The Best Restaurants in Chelsea and the Kings Road

Serving up classic Italian fare for more than 50 years, La Famiglia is a London institution. Food is made from the freshest, finest produce: even the olive oil – into which you can dunk your warm focaccia with your antipasti – is made from the family’s olive groves in Italy. Expect Italian classics done well – deep-fried artichokes, wild boar pappardelle, creamy burrata and Osso Bucco are just some of the highlights. Be sure to save room for the epic dessert trolley – laden with homemade cannoli, tiramisu and other Italian delicacies. Recommended by local insider Rebecca Cairns.

The decor at this Chelsea spot may be understated, but the food is anything but. One of the area’s best-kept gourmet secrets, Medlar serves up seasonal, French-inspired dishes with a twist. The brainchild of two Chez Bruce alumni, the pedigree is evident – expect everything from tagliatelle with braised oxtail and chestnuts to a rump of Belted Galloway with gently cooked snails. Just save room for pudding: the almond granita with blood peach sorbet is a real palate cleanser. Those with a sweeter tooth will appreciate the likes of honeycomb ice cream and made-to-order Tarte tatin. Recommended by local insider Rebecca Cairns.

Tucked away down a quiet residential street in Chelsea, No. Fifty Cheyne is a local favourite and it’s not hard to see why. The exterior is as pleasing to the eye as the food they serve: a baby blue and white facade draped with pretty pastel florals. As for the food, think classic British fare with a twist. Head chef Iain Smith – whom you’ll most likely get to say hello to if he’s in the building – sources all of his ingredients from the finest British suppliers. Although the menu changes based on what’s in season, you can expect dishes like 45-day aged rib-eye steak served with Marmite and Guinness butter – or, raspberry and white chocolate soufflé with clotted cream ice cream for dessert. For the amateur oenophiles, there’s a restaurant sommelier who will bring you wine to suit your palette and choice of food. Recommended by local insider Jessica Dellow.

For classic French fare, look no further than La Poule au Pot – nestled in a prime position between Belgravia and Pimlico. Since opening in 1964, this foodie favourite has been enchanting guests with its traditional rustic fare – the dimly lit nooks and candlelit tables only add to the charm. Expect classic bistro dishes like escargots, goose cassoulet and bouillabaisse. In the warmer months, soak up the atmosphere on the outdoor terrace. Recommended by local insider Rebecca Cairns.

Inspired by the bold flavours of Peru but made with the freshest produce delivered daily from the – slightly more local – Cornish coastline, Chicama has a strong seafood focus. Indeed, the entire menu is free from meat and celebrates ingredients native to Peru. The vibe is sharing dishes and the laid-back, neighbourhood atmosphere makes this Chelsea spot perfect for catching up with friends. Cocktail fans will appreciate what’s on offer here: try the traditional pisco sour or brave the “Spicy”, a zesty blend of tequila, chilli liqueur, agave syrup and lemon. Recommended by local insider Rebecca Cairns.

Nestled on the picture-perfect Pavilion Road is Granger & Co, the latest branch of Bill Granger’s eponymous cafés known for its Aussie-Asian fusion menu. Brunch is the highlight here. Head down early on the weekend to beat the queues – there’s a strict no-reservations policy – and be rewarded with the likes of ricotta hotcakes, courgette and halloumi fritters and fresh fruit bowls laden with vegan granola and coconut yoghurt. Come night-time, the cocktails come highly recommended, pulling in Asian influences. Recommended by local insider Rebecca Cairns.

If you find yourself flagging in the middle of a Sloane Square shopping spree, head to Polpo in Duke of York Square – which serves up an all-day menu of Venetian-inspired small plates. Order an Aperol Spritz and watch the world go by as you graze on nduja arancini, spinach and parmesan pizzette – complete with a fried egg – and spicy pork and fennel meatballs. The outdoor seating area makes this a perfect al fresco spot for the summer months. Recommended by local insider Rebecca Cairns.

You’ll need to get in the Five Fields early with a reservation, but the food – which champions British produce and seasonality – is well worth the bother. Tucked just off Sloane Square, this is an intimate spot that boasts stellar service and is ideal for a special occasion. Note: it’s only open for dinner. Dishes on the daily-changing menu feature a variety of seafood, meat and vegetables, –the latter all sourced from the owners’ herb garden in East Sussex. The cocktail list is inventive and wines stretch all the way from Kent to Japan. Recommended by local insider Rebecca Cairns.
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