner of Fulham Road and Edith Grove. Serving an Italian offering of brunch through to dinner six days a week at reasonable prices, you cannot go wrong. Wines start at under £20 per bottle.
50 Cheyne Walk, London, SW3 5LR; +44 (0) 20 7376 8787
No. Fifty Cheyne replaced the perfectly lovely Cheyne Walk Brasserie in March. With the same owners, the Bourne family – whom also happen to own the Old Vic and Ronnie Scott’s – it has somewhat of a theatrical vibe but this has been crossed with a ‘touch of country house Nicky Haslam style.’ What sets No. Fifty Cheyne apart is the excellent service and a menu of British ingredients centred around a calescent open grill. Even the most exacting of diner will not fail to be impressed.
6 – 8 Yeoman’s Row, London, SW3 2AH; +44 (0) 20 7591 0210
Giovanni used to be called Monza. It was painted bright yellow and had décor inspired by motor racing, but now it’s become something much more grown up. Situated in a quiet backwater away from the ‘Gulfie’ horror that most of Knightsbridge has become, there are no shisha pipes here, but instead superb, yet affordably priced Italian fare and wines. The host-patron, Adriano Basha, is a joy to behold and once you try this excellent eatery, you’ll be totally hooked.
237 Pavilion Road, London, SW1X 0BP; +44 (0) 20 3848 1060
“[Of] Australian spirit… Sunny, easy going and generous” is how Bill Granger describes his restaurants. Situated at the heart of the new ‘Pavilion Road Food Quarter’ just to the north of Peter Jones, here is a restaurant that has proved such an instant hit that people queue up outside (I cheekily swerve round them myself). Managed and staffed by the friendliest people you’d ever meet, this a space that consists of two levels of indoor dining and three outdoor areas also. The house wine is just £21.95 per bottle and the ‘Australian-Asian-fusion’ will appeal to even the most traditional of sorts.
126 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6HU; +44 (0) 20 7370 6656
A neighbourhood eatery serving “a taste of Tuscany” since 1995, Riccardo’s is the brainchild of Riccardo Mariti. The restaurant’s mailing list is a must to sign up to, as their somewhat whacky emails will have you in stiches, but aside from that the ‘sharing-tapas-style’ menu is simply ‘fantastico.’ Be sure to try the pizza and be assured the cornfed chicken with chilli, lemon and garlic is simply the best.
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