When it comes to some of the fanciest areas of London, Chelsea truly stands out as one of the finest for gastronomy and the abundance of top-class restaurants. Along the King’s Road and other surrounding enclaves of the borough, you can find perfect spots for special occasions, MICHELIN starred experiences, lively brunch cafés, family-friendly destinations, as well as worldwide cuisine from culinary havens like Peru and India. Head over to one of the city’s most charming areas, the best restaurants in Chelsea in London await.
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Read on for the best restaurants in Chelsea to book right now
For one of the best restaurants in London with a flower-filled setting – visit The Ivy Chelsea Garden in Chelsea
The Ivy Chelsea Garden introduces an ambience of relaxed sophistication to West London with its all-day dining experience and spectacular, picture-perfect interiors. From contemporary British dishes to beloved café-style favourites and delightful options for vegans and vegetarians, the extensive menu showcases stunning, colourful dishes. In addition to the main Art Deco style restaurant, there’s also a charming outdoor garden and an exquisite orangery that provides a picturesque alternative for dining indoors. Onto the menus, you have plenty of choice with an à la carte menu and the 1917 set menu, as well as weekend brunch and afternoon tea options. Highlights include the crispy duck salad, steak tartare or roasted scallops to start off, and the mouth-watering Malaysian monkfish, prawn and coconut curry. The Ivy classic shepherd’s pie and the Scottish smoked haddock and salmon fishcakes are some of the excellent mains that pair perfectly with one of the fine wines on offer.
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For special occasions and a lively atmosphere – book a table at Bluebird Chelsea Restaurant in Chelsea
Bluebird Chelsea Restaurant is among the most iconic dining destinations in Chelsea and stands as a shining example of Art Deco architecture, gracing King’s Road with its presence as a well-known London hotspot. Bluebird boasts a café and courtyard, bar and lounge, and the main event: the famous restaurant. Get your fill of modern European cuisine here with expertly crafted menus. Go à la carte for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, or opt for the set menu. The courtyard and café area also features an all-day menu that’s perfect for a casual outdoor meal. Highlights from the menu include tasty starters such as soft burrata with truffle dressing, seared beef tataki and spicy salmon tartare. The main course boasts delightful dishes like the flaky grilled monkfish wrapped in jamon and a rich aged beef and mushroom ragu. Top it off with a glass or two from the extensive drinks menu and Bluebird has you sorted.
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For one of the best Italian restaurants in Kensington, London – check out Daphne’s in South Kensington
At Daphne’s, you’re guaranteed to find a slice of charm in this neighbourhood favourite that combines delightful cooking with some of the tastiest cocktails on the south side of the river Thames. Situated between Chelsea and South Kensington, Daphne’s maintains an intimate atmosphere while retaining the lively ambience of a bustling eatery, perfect for both groups and romantic evenings. The menu embodies traditional Italian cooking, crafted with the finest ingredients blending classic dishes with modern interpretations. Check out antipasti dishes such as octopus carpaccio, parma ham with artichokes or seared scallops. Onto the main menu, and you won’t go far wrong with linguine with Portland crab and chilli, smoked mozzarella ravioli, or a rigatoni with veal ragu. Remember to leave room for dessert, as Daphne’s boasts homemade gelato ice cream, a stellar tiramisu and a must-try vanilla cheesecake. The expertly crafted cocktails are impossible to resist, especially the passion fruit spritz.
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For one of the best seafood restaurants in Chelsea – don’t miss Chicama
Chicama is your answer to adventurous and transportative cuisine in Chelsea. Chicama’s culinary ethos revolves around delving into the coastal cuisine of Peru and infusing it with contemporary techniques and flavours. The restaurant’s focus lies in a diverse range of seafood and vegetables, allowing dishes to be inspired by Peruvian culinary traditions (with a touch of innovation) whilst incorporating rich umami flavours reminiscent of Nikkei (Japanese and Peruvian fusion) cuisine. With lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus you can take a journey through the country with both the unique food and exceptional creative drinks. Start off with a classic zesty salmon or sea bass ceviche and move onto juicy grilled prawns with lime zest and yuzu kosho, or grilled squid with spicy aji panca for your main, and embrace the incredible flavours of Peru.
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For one of the best gastropubs in London – book at The Fox & Pheasant in Chelsea
The Fox & Pheasant is a cosy country-style gastropub that’s perfect for an intimate evening or a relaxed get-together with friends. Enjoy the à la carte menu, a bar snack menu, or the Sunday roast menu – a particular favourite with regulars – and indulge in your fair share of roast potatoes, smooth gravy, and fluffy Yorkshire puddings. Along with a fully-fledged bar when it comes to alcohol and soft drinks, you can sink your teeth into some great pub grub with honey and mustard chipolatas, scotch eggs and crispy squid from the bar snack menu, while classic pub must-try dishes include beer battered fish and chips and the cheese and smoked ham hock pie. Warm up in front of the fireplace in winter, or enjoy an alfresco lunch in the summer when it opens its conservatory roof for sunnier days.
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For one of the best pubs in Chelsea for local vibes – try The Surprise
The Surprise is a delightful pub tucked away on Christchurch Terrace. This neighbourhood gem boasts an interior with rich colours and an eclectic assortment of art, literature, and games. The atmosphere pairs perfectly with an impressive beverage selection and a curated menu filled with local and seasonal ingredients. Firstly, sample in a few bar nibbles before you get stuck into the à la carte menu, with tasty morsels like cod fish bites with coriander and lime dip. Onto the starters, the beef carpaccio and Galician octopus carpaccio really stand out, as well as the smoked halibut. Move on to the main event with a two bone rack of lamb, a tender Wiltshire ribeye steak and creamy artichoke tortellini. You can also find classic pub fare like fish and chips and a top-notch Wiltshire beef burger.
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For one of the best French restaurants in London – book your table at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is your restaurant in Chelsea for cuisine with a MICHELIN star shaped seal of approval. In 2001, the restaurant was awarded 3 stars and still holds that accolade today. Once you’ve eaten here, you’ll see why. The modern French cuisine is crafted with seasonal ingredients, skilfully prepared using a blend of classic and contemporary culinary techniques, with a menu that oozes style and sophistication, as well as master craftsmanship. From the à la carte menu try starters such as ravioli of lobster, langoustine and black truffle, Isle of Skye scallops and veal sweetbread. Follow them up with mains like Dover sole or 100-day aged Cumbrian Blue Grey beef. For a whole culinary experience, order the prestige taster menu with some highlights such as Cornish turbot and Herdwick hogget, as well as the exceptional pecan praline dessert to finish off a true adventure for the senses.
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For one of the best Indian restaurants in London – check out Kutir in Chelsea
Kutir on Lincoln Street was named the Restaurant of the Year at the British Restaurant Awards in 2022, and it is still going strong serving up some of the finest Indian cuisine in the whole city. In Chelsea’s heart, Kutir stands as an elegant townhouse restaurant dedicated to passionately serving Indian cuisine infused with heart, sophistication, and tradition. Here you can experience a high-end culinary journey in an intimate and welcoming environment, showcasing tradition and mouth-watering dishes. With an innovative take on India’s best-loved dishes, the menus introduce fine starters such as aloo tikki (crispy potato cakes), cauliflower samosas and soft-shell crab, whilst mains include jheenga-moilee (wild jumbo prawns), the ever-popular chicken tikka masalas, and juicy pan roasted duck breast madras. There’s also the expedition tasting menu, with vegetarian and jaltarang options, well worth it if you want to try a bit of everything.
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For a taste of Ireland – check out Myrtle in Chelsea
Myrtle on Langton Street, is the first solo venture of executive head chef, Anna Haugh. This fancy fine dining hotspot presents a blend of Modern European cuisine with an Irish twist, showcasing the highest quality Irish ingredients. Within relaxed surroundings, guests can enjoy elegantly crafted dishes that reflect both sophistication and informality. Choose from the à la carte menu or the taste of Ireland menu, which is 6 to 8 courses including various dishes drawing inspiration from all corners of the country. Expect St. Tola’s goat cheese and golden beetroot, Clonakilty black pudding from Co. Cork, organic smoked salmon from Co. Clare, and Silverhill duck with lentil emulsion and dried onion. On the à la carte menu, you’ll find the mouth-watering crispy pork brawn with artichoke and pickled onion starters and mains like a roasted hake with scallop oat crust, or the venison loin with braised kale.
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For top Middle Eastern cuisine – visit Villa Mama’s London in Chelsea
Villa Mama’s London on Elystan Street is Chelsea’s answer to the best of Middle Eastern fare. Savour the flavours of traditional Bahraini and Gulf cuisine with a modern twist. The menu offers a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Persian influences, featuring dishes crafted from organic ingredients selected to tantalise your taste buds. Here you can enjoy lunch or dinner menus and explore specialty cocktails, mocktails, and a curated wine list. Check out some cracking starters to whet your appetite, like a classic baba ganoush with freshly baked tandoor bread, lamb tikka and hummus, or soft grilled halloumi and vine leaves with tomato and tamarind sauce. The delectable main dishes include a fragrant chicken dum biriyani, as well as halibut sabzi, sea bass with pilau rice and classic tandoori chicken shish. Don’t leave without ordering the stunning saffron ice cream.
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Chelsea really has what it takes to sweep you off your feet and delight your tastebuds with some of the finest cuisine this side of the river Thames. The area is well-known for its opulence and sophistication, and this rundown of restaurants is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to high-quality food, drink, and dining experience. Head down south of the river for an unforgettable meal out, London boasts some of its best restaurants in Chelsea.
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