16 Of The Best Restaurants In Chelsea

BEST FOR AN ICONIC DINING ROOM: Claude Bosi at Bibendum

When Sir Terence Conran first opened Bibendum back in the 1980s, it was a light-filled temple to classical French cooking. Today, it remains a wonderfully airy space – and the famous stained-glass Michelin Man is still there – but the cuisine has moved with the times. Claude Bosi’s gentle flavour experiments have yielded the likes of Orkney scallops, brown butter dashi and lemon caviar; and turbot with morels, English peas and white miso. Bibendum is still a special place for a special occasion.

Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, Chelsea, SW3 6RD

Visit ClaudeBosi.com

BEST FOR LA DOLCE VITA: Daphne’s

A buzzy old-school delight, Daphne’s has been serving well-heeled Chelsea locals since 1964. In the ensuing half-century, its striking Conservatory has played host to countless ritzy parties, though the 40-seat space really comes into its own in the summer (and during pandemics) when its retractable roof creates an al fresco vibe. Seasonal menus are pure Italian, presented in the classic antipasti-primi-secondi format – spaghetti alle vongole, aubergine parmigiana and vitello tonnato are all here. Crisp white tablecloths, marble-topped bars and smartly turned out staff complete the classic feel.

112 Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, SW3 3AE

Visit Daphnes-Restaurant.co.uk
 

BEST FOR AUSSIE CHARM: Granger & Co

Good looking and relaxed, Granger & Co is the Bondi surfer of the London restaurant scene. Part of Sydney chef Bill Granger’s chic mini-chain, this Pavilion Road outpost serves slices of the Aussie good life to Sloane-ys from breakfast through to dinner. As you’d expect from an Aussie, mornings are all about avocado, eggs and excellent coffee. Later in the day, there’s modern comfort food in the form of shrimp burgers, fish curries and a crab linguine that reels in many of the area’s A-listers.

237 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, SW1X 0BP

Visit GrangerAndCo.com 

BEST FOR OLD-SCHOOL ELEGANCE: Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

This is the discreet jewel in Gordon Ramsay’s crown. One of only five London restaurants to hold an elusive third Michelin star, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is a masterclass in timeless fine dining. In a reverential atmosphere, longstanding signature dishes like lobster, langoustine and salmon ravioli are served alongside expertly chosen fine wines. Such is its global reputation that, even in the best of times, you’ll need to book well in advance.

68 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4HP

Visit GordonRamsayRestaurants.com 

BEST FOR FOOD AROUND A FIRE PIT: Wild Tavern

With impeccably bad timing, the people behind Goodman and Beast opened Wild Tavern in Chelsea early last year. Now lockdown is easing, there’s a chance for this elegant neighbourhood restaurant to build the reputation it deserves. Its name is not just for show: the Italian-inspired menu is loaded with genuinely wild ingredients that are treated simply in an open kitchen or at a feature fire pit – look out for Josper-grilled Scottish scallops, tartare of Sicilian red prawns and Spanish tuna sashimi. Beef is delivered in prime USDA slabs from Nebraska and you’ll also find some very fine pasta dishes tucked between the sharing plates.

2 Elystan Street, Chelsea, SW3 3WC

Visit WildTavern.co.uk
 

BEST FOR SEAFOOD FANS: The Sea The Sea

Putting the sea into Chelsea, this small fishmonger-deli-seafood bar claims not to have a freezer. Anything that’s left over from the daily delivery goes into a special dry-ageing cabinet for future, ingenious use by the chefs who work in front of diners each evening to transform the shop’s super fresh, sustainable produce into small plates, bowls and shellfish platters. Memorable dishes include dressed crab on waffle, and asparagus with razor clams and pine oil. The by-the-glass grower champagnes on the wine list are perhaps the only things that can improve them.

174 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, SW1X 0AW

Visit TheSeaTheSea.net

BEST FOR EATING OUTSIDE: Stanley’s

This debut restaurant from the eponymous Hugh Stanley comprises a large outdoor courtyard and bar, restaurant, orangery-style dining area and private dining room. Guests enter through a floral archway flanked by olive trees and tiered shrub planting into a flagstone courtyard inspired by the English country garden. Guided by head chef Olivia Burt – a Masterchef: The Professionals finalist – the menu focuses on seasonal produce showcasing the best of British ingredients. Dishes include the likes of sourdough crumpet with Cornish crab and potted shrimps; crispy prawns served with sriracha emulsion; and roasted halibut with summer courgettes and lemon verbena.

151 Sydney Street, Chelsea, SW3 6N

Visit StanleysChelsea.co.uk

BEST FOR CURRY REDEFINED: Kutir 

Gymkhana, Jamavar, Benares… high-end Indian restaurants have become commonplace in Mayfair. and now, they’re taking hold in Chelsea, too. Occupying a handsome townhouse just off King’s Road, Kutir is the work of Jamavar alumni Abhishake Sangwan and Rohit Ghai. They make a fine pair: while Sangwan keeps the plush main room running smoothly, Ghai is in the kitchen, reinventing some subcontinental classics. Kormas, biryanis and even chicken tikka masala are all here, but not quite as you know them. Naan, topped with scrambled quail egg and truffle shavings, is perhaps the dish that gives you the best idea of what to expect. If you can’t get into Kutir, Kahani is doing similarly interesting things a few streets away.

10 Lincoln Street, Chelsea, SW3 2TS

Visit Kutir.co.uk
 

BEST FOR SUNNY AFTERNOONS: The Ivy Chelsea Garden

This west London outpost of the Covent Garden original is a close match for its legendary older sibling. In a sprawling Edwardian building right on the King’s Road, it’s busy and buzzy. Colourful, maximalist interiors add a sense of occasion to even a snatched lunch, but you should clear your calendar to make the most of the pretty garden out back. The menus are reassuringly familiar, featuring the iconic shepherd’s pie alongside lighter alternatives including juices and healthier salads.

197 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5EQ

Visit TheIvyChelseaGarden.com

BEST FOR SOMEWHERE NEW: Huŏ

This new opening from the team behind Notting Hill’s Uli reveals the full range of restaurateur Michael Lim. He’s pulled together a menu of dishes from across China and Southeast Asia, prepared using traditional Chinese, Thai, Malay and Singaporean techniques. Highlights include triple-cooked dover sole with asparagus garlic and chilli; and stir-fried beef fillet with spicy black pepper sauce. The architect-designed restaurant features bleached timber banquettes and flooring, and a white timber raft ceiling, dotted with tropical plants and modern Asian art. In a separate bar area, guests can choose from a selection of unusual Japanese whiskies, vodkas and craft beer. In warmer months, the restaurant’s front can be fully opened, and tables set up on a terrace.
9 Park Walk, Chelsea, SW10 0AJ

Visit HuoLondon.com

BEST FOR VERY FINE DINING: The Five Fields

Since it opened less than a decade ago, The Five Fields has been collecting awards like its team gathers produce from its kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside. Michelin, AA and the Sunday Times have all recognised the talent and commitment of chef patron Taylor Bonnyman, who has created a modern British restaurant to be proud of. Attentive service and smart surrounds meet their match in precisely prepared dishes such as turbot, lightly roasted with radishes and dill, cured roe emulsion and a herb cracker. One to take your parents to after a trip to the Saatchi Gallery just around the corner.

8-9 Blacklands Terrace, Chelsea, SW3

Visit FiveFieldsRestaurant.com
 

BEST FOR GIRLS' BRUNCH: Bluebird

Like Bibendum, Bluebird was launched by the late design guru Sir Terence Conran. Approaching its 25th birthday, this sprawling local landmark has perfected the art of being all things to all people. Fever Tree helps with the cocktail menu, there are dedicated dishes for kids and you can even settle in for afternoon tea. Food is appealingly simple – starters such as burrata or asparagus and mains like dover sole or whole lobster sing because of the careful sourcing of good ingredients. Right now, Bluebird’s front terrace is made for socially distanced dining.

350 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UU

​Visit Bluebird-Restaurant.co.uk