Local Guide to the Top Restaurants in Knightsbridge, London
Renowned for being one of the most upmarket areas of London, Knightsbridge certainly has its share of places that will help you spend money in the most lavish and luxurious ways.
Aside from the fashion boutiques of Prada and Jimmy Choo, the auction rooms of Bonhams and the Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores, Knightsbridge can also tempt you with some beautiful places to dine. In this article, we look at some of the finest places to eat in Knightsbridge, London.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Mandarin Oriental Hotel
The location of this groundbreaking chef’s restaurant could not be more central in Knightsbridge. Step out of the Knightsbridge tube station towards Hyde Park, on one side of the road will be Harvey Nichols and on the other will be Dinner by Heston Blumenthal within the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
As you would expect from a restaurant in such an affluent area, the dining room is decorated in the most tasteful and elegant fashion. Custom-made porcelain wall sconces take pride of place on the ivory-painted walls while the floor to ceiling windows give uninterrupted views over Hyde Park.
This restaurant is the manifestation of Heston Blumenthal’s obsession with historic British food. Alongside Ashley Palmer-Watts, Chef Blumenthal has created a menu inspired by 14th-century cookbooks, Tudor dining and even Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Marcus, The Berkeley Hotel
Just along the road from Dinner, towards Hyde Park Corner, is the Berkeley Hotel which houses another one of London’s most illustrious restaurants. Here you will find the Michelin starred Marcus restaurant, named after the Head Chef, Marcus Wareing. Boasting a varied menu, Marcus offers a selection of French, British and contemporary European dishes. In fact, Marcus does not just offer one menu, but six menus. From the a la carte and light lunch options up to a set menu of 8 courses. The vegetarian menu at Marcus is a little on the short side but what is there is very tempting and highly regarded.
Zuma, 5 Raphael Street
Based on the Japanese concept of dining known as izakaya, Zuma promises traditional Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist. The izakaya concept is a simple and informal one. Dishes have a beautifully minimal presentation and are designed to be shared at the table.
The main open plan dining area lacks the views of Knightsbridge offered by other restaurants in the area, however, it offers viewing of not one but three kitchens: the main kitchen, the sushi counter and the robata grill. A table near one of the kitchens also allows a perfect view of the sushi and sashimi artisans at work.
Two private dining areas are available for small groups. Although the two private areas are sectioned off from the rest of the restaurant, the open timberwork walls still allow the natural ambience of the restaurant to flow through. If you are looking for the finest Japanese cuisine in the Knightsbridge area, it is highly likely that you will find it here.
Harry’s Dolce Vita, 27-31 Basil Street
Harry’s Dolce Vita is part of the same group that owns the world-famous Ivy Brasserie and top seafood restaurant, J. Sheekey, so it is safe to say that you are in good hands when coming to Harry’s. Where Harry’s Dolce Vita differs to its Caprice Holdings siblings is its offering of the 1950s and 60s inspired Italian food. The nostalgic decor of parquet flooring, brass light fittings, Murano glass and wood-panelled walls are a perfect reflection of the cuisine and cocktails.
Locals and visitors to Knightsbridge often have high praise of the breakfast menu that is served daily from 9am. However, there is also an extensive brunch menu and an a la carte menu that is served from 11:30am on weekdays and from 3pm at weekends. All of which can be enjoyed with a wide selection of Italian beers, wines and classic cocktails.
Pétrus, 1 Kinnerton Street
Named after owner Gordon Ramsay’s wine of choice, Pétrus offers Michelin-starred fine dining that blends classic French cuisine with contemporary presentation and techniques. The white-clothed round tables surround the centrepiece of this fine restaurant – the wine cellar. The extensive wine list offers a comprehensive selection of vintages of the restaurant’s namesake wine, alongside many other hand-picked French and European wines. It is also interesting to know that Gordon Ramsay’s Knightsbridge restaurant was the first in Europe to offer Pétrus by the glass.
For a very special experience, you can book the kitchen table where you and 7 other guests can enjoy a bespoke seven course menu within the kitchen, as well as having your own sommelier on-call.
Bar Boulud, 66 Knightsbridge
Do not be fooled by the name, Bar Boulud is more than a bar, it is one of the most sought after restaurants in the Knightsbridge area. Known for his pioneering Manhattan restaurant, Daniel Boulud has furthered his reputation with his London base. There is an undeniable American presence in the menu at Bar Boulud, from the sausages and burgers. However, there is also a French twist that manifests through seafood, pates and homemade terrines.
The wine list at Bar Boulud is mostly French, centring on France’s Rhône Valley and Burgundy. The list of craft beers is also unapologetically comprehensive, with 14 beers from England, Europe and across the world to choose from.
Although we could have picked many more restaurants and bars in Knightsbridge to feature on this list, the six restaurants listed above will undoubtedly be a good place to start. Not to mention the long list of restaurants in neighbouring Chelsea, Kensington and Mayfair.
Considering moving to Knightsbridge?
The area has plenty to offer its residents, from its famous streets with shrouded in history, to exclusive bars and restaurants frequented by the area’s high net worth residents. For more details on our specialist Knightsbridge removals service, click here and speak to a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team.