11-13 Abingdon Rd, London W8 6AH, United Kingdom
Stylish contemporary restaurant with framed art, for imaginative, high-end Modern European cuisine.
Exceptional Dining Experience!" I had the pleasure of dining at Kitchen W8, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with a perfect balance of modern elegance and cozy charm. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home. The food was absolutely outstanding! Each dish was beautifully presented, and the flavors were incredible. Each and every dishes are perfectly cooked and delicious. I highly recommend Kitchen W8 to anyone looking for top-notch food, great atmosphere, and exceptional service. Can't wait to return
Had such a nice experience :) I went for the set menu on a Saturday and damn it was nice. The food and wine were amazing but need to highlight the service. Everyone was so nice towards us. They deserve the star they have for sure!! And the fish was unbelievable!! So good
This is a fantastic little restaurant with such a great £50 pp Sunday lunch menu with a lot of choice on the menu. Helpful staff let you try the wines before choosing and we had a lovely surprise anniversary gift at the end. It’s Michelin star food but without any pretence, the staff make you feel really at home. Only thing I’d recommend is some gentle music as the place was quite quiet when we were there, this would have helped the ambience. All is all a lovely experience and would definitely go ahead in the future.
Our first Michelin star experience, and it did not disappoint. The service was friendly and very efficient. The food exquisite, beautifully presented. A very good tasting experience. Lovely restaurant.
Ordered set menu. It’s ok, not bad but also not super impressive. Although we arrived soon after open, we were seated at the far back next to the washroom and the reason was the restaurant was booked out. But there were empty tables even after we’ve finished dining. Leaving us feeling whether that was subtle racism. There will be a 15% gratuity automatically added to the bill, feels a bit weird.
Dining alone I opted for the set menu. The set menu is truly incredible value, while the food was of the standard expected from a restaurant of this calibre it was at a price that is genuinely amazing, I also opted for the matching wines. The service was attentive and personal with the sommelier taking the time to make conversation which was really appreciated (I dine alone a lot due to being away from home on business). The service and extra touches made me feel valued as a guest which rarely happens when dining alone. I will be back soon along with my family! Thank you :)
A very good experience in Kitchen W8, it was amazing, no wonder it has been a Michelin 1 star restaurant. The dishes were well presented. They were tasty. However, just a little comment that the main dish might be a bit salty for my own taste but this is very personal.
I visited Kitchen W8, and it was a lovely experience. The staff was very nice and thoughtful; when I asked to change tables, they happily accommodated my request, which made me really happy. The restaurant is a cute place. The food was nice, though nothing extraordinary. We took the set menu for £34.50, which I think is an amazing deal for a Michelin-star restaurant.
Fine dinning made simple, glorious sandwiches
Thank you for a wonderful evening. Having only recently moved to London for the first time, Ive never had the chance to experience food as we did today. Service was outstanding - the pace was right, which is impressive for such a small team, and the attention to detail was evidently paired with a wealth of confident knowledge around the wine, food and desired customer experience. Set menu is amazing - the meat melts and the potatoes are perfection. Seriously worth a visit - homely, honest restaurant with excellent food to boot.
Outstanding food & service at a very approachable price. Highly recommend!
My brother and I are broke university students, but he has a passion for cooking and so we decided to try our first michelin star restuarant here. We payed over £100, and I suspect it was the trout that we ate, because the next day after we came to this restuarant we both fell horribly ill at around the same time. My brother had to call an ambulance because he had such severe food poisoning and I spent the whole night dry heaving an empty stomach, not even able to keep water down. The only food my brother and I ate together was at that restuarant the day before because we live in different apartments and we both got sick at the same approximate time. I dont know exactly what food it was, but something in that restuarant that we ate was severely contaminated.
Absolutely amazing, each and every dish was fabulous.
Overall a wonderful experience, but not on par with other Michelin star restaurants Ive visited. Our group of four ordered the prix fixe menu. One person had gluten and dairy allergies, and the kitchen was well able to accommodate him. The meal lasted about 2.5-3 hours and was very enjoyable. The smoked eel appetizers were a revelation. Downsides? The restaurant was hot. Not warm, hot. Unpleasantly hot.
Exceptional. This was my second time and again it was exemplary. Fantastic food very reasonably priced with stellar service and a solid wine/cocktail list. Very underrated.
Good food and nice service, options for the set menu limited slightly and for the desert too, wish they had more things to chose from. Affordable wine list.
Great restaurant, very good food, excellent service and good vibes. Pricey but worth the money.
A Michelin restaurant? Why? I left the restaurant very disappointed. Had a three course meal and went home hungry. The food was good but nothing mind blowing and the portions very small. The courses was not presented and when asked, the server was not able to do so without checking with the kitchen. Embarrassing! And why were other tables asked if they wanted more bread and not us? I wouldnt recommend this restaurant and I have no idea why they would have a Michelin star.
Outstanding food and excellent service as ever
Kitchen W8 delivers not just incredible food but also outstanding hospitality. Chef Mark Kempson s expertise in game cookery shines through every dish. The pigeon raviolo with beetroot purée was a standout a dish I ll never forget. The roasted monkfish had a perfect texture, and the partridge and venison dishes were flawlessly executed. On top of the amazing food, the team s warm and attentive service made the whole experience even more special. A truly memorable meal in every way!
This was our third visit to W8 and, as usual, the food was fantastic. Very pleasant friendly atmosphere, especially considering the kitchen has a star. This time I had sweetbread ravioli to start and a remarkable pork chops, see photo, for the main. So tender and lightly coated in a crisp batter. The sauce was perfect. Carolyne never wanted her steamed John Dory to end. That came with a corgette flower cleverly stuffed with Dorset crab. Another wonder night. We will return soon. Consistently excellent. This time we enjoyed perfectly cooked brill with gnocchi for the main. Lovely choice or appetizers, including the pretty fish carpaccio you can see in the photos and a hearty pigeon raviolo. Kitchen W8 remains our go to Michelin restaurant in london. Highly recommended.
Dinner on 25 October 2024 Mark Kempson s dishes are complex, with many elements but they are always coherent and every combination of flavours is both intriguing and satisfying. Overall, a meal is well-balanced and very satisfying. The restaurant was full and lively but service remained efficient and personal. This is no run-of-the-mill neighbourhood restaurant and others must be jealous of Kensington having such an asset. Dishes here are well designed and executed with interesting combinations of complementary flavours. And, unlike other restaurants where the menu hardly changes, the menu is constantly evolving to make use of what is in season and available. On this occasion, there was a well-chosen white burgundy (a Macon) by the glass and carafe and, as usual, service was efficient and pleasant. We were surprised by the number of people having lunch just before the Bank Holiday weekend but, with cooking of this standard and reasonable prices, it is not surprising that the restaurant is kept very busy.
Unbelievable experience and food!
Delightful restaurant. Excellent and caring service. Unpretentious well prepared food. Kudos to the pastry chef
I recently had a remarkable fine dining experience at a local upscale restaurant, and it truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the elegant ambiance set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The decor was sophisticated, with tasteful artwork and soft lighting that created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The service was impeccable attentive without being intrusive. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations for both food and wine pairings. For the appetizer, I chose the seared scallops, which were perfectly cooked and beautifully plated. The flavors were exquisite, with a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. For the main course, I opted for the filet mignon, which was tender and cooked to perfection, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and a rich red wine reduction. To finish off the meal, I indulged in the chocolate souffle. It was light and airy, a perfect way to end the evening on a sweet note. Overall, this fine dining experience was exceptional, from the exquisite food to the attentive service and elegant setting. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a fantastic meal. I can t wait to return!
Excellent Sunday lunch, seasonal ingredients, very friendly service. One to try
Tasty and good value lunch (£40 for 3 courses, and you can add 2 glasses of wine for £20) in this well-known 1* in Kensington. Comfortable and pleasant atmosphere - nice space. Service was ok, but could have been better (not quite at the level of a 1* in my view) - not worth the 15% (!) suggested service charge. I d be happy to go back for the great value lunch.
An amazing experience.
Outstanding Service Team, very good Food and a perfect wine pairing. Very lovely experience! Amazing restaurant Food
I dined at Kitchen W8 last evening, revisiting after my first visit back in 2014. Unfortunately, I noticed a decline in both the food quality and service compared to what I fondly remember. The ambiance and attention to detail that once felt prestigious were missing. For instance, the bread, once served as an elegant small loaf, is now just slices. Moreover, the pricing felt disproportionate over £400 for a three-course meal for two (without additional drinks or bottled water). For comparison, I recently had a 12-course tasting menu at a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant for £500. I sincerely hope Kitchen W8 can recapture the charm and exceptional experience it once offered.
The three course lunch menu is a bargain for a Michelin star restaurant. £40 or £60 with two glasses of wine. There are two options for each course and all of the food was amazing! The staff are very polite and knowledgeable. The restaurant itself feels more like a neighbourhood restaurant than a fancy Michelin restaurant but that s not necessarily a bad thing.
Small pretentious portions. Overpriced. Inexperience staff. Will not return
I ve been here quite a few times and it has never disappointed. The Michelin star is well deserved.
As far as fine dining goes, I feel this place is overrated. Its been on my list for a very long time but its not even close to similarly-ranked restaurants. The service is very good and on point but I dont think there was anything special about the dishes. I should really have done the taster menu but I only went for dinner. Id rather try something else than go again but I dont have any complaints. Its a decent restaurant. Having said that, there are many alternatives in London where you can find something extraordinary, and for the price youre paying, you want extraordinary. Parking: Its difficult to find parking in London but there are several roads around here where you can park on the street and pay via app or phone. Kid-friendliness: I dont think fine dining is for children personally, but I imagine they will accommodate... Wheelchair accessibility: You could definitely get in with a wheelchair although I think there is a step at the front into the dining area from the bar and entrance area.
Staff were polite and decent atmosphere, but disappointing food. We had the Sunday lunch set menu and left having barely eaten at all. The biggest disappointment was the lamb of leg, which was very chewy and appeared to be undercooked. Perhaps it was just a bad day for them, but we were not happy.
Great atmosphere and service. I am a vegetarian, and a friend invited me. I was pleasantly surprised with the two vegetarian options. It was not a problem to be a veggie at W8. Great caramel chocolate truffles!
I eat here 3 times a week, and have done for many years. The food is superb and the staff are happy, friendly and brilliant. Best breakfast in Kensington. Food
Been here three times. I love it! A small lovely place for modern European cooking!
Beautifully presented food, very tasty, and surprisingly filling. Lovely staff, in a relaxed atmosphere.
Excellent food, staff were friendly and attentive without hovering, the wine list delivered good value and for this level of delivery the price was almost reasonable.
One of the most under-rated restaurants in London (despite being a Michelin star :)). Set menu is an exceptional deal + also highly recommend the Sunday lunch. Excellent, balanced dishes and the Chocolate Pave has to be one of the best desserts ever. Can t help being a regular!
Great set menu. I took my nephew and his girlfriend out for dinner here when I was visiting London for a week. Had the set menu, avialable for lunch and dinners before 7pm.. Thanks to Bella and to Peter for outstanding service. Charles/ Chuck
Delicious food, well presented and good service. A lovely relaxed atmosphere. Im definitely coming back to try the menu!
Super delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere. Service was very nice and accommodating.
Fabulous meal for our wedding anniversary. We were made to feel really welcome from the moment we arrived. We decided not to go for the set menu and had starters of Veal cappachio and Razor Clams followed by Cod (OMG) and Monk fish. Both courses were amazing. Thanks to the staff for making it a memorable evening.
If you expect Sunday lunch to be a slab of greasy cow with boiled veg, FORGET IT, - a delicate mousse elevated mackerel and eel starter with succulent roast chicken with a crispy skin and al dente vegetables washed down with a just right Pinot Noir.Staff were amazing over my disability and the atmosphere and decor just sink stress and tension. In short, a memorable lunch to be enthused over till next time draws near...
We tried the fixed menu. The food was fabulous. Price is just incredibly low for this astronomical value Food : 5/5
Excelente sunday lunch menu with a nice price for a one Michelin star restaurant
Overall very tasty, although several plates a bit too salty. Service very nice but the dishes came much slower than we like and we had to wait a very long time
We visited Kitchen W8 with a large family, having reserved a table for five people in advance. When we arrived, we were seated, and everything started off quite well. This was our first visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant, and being Muslims who dont eat pork, we asked the staff for suitable recommendations. They suggested a few options, but did so rather coldly and without enthusiasm. Unfortunately, we felt a distinct sense of disdain and racism from the staff, possibly because we are from Kazakhstan and are both Asian and Muslim. It seemed like the waiters looked down on us, especially when we ordered fewer appetizers than expected. We felt that the staff considered us poor and trying to save on everything. When we placed our order, we waited around 40-60 minutes, which is unacceptable for a restaurant of this level. In the end, not all the dishes were brought out, and my order was forgotten. When all the dishes were finally served, we were merely apologized to for the oversight, but we didnt have time to wait for it to be prepared again. We had to share food among ourselves, which did not add to the enjoyment of our visit. The service was very slow; even when we just asked for water, we had to wait about 30 minutes, even though the dining room was far from full. To top it all off, when we asked for the bill, it included items that had been forgotten. This was the final straw in our very disappointing visit. Overall, our experience at Kitchen W8 was a big disappointment. I do not recommend this restaurant to anyone expecting decent service and respectful treatment.
Definately worth visit
They need to cancel their prix fixe lunch. Or charge more for it. The price is too low and hence they serve you abysmally small portions. It s a tiny taste, not a meal. Next time I will have to come for dinner and pay full price. The tomato salad was a masterpiece.
Food is ok. We choose the set menu and the food is above average. Two things I must mention about the service are: firstly, no introduction to the main. I am not sure whether they forgot or they were not trained to do so, but they just served the dish and left. Secondly, I chose graduation when I reserved the table but no special service was provided - then what is the reason for listing graduation there? In other Michelin restaurants there should be some special celebrations for special occasions.
Terrible experience The food was bland and very disappointing for a supposed one star Michelin restaurant. Out of the 5 dishes, only 2 were ok. The others were bland and the chicken was cooked in a way that was quite nauseating, my guest couldnt even finish it. None of the wines were drinkable, we couldnt finish any of our glasses. Its not just a matter of taste, Ive tried English wines before and there are a lot of good ones, but the ones we were served had no flavour at all, it was like drinking diluted alcohol. . The service was disappointing, none of the staff was friendly to us, like for other tables. And to confirm this, no one said bye to us, not even the wine expert who saw us leaving. And the cherry on top of it all, the chef didnt even come to our table as advertised in the event. The star really need to be revisited!
Dined at Kitchen W8 on 2 separate occasions and both times were very good. Very attentive staff!
Food very average. Options are all very plain to which chefs remedy seems to be add copious amounts of salt. Also service extremely slow. Had to ask for bill 3x to same staff and wait c.20 mins. It s really not that hard guys.
adjective: amazing causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing. Food
My friend and I had the set menu £34.50 for three courses, and we were a bit disappointed after reading so many positive reviews. We both ordered different dishes so we could try everything and we just found everything very salty, except for dessert. Could not fault service; very attentive and friendly.
Highly recommended for the set menu. Relaxed environment Few ingredients, but perfectly executed. Amazing clear flavours Food : 5/5
The food had no seasoning, extremely unflavoured. The staff was friendly but the atmosphere on the restaurant was kind of awkward
Food was amazing. Their set menu is such a good deal.
Excellent lunch. Very creative dishes. Impeccable service. Great lunch menu.
We were traveling in London (again) and found the wonderful restaurant Kitchen W8 through the Michelin Guide, which is located in Kensington and has had a star since 2011. Since we found the restaurant relatively quickly, we decided to have lunch at Kitchen W8. At lunchtime there were 3 courses (2 different options per course) with an optional wine pairing. My 3 courses consisted of: Handmade linguine with a garlic pesto and parmesan. Followed by pork fillet with fennel and mustard seeds and finally there was a cheese variation with, among other things, Montgomery cheddar and walnut puree/bread. The other option was: BBQ asparagus with glazed chicken wings, a fillet of haddock with mussels and a crème fraîche and for dessert a parfait of passion fruit and mango sorbet. The restaurant has a very relaxed atmosphere and is modern and stylish. The service was, as usual in England, very courteous and friendly. The sommeliers wine selection was absolutely right, with a light and fruity white wine for the linguine, as well as a slightly more intense red wine for the pork fillet. For the meal itself: The linguine was so easy and so delicious! Without a lot of frills, but a pesto that had it all. The linguine was perfectly al dente. Luckily bread was added so that none of this delicious pesto was left over. But the main course was even better! The pork fillet was super tender and very tasty. It was a wonderful combination with the mustard sauce and the fried fennel! The same applies to the other option: The chicken wings with asparagus were served on a carbonara cream, which was poured over the dish at the table. The haddock was also tender and absolutely on point. Paired with the mussels and the sauce, its also an absolute treat. Dessert was a perfect ending to the whole meal, with very tasty cheeses and an irresistible walnut bread! An absolute must for the equivalent of 39!
Portions are ridiculously small. Service not up to expectations. Hyped but not worth.
One of the best meals I ve had in London in a long time. Most amazing service! Highly recommend!
The ambiance and the service were genuinely excellent. I have no complaints about the food itself, the fish was really well cooked, however it was a little disappointing that the set menu was different to what was advertised online and the main course I ordered (ended up going a la carte instead) felt a little underwhelming for a main course, however maybe it was a mistake not to order some jersey royals for the table.
Cod was a bit salty but overall great place. Would def revisit.
we had a fantastic dinner here and for a Michelin star restaurant the 2-course dinner was excellent value for money. Service was top notch.
Good food but certainly not the Michelin star experience. Took forever in between dishes. The way they added the 15% gratuity to the bill at the end felt like unnecessary pressure to pay an unjustified tip for mediocre service. Would not have left a bad review if not for this addition at the end. Left a bad taste in my mouth..like I was robbed
Food and service fantastic. Brilliant value for money with 3 course lunch £34.50 or with 2 glasses of wine for £52 (approx) in total.
Great place, food was amazing, set menu is a bargain, well definitely return, great little gem!
Lovely place, came back a 2nd time and will come back again. Food is delicious and seasonal. Service is very good and friendly.
We were seated away from the rest of the tables, basically where the staff collect food so wasn t a good atmosphere. The food and wine was so bland, we were served a chicken dish that had no texture of a chicken, I couldn t even finish it. The service was quite poor, we said bye to the staff as we were leaving, to which we were completely ignored by the staff and our waiter for the evening. While dining, the waiter kept checking to see if other diners have left because he wanted to leave, we ended up leaving at the same time as our waiter, to which we were the ones to say bye to him. We did notice our waiter speaking a lot more to other guests at they were leaving and asking their opinion about the wine, we never had this experience, so I think the service is very hit or miss and not consistent at all and uncomfortable I expected better for a Michelin starred restaurant.
We visited for lunch. Delicious menu, well priced, service was very attentive. Food is great . Place is nice . Would ho back if in the area.
I would like to express my gratitude in no particular order to Mark, Allerga, Louis, Pieter, James, Conor, Matt, Bram, Anthony, Dave, Riley, Abi, Charlie, Anavi, Grace, Dagi, Hugo, Olivia, Manuel, Marta and Dagie for the amazing five course special menu meal, exceptional customer service and knowledgeable wine pairings. You all truly made my first experience here special. We look forward to visiting again soon. Again thank you kindly. Kinds regards KB
We celebrated our sister s early birthday surprise here for her. We had the lunch set for 4 and everything tastes so good! The only thing that is a little out of our comfort zone will be the blue cheese for dessert. Thank you for taking such good care of us for our last day in London! Will certainly be back if I have another chance to visit London
This is not a micheline star experience. Food was average at very best! The same ingredients reutilised multiple times - I have never seen so many potatoes! Terrible wines, in my opinion, very-very acidic. No ambiance. On top of food not being inspiring, there was very limited amount of it. Mostly potatoes. The fish was a joke - literally a tiny tasteless fish and chips piece Not good value at all. It was 420 for 2 and we literally had to order cheeses as the amount of food was so limited, and my friend had to eat all the bread which he didn t want but was just hungry. Also, it took them 10-15 minutes to bring coffee while the desert was melting on my plate. Maybe it s worth asking if people would like tea or coffee with their deserts - not everyone like wine with it
We had the set menu. The starter of cured trout was very good. The lamb dish was very disappointing. The lamb was a bit chewy and the roast potatoes were hard and cold. The sorbet was fine but quite unremarkable. I would have expected additional amuse bouches and appetizers, but there were none. It took a few attempts to get them to bring me my drink. I would expect better for a Michelin starred restaurant.
Lunch on Easter Sunday at Kitchen W8 (1 star Michelin ). Price was reasonable. Over £60 per person. The starter of trout and the vichyssoise were very delicious. The lamb dish was a bit chewy and disappointing and it seemed like the roast potato was leftover because its cold and hard. Service was ok. When we arrived, theres no one available to check us in. I would expect better for a Michelin starred restaurant.
The service was amazing and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. The food was amazing, everything we ordered was delicious, truly worthy of a Michelin star.
Kitchen W8 is pleasantly located off High Street Kensington. The atmosphere is elegant and quiet (no music). Waiters are very friendly. We had the tasting menu, 6 courses. All the courses were excellent. Brilliantly executed. The Mackerel was superb, the beef was amazingly tender, and the cauliflower was uniquely made. The wine pairing was excellent and really complimented most of the courses. The cheese platter wasn t memorable in any way, a nice addition but one that could be easily skipped. The 20-year-old port that came with it was delicious. The pace of serving was uneven and not as attentive and proactive as you would expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. All in all, it was a wonderful experience that fits the bill, which wasn t very high. Will come back
Superb food and excellent service. Thoroughly pleasant!
Fantastic meal for my 40th Birthday in the private dining room. We had eaten the food before at a tasting in Folkestone during a pop up. We were not disappointed to eat in the restaurant. Great meal and fantastic service. I hope you come back to Folkestone soon.
Such a great meal. Visited London for a week and this was my favorite restaurant I went to. The gnocchi with Parmesan and truffle was absolutely amazing! The complementary hummus we had at the start was remarkable. The staff was very friendly. Well done!!!
Great lunch! Beautiful dining room. Booking for Valentines
it has been a good experience overall, food was good, great welcoming with the staff, lunch menu was nice. just a small tip: it was my wife s birthday, it s good not to remind us at the beginning that we are here for someone s birthday, the birthday candle was very nice. thank you all for the good experience
If this has not been a Michelin restaurant I would rate it very much higher. However, it lacked the extra dimension that I was expecting from so highly a rated eatery. We started with cocktails, which tasted understated and to be quite honest, uninteresting. The food was considerably better, but equally conservative. To be served a cheese plate in a Michelin restaurant, and not be told what the cheeses were is quite an oversight, and indicative if the very polite and knowledgeable, but somewhat incomplete service. Very good food - yes Michelin level food and service - no Value for money - not convinced
We were welcomed by Bella, and she immediately let us see the intimacy and warmth of this place and everyone who works there. The canapés was the highlight of our evening it was all about the dipping, truly memorable We had the 3 course set menu, it was simple yet sophisticated. I had the salad, the Stracciatella made everything go well together with the beetroots, leaves and orange. My friend had cured cornish monkfish, he said: it was the best thing he has ever eaten. For the main. Ox Cheek stuffed mushrooms. Just Flawless! For the dessert I had the blue cheese with pickled walnuts puree (I am not a fan of cheese but that was very well put together ) And what took our evening to the next level was Conor and his attentive attitude towards us. Marta added an extra layer of joy as you will always see her with a genuine smile. Thank you Conor, Marta and Bella for a memorable evening. Will definitely recommend and will come again.
Very good restaurants, the dishes are original and mastered. The setting is simple and elegant. The service is very good. I was able to book the same morning by email, a great point. The only downside is that it lacks a little French white wine by the glass . As for the price, it is affordable compared to other non-starred establishments but still remains expensive for a foreign visitor.
Outstanding place to eat.Warm welcome.Great service.Fabulous quality.Precise innovative creative cooking.Never fails to impress.
Amazing!!! Definitely worth a revisit - Will be back for sure.
Nice Restaurant that allows customers to bring their own wines. Food is excellent and service is great!
We booked Kitchen W8 for our anniversary lunch and the experience was perfect from start to finish. Quality food and impeccable service without the ostentatiousness of being a Michelin star restaurant. The staff also wrote us a congratulations card, which we thought was very sweet.
We have spent 18 months going to many of the best restaurants in London. We live right near Kitchen W8 but just never booked as it doesn t stand out from the side street facade. However, we recently found out not only that it was a Michelin star restaurant, but one of the best value Michelin star restaurants in the UK. It did not disappoint, from the moment we walked in we were warmly welcomed. Our waiter Trevion was perfect and every dish was kind blowing. I m a big guy and ordered two mains because I could not decide. Thank you. We Weill be back soon. Only improvement would be some background music. But that s more of a personal preference
A marvellous experience from the moment you enter the door. It s easy to see how they earned their Michelin star. The menu is creative, unique, and refreshing. It s seasonally rotated to allow for the freshest dishes - we can t wait to come back during game season. All flavours are incredibly well thought out and complement each other in such a way that can only have been designed by a culinary genius. The staff are welcoming, friendly, and a tad quirky. They created a birthday card for my husband as I told them in the booking it was his birthday, which was a wonderfully thoughtful touch! Highly recommend this place.
good meal
It was our first experience in a Michelin star restaurant, we made the reservation through TheFork application and everything was perfect because our table was reserved. We had seen the menu previously and had the idea of what we wanted to have for dinner, but when we arrived the menu had changed at the beginning of the month. We ordered the roast breast of Guinea fowl and the slow poached cornish cod; Both dishes were served delicately at reasonable times and we liked them a lot, the combination of flavors is a sensory experience.
Excellent food! Classic, honest, and cooked with great skill. Outstanding Sunday set menu. I think one of the best pork roasts Ive ever had. We will be back! Service is a bit slow but very friendly.
Overall we had a great meal. The fish on the set menu had a delicious hazelnut topping. Unfortunately we all felt the linguine was lacking seasoning. Also, the fool was quite heavy and made with cream instead of custard. The service could be improved as it took a while to have our main plates cleared. Recommended for a weekday evening meal.
Lovely lunch.
Wonderful fine dining experience with attention to detail. Great selection of drinks for before, during, and after. Professional friendly service. Would recommend booking in advance. Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options available
Perfect
The food is average. The hand-made noodles have no outstanding texture. The confit potatoes are hard and not crispy. The sorbet is the only highlight. The taste is delicate. The service is very enthusiastic, but the two waitresses ignored me at least twice.
Delicious food, great experience for the value and wonderful staff.
The Good: great staff, I enjoyed the small chat, they were very attentive, my glass of water was never empty, the anniversary card signed by the staff was an appreciated touch, the food was flavorful and well presented, the sitting and lighting were both comfortable, the service was fast The less good: the hand sanitizer outside the bathroom is really sticky, i had to go back to the bathroom to wash my hands off it. Paid total of 95£ for the set lunch, for two
Still my favourite place to be.
Would not return
At the end of the week, I went to Kitchen W8, the tire-starred restaurant closest to the school. The appetizers are delicious! The mackerel skin is brushed with a salty-sweet sauce and sprayed with a spray gun to form a crispy caramel layer, but the fish underneath is not fully cooked, giving it a great taste. In the middle is a mixture of sweet mustard sauce and egg whites, as well as golden beetroot and green onions. There is a smoked eel slice at the bottom, which is full of smoky aroma in one bite. The main dish is Iberian pork. The cubes on top are apples and bacon, which bring a sweet, sour and smoky flavor. The marinating of the pork is relatively unsuccessful. The marinating time is not enough or the salt is not enough. The pork is very bland. , not tender enough. The dessert is boiled rhubarb and blood orange with vanilla custard sauce, which is delicious.
Lovely amazing place with incredible food. We came here for lunch for my birthday and left absolutely stuffed. The cocktails were also great and the wine suggestion went perfectly with the meal. My only comment would be that without music the atmosphere felt a little lacking. Plus everyone could hear everyones conversation. A little background ambience would go a long way.
Excellent service and of course exquisite food
Thanks for the great evening
A great experience all round: food, wine, service and general atmosphere all superb.
Great place for dining, casual atmosphere but seriously delicious food. Hidden from the busy Main street but with easy access around. Staff very friendly and attentive. Sunday roast and Cod are must tries.
Exceptional food, outstanding service and delicious wine recomended by Peter!
Absolutely exceptional meal at Kitchen W8. The restaurant has recently expanded its lunch menu to Monday evenings and it is quite absurd that such exceptionally crafted food is available at this price point. The three course menu is short and the portions arent especially large, but youre getting artistry delivered in small bundles. The Jersey Royal and Wild Garlic Soup was an delightful smack of aromatic wild garlic, which paired perfectly with the pungent, cheek puckering umami of the bacon and cheddar scone. If anything, the flavours were a tiny bit too concentrated; you could easily dial it down a notch and still be exceptional. The broccoli salad, on the other hand, was competently delivered but did not deliver anything like the same brilliance. Both main dishes were wonderful in their own way, but the common thread between them was how perfectly they combined textures. Both the risotto and the creamed potatoes approached their respective platonic ideal, and youd be hard pressed to find a more perfectly cooked piece of fowl anywhere. And Ive tried. The fish was equally perfectly cooked, and the meaty headline acts in both meals contrasted beautifully with the silky accompaniments. They delivered on the flavour front too: the poussin was swimming in what I can only imagine was a fairly conventional reduction of chicken stock and some kind of fortified wine (Madeira perhaps?), while the risotto a well balanced combination of vegetables and seafood (though I could be off having had only a small bite to taste). You might think conventional is damning with faint praise; not so! Theres nowhere to hide when choosing to do something tried and tested perfectly, and they more than achieved that here. A final word for the cocktails and dessert. We had a rhubarb daiquiri that was perhaps a hint too sharp and in need of just a splash of syrup or a sweeter cordial (I cannot recall the ingredients), and the dessert was perfectly pleasant but not exceptional. There was the usual charitable donation of £1 included in the bill (albeit for a limited time period), but unlike many other restaurants, this was highlighted right at the start of the meal though a card on the table and it was made clear that we could opt out if we wished. Id much rather be asked if I wanted to donate, as I like to decide what charities I want to support, but making it prominent right from the start and indicating it is optional is a reasonable compromise.
Food was good. Did the 3 course experience for a late lunch. Nice restaurant overall. Do be aware - they charge a charity fee that they donate. I absolutely hate this as they charge customers and then get the tax benefits. Not cool.
Good food but unfortunately let down by poor and amateur service for a Michelin grade restaurant . Definitely not worthy of a star on this occasion
Nice food and wine, and friendly staff, but very,very slow service at lunch, it took us over 3 hours to finish a 3 course meal, and the restaurant wasnt even full at the time. My main course cod dish was overseasoned but everyone else enjoyed their food.
We visited Kitchen W8 for a special occasion and had high expectations for a 1 star Michelin restaurant. The food was very nice, especially the duck terrine and duck breast, which were cooked to perfection and had great flavours. The presentation was also beautiful and the portion sizes were perfect for us. The service was ok, but not above and beyond. The staff were polite and attentive enough. The atmosphere was clean and elegant, but again not exceptional. The menu with wine pairing was £340 for two persons, which I think is fair. What was annoying is that they added a 15% service charge that was being put on, which was £51 and it was an awkward moment to ask the staff to take it off. I think that gratuities should be optional and not automatically included in the bill. Overall, I would give it four stars considering the quality of the food and the ambience, but I would not go back. It was a good experience, but not a memorable one.
Great food but some parts of the restaurants are nicer than others (our table was not in the main area but on the side, which I found underwhelming).
Went there for birthday celebration. The ambient was lovely, and the food was amazing! Had a great time there!
Absolutely delightful. The food, service, and ambience were impeccable. Grateful to the staff for making my family feel at home, especially given this was my boys first fine dining experience. We truly enjoyed every bite, sip, and minute.
Charming ambience and delicious taster menu. Thoroughly enjoyable but we were unlucky with the service. The young female waitress was not Michelin star standard. We ordered the lower priced Rioja but it was not until we received our bill that we noticed we had been served (and drank) the £140 Rioja!!!! An innocent mistake, well never know?We paid so as not to create any awkwardness. A real shame as the food was exceptional.
A fantastic meal with fantastic service! We came for dinner on a Sunday and had 3 courses from the A la Carte menu. Had a drink with each course and it was all delightful. Food was fresh and seasonal, I will be letting friends and family know about this restaurant and singing their praises!
With with my family and a friend to celebrate my MBA graduation at their private room. We had the full tasting menu (1 guest with the vegetarian option) and several selections of wines. We all loved the food: fresh ingredients, delicious dishes (particularly the cornish cod) and beautiful platting Service was great, especially given that we were on the private room. I love how 1 star michelin restaurants in London are extremely superior service wise vs NY. Excellent experience, would recommend! Vegetarian options: Vegetarian tasting menu available
Relaxed Michelin 1 star restaurant with good value 3 course menu. Food was tasty but I thought it could perhaps be more creative / special considering the Michelin star. Unfortunately the meal didnt leave any lasting impression.
Friendly and efficient, perfect for a casual team lunch
Probably one of the cheapest Michelin restaurants in London. The three-course set menu plus service charge costs about 40 per person and is a good meal. level in place.
Lovely place with delicious cocktails, great menu and friendly staff. Very much recommended from my side.
We came here for Saturday lunch and the set menu is great value (3 courses for £39.50). We were looked after especially by chef Chloe who was fantastic (and very talented!) Although it was a set menu, my friend and I chose one of each and shared to try everything. Each dish was delicious and the flavours were all executed well but my favourites were the raviolo with chicken, morrels and bacon, the cornish pollock, beef flat iron and the financiers for dessert. I highly recommend checking out this excellent Michelin restaurant.
Lovely food. Very reasonable set menu on a Monday.
Me and my partner went here for lunch for our anniversary and we were greeted with a hand written card wishing us a happy anniversary signed by all the staff. The food was amazing and delicious. The staff was very nice and kind.
Great food, amazing service.
Amazing experience. Set menu was divine. Service was excellent. Truly and highly recommended
Amazing experience. Cozy place, excellent staff and really good food at a good price Food
Had the set menu for lunch with drinks and everything was delicious - can see why they have a Michelin star! Plan to return soon to try their tasting menu. Gem!
From start to finish. Great culinary experience. Wonderful cheery/professional staff.
The food is great! And the service prompt
Refined and well presented food.
The food was not in the Michelin star level very normal and bland looked good but no proper flavour the chicken dish was a disaster I put one bite in my mouth no seasoning or flavour with bad smell I felt nauseous and couldn t eat my other dishes. The service pretty slow no eye contact from the staff so we had to wait a long time until someone came and took order. This place needs proper customer service training .
We went for lunch and it was outstanding. We opted for a la carte and the food is sublime, and for this quality very, very good value - especially for London. The staff are lovely - welcoming, warm and with excellent service. We have booked again for July. Cannot recommend highly enough, indeed we went to one of Paul Bocuses starred restaurants in Lyon last year and W8 is better!!!
A wonderful local restaurant with a friendly atmosphere. The a-la-carte menu was amazing and the dishes we had were universally impeccable.
Having been so impressed by Elystan Street, I decided to go to another restaurant owned by Phil Howard. I liked the interior, especially the drawings of the birds on the branches. It added a really calm and relaxing atmosphere. My starter was lamb cannelloni, which was very nice. Tender and flavoursome meat was wrapped in well-cooked pasta. The sauce that was served with it was meaty and had the right consistency. The fried crumb gave a good crunch to the dish. However, I thought that the portion was far too small, even for a starter. I thought this was a shame as the actual dish was very delicious. For my main, I had Iberico pork. The appearance of the meat strongly resembled that of beef or venison and certainly wasnt the typical pinky-white colour you normally get with pork - this interested me a lot. Nevertheless, the meat was incredibly soft and was a real delight to eat. The grains added some chew and absorbed the flavours of the sauces well. But once again, I would have preferred a larger portion. I wasnt too keen on the flavour of the sauce which accompanied the meat. The dessert was definitely the highlight of the meal. I chose the chocolate pavé with tropical fruit ice cream (I believe it was mango and passion fruit). The pavé was very smooth and the sweetness was just right for me. It was quite light but also had a good level of decadence. The two components of the dish went together very well. Overall, regrettably, I didnt enjoy my meal here as much as I did at Elystan Street. The food didnt leave me feeling as impressed or satisfied. But there certainly are some dishes that are worth trying so if youre looking for a good meal at a relatively reasonable price, you could consider coming here. Vegetarian options: There are some vegetarian dishes on the menu.
I was invited for dinner so was not sure this would have been for me. While the food was very good, but not mind-blowing considering the high prices, the service was remarkable. All stuff was very attentive but never intrusive which I very appreciated. Well done to the team. Atmosphere wise, I found it a bit basic, considering the kind of offer, the look and feel doesnt particularly shout exclusivity or high end. Still if you are looking for a refine evening you will get it.
What a wonderful restaurant. Such a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Our waiter Aleks was fantastic, a genuinely nice guy who made us feel really welcome. The food was divine, the cod was possibly the best cod cookery Ive experienced and the chocolate parfait was heavenly. I relied entirely on the sommelier Alex for recommendations and he did not disappoint with some really interesting wines, his passion was contagious! We had a really special evening and cant wait to go back!
Staff are friendly and have good manners. I had the lunch course and the price was great. The aperitif bread was delicious, but I ate it because it was fresh bread. For starters, I had tomato gazpacho and Guinea fowl, and the fowl was cooked very gently. For the main course, I had fish biscuit risotto. The taste of sardine was not fishy and the lamb river had a great texture. The sauce was a little salty but delicious. Dessert was the worlds most delicious financier. It was disappointing that there wasnt a large wine list, but the staff recommended St. Julien wine. It was full-bodied so it was perfect to eat with lamb. I was also touched by the letter the staff gave me
To start, the service was great, all staff were nice and helpful. The food on the other hand was a huge disappointment. This was my first time ever visiting a Michelin Star restaurant so I had high hopes coming in. Unfortunately the starter was a bird dish and everything about it was extremely odd and almost inedible in my opinion. The main course was lamb and it wasn t tender and more chewy/grainy and not very appetizing, lastly the dessert was delicious. I know the menu changes frequently so I may have just gone during a bad time, though for the price of the food compared to the taste I would not give W8 another try unfortunately.
They recently received its first Michelin star, and it is well-deserved. The tasting menu is a true culinary experience, with each dish carefully crafted and presented. The first three courses are all fish, yet they are each cooked in a different style with a unique flavor profile. The main course of grilled beef sirloin is also cooked to perfection. The accompanying sauce is rich and flavorful, and the roasted archicoke is perfectly cooked. The favours in general are special, a mix of different ingredients that you dont usually see in other restaurants. The staff are very attentive and friendly! Highly recommended and great value for its service and quality!
This was a flabbergasting experience. All the food is spectacular and I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. This restaurant deserves its michenin star! Kid-friendliness: The restaurant is also child friendly.
Waw what an absolut unique experience. We went for the set menu and I must admit everything was perfect. Wine was matching perfectly each unique dish. Service was impeccable. Highly recommand this restaurant
good
A culinary journey that took 4 hours. We laughed, we cried but the food was exquisite. The highlight of the night was then they brought out an oversized bottle of port - you can t buy memories like that
I agree with comments that highlight the lack of service and ambiance in this restaurant. We were not very impressed by the food either, but that was the most enjoyable part of the evening. We had to ask multiple times for different things (drinks order, bread, AC level) and twice our orders came out wrong, including the wine. This did not provide a Michelin level experience and we unfortunately won t be going back
Absolutely wonderful food from the tasting menu on Thursday evening and exceptional service for our table of 7. Wine pairings superb and interesting. Relaxed yet buzzy atmosphere. Most importantly, excellent attention to dietary requirement - (severe nut allergy). Perfect evening.
We thoroughly enjoyed a lovely evening at Kitchen W8. The food was very good, the service was excellent.
I proposed to my now fiancé at this spot and it was truly one of the best dining experiences we ve ever had! We did the tasting menu, and it was so filling but we had to eat every last bite! I don t know if I have the words to properly describe the meal, other than 5/5 stars is not a high enough compliment. They also served mocktails for my non-drinking fiance, which was so accommodating. Charlie and the whole staff took the highest level of care and attention to our dinner. They went above and beyond to make the night special, which meant to the world to me. They are wonderful people and they make wonderful food. Go there right now!!!
**Review:** **Sophistication Meets Simplicity** Stepping into the restaurant, one is immediately struck by its understated elegance. A perfect setting for celebrating our sons 30th birthday, the venue delivered on our expectation of Michelin-quality fare without the hefty price tag. Service was remarkable. Despite being the sole server tending to the bar and tables, the young lady exhibited professionalism, maintaining a calm and pleasant demeanour. Its a rarity these days to encounter such a commendable work ethic. The menu variety is worth noting. Between the à la carte, set, and lamb special, our group sampled a bit of everything. My set menu choice of beetroot with walnut pesto was generous and an absolute delight. The pollock, albeit on the smaller side, was well-paired with broccoli, making for a satisfactory meal. Though I missed out on the chocolate dessert due to time constraints, judging by the overall quality of the dishes, Im confident it wouldve been a treat. The ambience, while mostly positive, had its quirks. The impeccable lighting, especially in a windowless back room, is a photographers dream. However, the absence of background music rendered an almost reverential silence. While our group isnt boisterous, we relish hearty conversations and spontaneous laughter. This made me wonder if our exuberance was a tad out of place, given the seemingly older and affluent clientele. A minor hiccup occurred when the air conditioning was turned off upon a patrons request. The resultant stuffiness made the exit to fresh air all the more refreshing. Lastly, for wine lovers, the 2019 bottle of red wine was a hit with our group. As my husband, a wine connoisseur, pointed out, it was an affordable yet excellent vintage. In summary, this establishment offers a harmonious blend of class and comfort. While it may cater more to a mature clientele, anyone searching for exquisite food, commendable service, and a serene atmosphere will find it a worthy visit.
Great local - made to feel right at home. Excellent service and the food was well crafted and presented. From the bread and butter to dessert the meal ticked all the boxes
Delicious food especially the week s lamb specials! Service was exceptional. Will be back.
Went for a privat dinner here and the food and the paired wines were amazing
Starting with the positives the server Charlie legitimately gave us some of the best service we ve ever had in London - absolutely top notch from the beginning to end. Where things were a let down was the food all three dishes we had were bland and forgettable and certainly not worthy of their price. The gnocchi was particularly unspectacular as too was the seabass . Overall there are Far better Michelin starred restaurants in London offering superior food at a cheaper price .
I was concerned that the mackerel was slightly burnt. Everything else was delicious. The atmosphere and service were good, and I was able to relax and enjoy my meal.
Very nice restaurant excellent venison and good French wine
Excellent food
Well deserving of its Michelin star
My wife and I went for lunch to celebrate her birthday and had a wonderful experience. The staff was considerably knowledgeable and friendly from start to finish, and the food was outstanding. We ate the 3 course set menu and left feeling full, happy, and content. Each course was beautiful, perfectly cooked, and offered brilliant taste and texture to round out what I d say was the best value fine dining meal I ve had to date.
Great service and amazing food, highly recommend the 3 course meal.
Thanks Charlie, Chef Mark, and all for wonderful experience.
We went for a romantic lunch and had the set menu, we had an amazing time. The service was incredible, they were so kind and warm towards us. We will definitely be coming back!
Absolute delight to dine here.
Kitchen W8 always has a very interesting varying menu. Their truffle menus are not to be missed. Update in July 2023: Just visited to sample the seasonal Cornish Lobster menu and, as always, they havent disappointed. Always reliably delicious food, excellent service and pleasant ambience. And very reasonable prices for a 1 Michelin star restaurant. Thank you W8 team!
A perfect meal and a lovely atmosphere!
The begining of the end? When delivering the best experience to all customers is no longer THE priority, one has to wonder. K-W8 has been a reliably great experience for so many years yet now that is unclear. We made a reservation for 8.30pm one Saturday a few weeks hence. Out of courtesy, I called a few days later to say we might be 5 or 10 minutes late on the day. I was told under no circumstances would this be permitted. The kitchen closes at 8.45pm, no exceptions. Having been a guest of this restuarant since opening in 2009, I emailed later to query this rather abrubt and inlfexible response and have yet to hear back; anything whatsoever. It makes me wonder how many people would have called to advise of a 5 minute delay in the first place. Be that as it may, this restaurant has had a good run, one we were lucky to enjoy. There are many many other restaurants of note within the same 5 minute walk as the original delay.
One of my absolute favorite Michelin starred restaurants I have been to. Such a lovely and well executed concept, an unpretentious and relaxed neighbourhood restaurant serving elevated cuisine at a reasonable price - all executed flawlessly. From the moment you step in, the service was friendly, inviting, and extremely professional yet completely unpretentious. It s genuinely a restaurant you feel comfortable and at home dining at, something so many high end restaurants fail at. I can t emphasize how great the service was. The food lived up to its Michelin star. The mussel friccase was delightful, rich and buttery with the perfect amount of acidity. Alongside the sourdough bread, delightful. The trout was cooked perfectly, and the sauces and accompaniments elevated it greatly. The hazelnut financiers for desert were perfect, buttery, soft, and paired perfectly with the pear and vanilla cream. The food perfectly aligned with the entire experience at the restaurant. It wasn t over the top, upright, pretentious food trying for a 3 Michelin star experience - rather it was more casual, almost home-like, yet still elevated and refined to a fine dining experience. The hand signed birthday card was the cherry on top of a delightful dinner. I will certainly be back next time I am in London. Thank you Kitchen W8 for a delightful dinner.
Superb
Relaxed restaurant which has their Michelin star since 2011. Service was great and so was the food. Place fills up by around 2pm so best make a reservation. Sunday set lunch is a great value and a very good introduction to the restaurant. Would love to be back again soon.
Kitchen W8, even though it s located in Kensington and awarded a Michelin star since 2011, is a very unique place and currently has to be my favorite restaurant in London. The staff is super friendly with Charlie always putting a smile on my face whenever he drops by to say hi. Mark Kempson always keeps me guessing with an ever-changing menu that keeps things interesting but maintains the quality of cooking that keeps me coming back for more. The lunch menu is superb value below £50 and the tasting menu is one of the only Michelin starred menus still under £100 in 2022. The dishes are wonderfully done, with seasonal ingredients that mean you never get bored. I have eaten quite often and is the only Michelin-starred restaurant that I keep coming back to. The signature dish is the Cornish Mackarel with Eel, but I ve never had a dish where i felt disappointed. I would always recommend the restaurant to anyone, so go ahead and give it a try!
Fantastic food, great service and pleasant interior.
Elegant dining experience, service is excellent, menu is interesting and food is divine. Soup and guinea fowl were delicious. Definitely worth making a booking when in London.
Had a great experience. Delicious food, faultless service, all in a relaxed atmosphere.
Loved our first Michelin restaurant! Will absolutely be back!
had the christmas set menu, as good a meal as i ve had !!