The Best Places To Eat in Chelsea

One of London’s most famous and upmarket districts, Chelsea has long been a foodie hotspot. Ever a place to be seen, the King’s Road and its side streets are littered with top-class eateries, with long-standing institutions vying for attention against new wave hangouts. Whether you’re after some extra special sushi, Peruvian small plates, classic pub vibes or fine dining, there’s something to satisfy all tastes in this ever-vibrant neighbourhood. Here we highlight some of the best restaurants in Chelsea, stretching from the quaint streets behind Cheyne Walk to the world-famous Sloane Square.

Best Restaurants in Chelsea For 2024

• The Fuji Grill, Beaverbrook Town House
• Stanley’s
• Enoteca Turi
• Ixchel
• Stanley’s
• BÓHA London
• The LaLee
• The Surprise
• Ottolenghi Chelsea
• The Cadogan Arms
• The Chelsea Pig
• Bluebird
• No. Fifty Cheyne
• Vardo
• The Good Life Eatery
• The Harwood Arms
• Hans’ Bar & Grill
• Gaucho Sloane Avenue
• The Ivy Chelsea Garden
• Chicama
• Sloane Place
• Rabbit
• Daphne’s
• Kutir
• Villa Mama’s

The Fuji Grill, Beaverbrook Town House

If you’re partial to Japanese food, The Fuji Grill is a real hidden gem. Tucked away inside Beaverbrook Town House, this gorgeous sushi bar boasts picture-perfect interiors, wonderful staff and an extensive menu; alongside a magical nine-course Omakase menu, you can expect dishes like yellowtail served with black truffle, mushroom harumaki (Japanese spring rolls), and show-stopping grilled seabass topped with lime ponzu. There are salads, sushi rolls and grilled meats on offer, too, but make sure to save space for a cocktail and, of course, dessert – the chocolate mousse (served with caramel miso and ginger ice cream) is particularly divine.

Beaverbrook Town House, 115 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9PJ; beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk

Stanley’s

Nestled away behind Phat Phuc noodle bar on Sydney Street is a lovely little gem called Stanley’s. Year-round, there’s a pretty flower-bedecked courtyard inspired by an English country garden, which is enclosed and serves as a welcome retreat from the busy King’s Road nearby. There are heaters and blankets to keep you warm during the cooler months – but if that’s still too chilly for you, inside is equally chic, with banquette seating and cosy corners. Food comes courtesy of head chef Tomas Kolkus, with a focus on creative, flavoursome plates which celebrate British produce. Begin with small plates of burrata, paired with punchy beetroot and buckwheat for an added crunch, and beef carpaccio with tarragon mayo, ahead of mains of sharing bream, Scottish pollock and salt baked celeriac (all best enjoyed with a generous helping of roasties). There’s a great variety of wine and cocktails too: the spicy margs are executed to perfection and make for a zingy aperitif. With a buzzy yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for date nights or rose-fuelled catch-ups with friends – or larger events, with options for private dining (Made In Chelsea alumni Jamie Laing and Sophie Haboo had their wedding reception here). All in all: a delight.

151 Sydney St, London SW3 6NT; stanleyschelsea.co.uk

Enoteca Turi

This long-standing neighbourhood Italian on Pimlico Road was helmed by Puglia-born Giuseppe Turi for over 30 years, but he recently stepped down and handed the reins over to restaurateur Dominic Ford and Liberty Wines founder David Gleave. Under its new ownership, the eatery retains its character, with understated yet sleek interiors: think gold brick walls, white tablecloths and leather banquettes perfect for intimate date nights. This elegant feel is mirrored in the menu, which is crafted by Abruzzo-born head chef Giampiero Giuliani (formerly at Cipriani in New York and Pastaio in London), who focuses on classic Italian dishes with little surprises, made with top-quality ingredients. Begin with sharing starters of Apulian burrata and Sicilian aubergine, and juicy scallops with saffron sauce, followed by a freshly made pasta dish: highlights include spaghettini with Oscietra caviar, and agnolotti with veal shin ravioli. Portions aren’t huge, which means there’s definitely space for dessert – our pick is the pistachio tiramisu, served with mascarpone ice cream. Wine has always been a big part of Enoteca Turi, and it remains pivotal to the menu, with over 500 varieties on offer and each dish on the menu paired with a suggested glass.

87 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8PH; enotecaturi.com

Ixchel

A new addition to the King’s Road is Ixchel, a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar from esteemed chef Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez, whose CV includes Brat and Madera at Treehouse London. Named after the Mayan goddess of the moon and textiles, Ixchel brings the flavours of Mexico to Chelsea, focusing on twists of traditional plates of ceviche, tacos and tostadas. The menu features sharing-style starters of sauteed prawn quesadillas, tuna sashimi with ponzu sauce, and slow cooked baby pork ribs on banana leaf, ahead of larger meat and veggie platters made on the robata grill. There’s also a tequila bar which has one of Europe’s largest agave-based liquor collections in Europe, serving an eclectic cocktail menu from ex La Bodega Negra-bartender Manuel Lema. Also a highlight are the colourful interiors, with vibrant murals, terracotta tables, hand-woven artworks and foliage dotted around.

33h King’s Rd, London SW3 4LX; ixchellondon.com

BÓHA London

BÓHA London is a chic restaurant and bar which fuses Irish and British cuisine. Chef Anthony Fletcher heads up the kitchen, bringing with him years of experience working in prestigious kitchens including The Ned and Le Manoir. Innovative menus include dishes like wagyu short rib Irish stew, whole Brixham Dover Sole, and hispi cabbage in house dry aged bacon and beef dripping, alongside a selection of meats displayed in a dry-aged locker. The venue also features a speakeasy-style bar where expert mixologists whizz up tipples like the Bóha Classic Spiced Old Fashioned, which sees tonka bean, clove and cinnamon torched tableside and mixed with a rare single malt whisky. 

562 King’s Rd, London SW6 2DZ; bohalondon.com

The LaLee

The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel’s restaurant The LaLee offers an all-day menu inspired by the voyages of one of its legendary past residents: actress and socialite, Lillie Langtry. With its cosy fireplace and plush leather seating, it’s an ideal spot for winter. Head chef Chris Hill and his team cook up an array of European dishes inspired by local, high-quality ingredients – seasonal offerings include Cornish chicken with broad beans, and spiced lamb with beetroot and salsa verde. Over 80 wines on the menu are served by the glass, ‘just as Langtry would have served them to guests in her dining room’. Opt for the bespoke ‘Reserved for The Cadogan’ sparkling, created exclusively for the hotel by Rathfinny Wine Estate in Sussex or allow the knowledgeable team to pick out the perfect match for your menu selections (and offer a mini education in European wines, should you wish to receive it).

75 Sloane St, London SW1X 9SG; thelalee.co.uk

The Surprise

One of the prettiest pubs in Chelsea is The Surprise, helmed by Jack Greenall, owner of the popular Pheasant Inn in Berkshire. A large part of the appeal lies with the chic new look of the venue, which first opened its doors in 1853 but must surely be looking the best it ever has. Think peach walls, chintzy wallpaper, intriguing art, grand fireplaces, and Mediterranean tiled bathrooms. As for the food, Head Chef Pedro Costa makes the most of top-quality local produce to create British inspired dishes that redefine pub grub without feeling pretentious. Ask the staff what is freshest that day, eat oysters if they’re on and always, always save room for dessert. Casual drinks should be accompanied by a handful of starters, to include the croquettes and the crispy squid served with a tangy garlic aioli.

6 Christchurch Terrace, London SW3 4AJ; thesurprise-chelsea.co.uk

Image courtesy of Ottolenghi Chelsea

Ottolenghi Chelsea

Stop by the Ottolenghi deli on Pavilion Road for a coffee and pastry in the morning, or tuck into one of the signature hot breakfast dishes, like scrambled eggs with focaccia and salmon. Come lunchtime, the deli’s counter is piled high with colourful salads – that could be spiced vermicelli rice with pickled mango, roasted sweet potato with cardamom sauce or cashew nut fritters with red hummus – alongside an array of fresh sweet treats. Alex Meitlis is interior designer behind all the Ottolenghi delis, and he’s worked his magic on this one too – this time wrapping the room in recycled bricks, with a bold terrazzo floor created by Ivo Bisagno.

261 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP; ottolenghi.co.uk

The Cadogan Arms

A Chelsea institution just off the King’s Road with a history spanning 200 years, you’ll find The Cadogan Arms has a new look of late. The recent reboot includes an atmospheric dining area and decadent bar intertwining a classic, English country pub aesthetic with subtle Art Deco touches. The new menu by Alex Harper (formerly at The Harwood Arms) and James Knappett doesn’t disappoint either – expect perfectly-executed pub classics made with the finest British ingredients: think beef and Guinness pie, beer battered fish and chips, and buttermilk fried chicken.

298 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UG; thecadoganarms.com

The Chelsea Pig

One of Chelsea’s most historic pubs, The Chelsea Pig, reopened in September 2021 – this time in partnership with designer Timothy Oulton. A feast for the eyes, the new space showcases Oulton’s craftsmanship through unique design accents, such as the handcrafted moonstone bar with glass baguettes suspended in a brass frame. The pub is open for all-day dining, offering classic British dishes like beef wellington and roast halibut, plus a special Sunday roast menu, alongside an extensive drinks menu.

35 Old Church St, London SW3 5BS; thechelseapig.co.uk

Bluebird

This King’s Road landmark has been a place to be seen since opening back in 1997 – even more so with its swish new look. Formerly a garage, Bluebird underwent a major refurbishment a couple of years ago courtesy of Sagrada, the designers behind The Arts Club, which split up the large space into neat sections. Both the street-level bar and first-floor restaurant feature plush interiors – think exposed steel red beams, indoor trees and deep Chesterfield booths – while the al fresco courtyard remains an idyllic summer spot. Inside a modern European menu offers everything from salads to lobster spaghetti; outdoors it’s all about brunch, with eggs, avocado and juices galore.

350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU; bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

No. Fifty Cheyne

Old Chelsea favourite Cheyne Walk Brasserie re-opened as the stylish No Fifty Cheyne a couple of years ago following a nine-month makeover – and we’re sold. Stepping inside feels like arriving at a private country house, a feeling which is reinforced by the charming staff. Despite the luxurious interiors – glass chandeliers, high ceilings, statement flowers and the like – the restaurant has an intimate, cosy feel. The big open grill in the middle of the room is a nice touch, and the aroma of the sizzling meat and fish dishes is hard to resist. Order something from there, and you won’t be disappointed. Saying that, pretty much everything on the menu is delicious. Jason Atherton protégé Iain Smith (previously Social Eating House) heads up the kitchen, which offers a menu of seasonal British dishes. The lamb rump, served with pistachio pesto and celeriac, is cooked to perfection, and don’t leave without trying the hot chocolate fondant. Afterwards, head upstairs for a nightcap at the chic cocktail bar, which looks out over the River Thames and pretty Cheyne gardens.

50 Cheyne Walk, London SW3 5LR;  fiftycheyne.com

Vardo

Housed inside a cylindrical, three-storey stone and glass pavilion bang in the middle of Chelsea’s Duke of York Square, you can’t miss Vardo – and you shouldn’t. It’s the first foray into West London for the ever-popular Caravan collection, and you can expect the same cool, easy-going take on all-day dining seen across their other branches – though with a new Chelsea edge to it. Vardo is based around a ‘no boundaries’ concept, inspired by the vardo wagons used by Romani travellers during the 19th century, which would travel the globe collecting produce and flavours along the way. The all-day menu features a strong brunch offering (think everything from smoothie bowls to French toast) alongside a mixture of irresistible platters, mezze boards, small plates, pizzas and grain bowls. Vegetarians are well catered for here – we’d particularly recommend the labneh with spiced chickpeas and flat bread; the charred aubergine with saffron buttermilk dressing; and the sweetcorn with salted pandan coconut milk. On the meat and fish side, the za’atar baked cod is delicious, as are the tandoori spiced chicken wings. The Silk Road-inspired eclectic cocktail list is also worth exploring: our top picks are the ‘Carnaval King’: Pisco, Havana rum, watermelon and cardamom oleo, lime, agave and Chartreuse, as well as the tequila-based ‘Medina Highball’. All this is to be enjoyed amid the friendly, relaxed surroundings Caravan is known for, made all the better with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a front seat view of the King’s Road action.

9 Duke Of York Square, London SW3 4LY; vardorestaurant.co.uk

The Good Life Eatery

With its avocado-and-acai-littered menu, The Good Life Eatery is something of a millennial cliché – but it’s one of the best. The menu reads like your nutritionist’s wish list, with everything from kimchi to spirulina making an appearance. Yet wellness sceptics shouldn’t be put off: there are also jerk chicken burritos, banana muffins and ham & cheese croissants (albeit made of spelt). Lovers of a good breakfast will be eternally grateful for the skinny benedict and royale – a stroke of genius.

59 Sloane Ave, London SW3 3DH; goodlifeeatery.com

The Harwood Arms

This is the only pub in London holding a coveted Michelin star. A charming and well-decorated pub – ostrich feathered lampshades quickly transport you to a country estate, despite being nestled away in Fulham, as do ornate stone wall décor – it recently saw the appointment of wunderkind Jake Leach (ex-Ledbury) as head chef. Jake Leach’s menu offers a spin on traditional pub fare which accounts for seasonality and sustainability; particularly, his menu is almost purely sourced within Britain, and from eco-conscious wild game (the best way to consume meat when considering the environment). Try a plump and locally sourced retired laying duck to start, or the Isle of Wight tomatoes for a visually-pleasing and colourful plate. For your main, you have five mouthwatering crowd-pleasers to pick from. Our personal pick? Slow cooked lamb shoulder, with shallot cream, gentleman’s relish, and beans. And don’t forget the snacks: potato crisps with truffle cream are a sociable sharing dish and oh-so-delicately flavoured.

Walham Grove, London SW6 1QP; harwoodarms.com

Hans’ Bar & Grill

Pavilion Road has become something of a foodie hub in recent years, with an ever-growing collection of trendy restaurants and stores spilling out onto its cobbled streets. One of these is Hans’ Bar & Grill, part of boutique hotel 11 Cadogan Gardens. The restaurant is named after the original Sloaney, Sir Hans Sloane – physician to the royal family and founder of the British Museum – whose legacy remains through artwork dotted around the hotel. As expected from this neck of the woods, Hans’ Bar & Grill is a sleek spot – think marble tables, velvet chairs and dim lighting – with a refined menu to match. We tried the newly launched Grill Night menu, which involved classic grill dishes cooked to absolute perfection: deliciously succulent steaks, juicy scallops, smoky aubergine. The sides are a real highlight here too, particularly the mac’n’cheese – creamy yet crispy, oozing with flavour. Be sure to explore the cocktail menu; we particularly enjoyed the French 75, made with Sipsmith Gin, prosecco and sugar syrup, and there’s an impressive selection of martinis. All in all, a delight.

164 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0AW; 11cadogangardens.com

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

Spin-offs of the original Covent Garden Ivy restaurant seem to be popping up everywhere these days, but the Chelsea branch is one of the earliest – and definitely the prettiest. Head through the flower-bedecked Edwardian façade to find an elegant dining room, which opens onto a glorious garden, complete with its own orangery. The menu offers an extensive selection of brasserie-style dishes, with everything from jackfruit salad to monkfish curry up for grabs. The Ivy’s famous shepherd’s pie also features, alongside a particularly tasty Chicken Milanese. A true crowd-pleaser, this is a safe bet for families, friends and couples alike.

195 197 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EQ; theivychelseagarden.com

Chicama

The second restaurant from the Pachamama group, Chelsea’s Chicama is a charming seafood restaurant named after a coastal town in Peru – not the word chic, although that does describe it well. Unlike its sister, Chicama is meat-free, focusing instead on seafood and fish served small plates style: ceviche, blackened octopus, spicy prawns and trout cooked in banana leaf all feature on the menu. But there are also plenty of delicious, flavoursome vegetarian options, like aubergine with plantain miso, grilled cauliflower and green bean salad. Eat al fresco on the lovely plant-filled outdoor terrace, or watch the chefs working their magic up close from the pink marble counter, which looks onto the open kitchen.

383 King’s Rd, London SW10 0LP; chicamalondon.com

Sloane Place

Housed on the corner of a large five-storey Victorian development bang in the heart of Chelsea, Sloane Place is a new venture from the company behind the long-standing adjoining Sloane Club. Though first and foremost a hotel, the restaurant at Sloane Place is very much a venue in its own right. Bernhard Mayer – whose CV features the likes of The Savoy and Four Seasons Hotels – heads up the kitchen, which serves food from breakfast through to dinner. Food-wise, expect a mixture of modern British and pan-Asian dishes, with plenty of fish and meat options and some vegetarian. Fish is a highlight here – we recommend the monkfish piccata – but everything is executed perfectly, from the steamed bao buns to the aromatic lemongrass chicken soup and the coconut panna cotta.

60 Lower Sloane St, London SW1W 8BP; sloaneplace.com

Rabbit

Born on a vineyard to two chefs, the Gladwin brothers were destined for the world of restaurants. Following a childhood of eating heartily and driving tractors on the family’s farm in Nutbourne, Sussex, the three boys went their separate ways – Richard became a restaurant manager and Oliver a chef, while the youngest, Gregory, remained true to his roots, working as a farmer. Turns out, the manager-chef-farmer trio lends itself pretty well to the farm to fork format. In 2011, the Gladwin brothers opened The Shed in Notting Hill, followed by Chelsea’s Rabbit, a cosy, rustic spot on the King’s Road. Here you’ll find all things wild, foraged and locally grown, with sustainable livestock from the family’s Nutbourne farm, Ashurst Wood. The menu changes regularly, but dishes tend to come as small plates, perfect for a tapas-style sharing meal. You could be eating Sussex beef tartare with star anise pickled carrot, venison cigars with harissa and pickled mustard seeds or aged chorizo with labneh – whatever is on the cards for that day, you can guarantee it will be fresh, authentic and delicious.

172 King’s Rd, London SW3 4UP; rabbit-restaurant.com

Paul Winch

Daphne’s

A Chelsea stalwart, Italian restaurant Daphne’s has been around for almost 60 years. With its pink marble-topped bar and Venetian glass chandeliers, this ever-popular spot perfectly combines Italian comforts with Chelsea glamour. It’s reopening this May with a new garden-inspired conservatory complete with a retractable roof, plus an al fresco terrace seating 20 diners. Hearty dishes remain the star of the show, with big bowls of everything from pappardelle to risotto, but these are balanced with lighter offerings including sashimi and salads. Our advice? Leave your health-conscious side at the door and go all out on the carbs.

112 Draycott Ave, London SW3 3AE; daphnesrestaurant.co.uk

StuartMilne

Kutir

While the meaning of Kutir (‘a small cottage in the middle of nowhere’) doesn’t exactly apply given that the townhouse can be found smack bang in Sloane Square, set just off the Kings Road, Kutir is magically quiet and feels worlds away from the bustle of its neighbours – needless to say it’s well positioned for a hearty meal after a day of shopping. Location aside, the restaurant itself is a vision rendered in soothing tones of mint green, florals and ambient lighting – all of which make the perfect backdrop for the refined but fiery meal ahead. Save yourself the food envy and opt for one of Kutir’s delectable Expedition tasting menus which change according to season; on the Signature Menu you’ll find that classics like Lamb Tandoori and Chicken Tikka are given a modern update. Impeccably plated, the plates are full of flavours both traditional and innovative – simply put, Kutir gets refined Indian food so right. Desserts aren’t a second thought here either, with the mango cassata flecked with cranberry, kulfi and pistachio taking the cake (pun intended). Given the quality of food, service and ambience, Kutir is also shockingly well priced.

10 Lincoln St, London SW3 2TS; kutir.co.uk

Villa Mama’s

Villa Mama’s brings an authentic taste of Bahraini cuisine to Chelsea. The cosy neighbourhood spot on Elystan Street distinguishes itself thanks to the expertise of Roaya Saleh, the Bahraini chef and restauranteur who has created a selection of delicious homely dishes to showcase the best of the Gulf, Persia and beyond. Guests will be pleased to discover new flavours in the little-known cuisine alongside more traditional pièces de résistance such as Tahcheen, an Iranian saffron rice ‘cake’ with spiced chicken and berries. There’s a strong sense of family at Villa Mama’s, with core components made specially by Roaya’s relatives, a focus on sharing, and the top-secret recipe used for Um Ali – an Egyptian bread pudding that is by far the best we’ve found in London. Grab a few of the beautifully-packaged spices and conserves on your way out; brought over straight from Bahrain.

25 Elystan St, London SW3 3NT; villamamas.co.uk