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  5. Kensington
Il Portico, London,
Il Portico, London,
Il Portico, London,
Il Portico, London,
Il Portico, London,

Il Portico

4.7
4.7
1893 Reviews
£26 to £40
Italian
Top tags:
The oldest family run restaurant in London. Spanning 6 decades and three generations, Il Portico Restaurant on Kensington High Street has been cooking regional Italian specialities since it was first opened in the 1960"s by acclaimed chef Pino Chiavarini. Still managed to this day by the same family, siblings James and Francesca draw heavily from their roots, providing simple, authentic Italian food from their home region of Emilia Romagna and beyond. Whilst the family are always on hand to welcome you in, our Executive chef, Eduardo (currently in his 25th year of service with us) concentrates on slow, homemade dishes with a sense of history and provenance.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 16 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–2:45 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 6:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    020 7602 6262
  • Website
    http://www.ilportico.co.uk/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Eduardo Ferreira

What 1,893 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • West London

    Italian

1,893 Reviews

  1. PhilipP

    London

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Great food, nice people, cosy, should go more often

    Il PorticoResponded 1 day ago

    Thank you so much Philip!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Art0

    London

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first visit was great enjoying all the food, excellent service and really nice ambience

    Il PorticoResponded 1 day ago

    Thank you so much !

    Is this helpful?

  3. JaniceM

    London

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Made to feel very welcome. Lovely Italian food beautifully presented. I was treating some visitors from the US and I knew we would be in safe hands. They also loved the food and friendly service.

    Il PorticoResponded 1 day ago

    Thank you !

    Is this helpful?

  4. MichaelC

    Liverpool

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Reliably good food,friendly service and overall excellent value.

    Il PorticoResponded 1 day ago

    Thank you Michael !

    Is this helpful?

  5. TonyG

    London

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding Italian food, with a home cooking feel. Service and ambience to match

    Il PorticoResponded 3 days ago

    Thank you for your very kind words Tony !

    Is this helpful?

  6. Sian

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A lovely restaurant, great service and wonderful food. Perfect evening.

    Il PorticoResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you Sian !

    Is this helpful?

  7. RhondaR

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Delightful restaurant with excellent service and ambience. Pasta dishes are fantastic.

    Il PorticoResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you Rhonda !

    Is this helpful?

  8. PatriciaW

    London

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Haven’t been there in ten years. Food still good but restaurant looking a bit sad and could do with an upgrade. Lovely food tho!

    Il PorticoResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you Patricia !

    Is this helpful?

  9. SarahB

    Hertfordshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful THANK YOU … we sat outside as booked the day before so nothing inside available, it was wonderful, there was a heater to keep us warm and the staff were super attentive and friendly… oh and the food! The FOOD is simply AMAZING! We will be back!!

    Il PorticoResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you Sarah !

    Is this helpful?

  10. DebbieC

    London

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lovely small restaurant with very friendly attentive staff with wonderful tasting food and not too badly priced for this area

    Il PorticoResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you Debbie !

    Is this helpful?

  11. Peter1974

    Hertfordshire

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dined at Il Portico on Friday lunchtime for the first time since before Covid. Would highly recommend the butterflied sardines as starter. Main was veal wrapped in ham, and served in a gorgeous flavoursome sauce - side of fried zucchini. Finished with tiramisu. Looked after well, and look forward to returning. A convenient location to dine if you are visiting the Design Museum.

    Il PorticoResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you Peter !

    Is this helpful?

  12. AndeasS

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    charming and professional service - excellent food! Will return

    Il PorticoResponded on November 22, 2023

    Thank you !

    Is this helpful?

  13. Bobby

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Food was good, but ambience was lacking as we were sat in front of staff/till area and the manager could be heard training a new staff member! Servers kept changing so all felt a bit inconsistent/impersonal - especially as we mentioned in the booking form this was for our anniversary.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 20, 2023

    Hi Bobby ,thank you for taking the time to submit a very valuable for us review.Sadly the size of the restaurant is quite narrow and at times can be loud. It is quite difficult to provide thorough training to the new members of staff because of that so please accept our kind apologies if it affected your very special occasion. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  14. SamanthaC

    Birmingham

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best food we’ve ever had! Literally. Especially the squid starter! The service is second to none from everyone there, the atmosphere is lovely very friendly and has a family feel. We will be returning.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 20, 2023

    Thank you so much Samantha!

    Is this helpful?

  15. AnduA

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Il Portico is my absolutely favourite Italian restaurant.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 20, 2023

    Thank you so much Andu,was a pleasure looking after you and very glad you enjoyed food and hospitality .Our best wishes for the baby to come soon !

    Is this helpful?

  16. CaitlinC

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Had really looked forward to dining at this venerable London restaurant but the experience was just blah and the food wasnt much better. No one welcomed us, reviewed the menu or offered suggestions. Staff was efficient but the experience was transactional. We felt rushed. And then there was the food. The barata was not Barata . Pasta is home made but the sauces were flat, never a good sign when people are going back for the salt and pepper 3 or 4 times. The mushroom Risotto was mush, not a developed flavor and wet rather than creamy. The veal was just so so. Wine list was uninspired. Nice atmosphere but hot. More like £60 dinner not the £200 that it was. I am sure they have their regulars who have dined there for 60 years and love it. We will not be back

    Il PorticoResponded on November 20, 2023

    Hi Caitlin ,thank for taking the time to submit a very valuable review for us. Our apologies your visit did not meet your expectations. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  17. amvn

    Bath

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, wine, and service! The rabbit was splendid. I´ll be back

    Il PorticoResponded on November 20, 2023

    Thank you so much!

    Is this helpful?

  18. JeremyN

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Continues to be a favourite... never disappointed.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 17, 2023

    Thank you Jeremy !

    Is this helpful?

  19. MaryM

    London

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful as ever thank you, best Italian restaurant in London

    Il PorticoResponded on November 17, 2023

    Thank you Mary !

    Is this helpful?

  20. BetsyC

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful, authentic food. Personal service. Felt like a neighborhood place. We booked at the last minute and could only get a table outdoors on a chilly London evening. When we arrived, the maître d' initially seated us outside but managed to work out a table for us inside the cozy environs of the restaurant. Food was superb. Will definitely return!

    Il PorticoResponded on November 17, 2023

    Thank you Betsy !

    Is this helpful?

  21. BarnabasC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brilliant service- we were made to feel so welcome. Wonderful food. Couldn’t recommend highly enough!

    Il PorticoResponded on November 16, 2023

    Thank you !

    Is this helpful?

  22. KatiaR

    Oxford

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We go to Portico regularly as they have very good food and wine. Food feels as an upgrade on homemade, if there us a good cook at home. The seasonal special was a bit dry and salty but there was plenty of that pheasant, so there is value for your money, we could have easily shared the dish. I personally would have preferred a half of it, but a bit more succulent, with some greens rather than shpeck, and a less salty sauce though strong in flavour. The Sardinian red from By the Glass selection was really yummy! And I am the critical one in the party. The others went with their regular favourites and some good ice cream at the end, they were really pleased with everything. The service was even nicer and friendlier than usual, and it is always hospitable. It is one of our steady favourites, and not just because it is in our neighborhood but anywhere. We are happy to have Il Portico around. All laudits to them.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 14, 2023

    Thank you so much Katia!

    Is this helpful?

  23. MikeS

    Manchester

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely home-cooked food in a homely atmosphere. Highly recommended.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 14, 2023

    Thank you Mike !

    Is this helpful?

  24. RuthA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, friendly staff and lovely surroundings

    Il PorticoResponded on November 14, 2023

    Thank you Ruth !

    Is this helpful?

  25. food22

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    excellent food, service and good value. Had a great time

    Il PorticoResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you !

    Is this helpful?

  26. IanS

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As ever outstanding in all respects - great food that only comes from top quality ingredients prepared by a team in the kitchen that really know what they're doing. No fireworks just great traditional food. Similarly the front of house staff are extremely professional - folk who know what their job is - ie to be there as and when needed. Highly recommended

    Il PorticoResponded on November 14, 2023

    Thank you so much Ian !

    Is this helpful?

  27. CateringBossman

    London

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Must rate as the best family run Italian restaurant in London. Excellent food the calves liver and veal chop are superb. Great wines, professional and friendly service, makes this a must visit restaurant.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 14, 2023

    Thank you !

    Is this helpful?

  28. KateF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    After a long day at trade show just what was needed to relax definitely going back

    Il PorticoResponded on November 14, 2023

    Thank you Kate!

    Is this helpful?

  29. peterw

    London

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    A lovely evening and wonderful food and wine. Is now quite expensive for us. Will continue to visit but probably less frequently

    Il PorticoResponded on November 8, 2023

    Thank you so much Peter,next time please do not hesitate to ask us for the good value for money items we have on the menu/wine list -we have quite a few dishes /wines which are verygood value for money.

    Is this helpful?

  30. PBear

    London

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An excellent evening in a restaurant that strongly believes in excellent food professionally served with a smile. Strongly recommended.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 7, 2023

    Thank you so much !

    Is this helpful?

  31. PaulH

    Buckinghamshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just googled “restaurants near me” having hopped off the tube at Kensington High Street. Checked reviews and weren’t disappointed. Limited menu but what we chose was delicious

    Il PorticoResponded on November 7, 2023

    Thank you so much Paul!

    Is this helpful?

  32. Sarah

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, lovely ambiance. I had the Dorset sardines, which were fishy and the sauce was sharp, the venison tagliatelle and the tiramisu, it was like eating fluffy clouds. The were lovely, just the right level of attentiveness and it didn't feel too squished in.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 7, 2023

    Thank you Sarah !

    Is this helpful?

  33. LisaH

    Kent

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Visited again whilst in London working at Olympia, food and staff amazing, absolutely lovely as always, we will be back in January. thank you

    Il PorticoResponded on November 7, 2023

    Thank you so much Lisa !

    Is this helpful?

  34. BrigitteA

    London

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Struggled with one of the choices but when they saw my leftovers they immediately removed it from my bill & offered alternatives Service & attention & atmosphere outstanding

    Il PorticoResponded on November 4, 2023

    Thank you so much for your very kind words and review and we do our best to make all guests happy !

    Is this helpful?

  35. EePQ

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely loved lunch with a friend at Il Portico. There’s just a great energy when you walk through the door. It has a vibrant feel and I was excited to try the food. There was something quite special to be greeted by the waiter by name, and it’s the little touches like that, that make the service feel so welcoming. The food - I could have eaten a whole bowl just of the oyster mushrooms with my calamari starter; so delicious, buttery and garlicky. The spaghetti vongole was equally moreish, beautifully made. And as much as I’m not really a dessert person; I always opt for a cheeseboard, the tiramisu was out of this world. I left feeling very happy and full. And it was a real delight to meet James, the owner. I definitely want to come again and also try his new restaurant La Palombe.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 7, 2023

    Thank you so much Emma !

    Is this helpful?

  36. RuthD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely staff and great food. Wish we’d had emptier stomachs so we could have sampled more things on the menu. We’ll be back.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 7, 2023

    Thank you so much Ruth for your wonderful words and hoping to see you soon- this time with an emptier stomach as you've said!

    Is this helpful?

  37. SharonS

    Brighton

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a friendly warm reception, great food choice, specials and Italian wine. Cosy and intimate, great for families, couples or groups.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 4, 2023

    Thank you Sharon !

    Is this helpful?

  38. Keithie

    Kent

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every member of staff so friendly Service outstanding as was the food and the ambience was amazing!!Must be London’s best restaurant!!

    Il PorticoResponded on November 4, 2023

    Thank you so much for your wonderful words !

    Is this helpful?

  39. JenG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful evening at a wonderful venue with amazing food, wine & service. Very much looking forward to visiting again.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 4, 2023

    Thank you so much Jen !

    Is this helpful?

  40. Clerkenwellkid

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    This is a splendid quality Italian with many classic dishes and some more unusual ones. Service was a little slow (especially the cocktail - but the charming maitre d’ gave me one without charge - Favola, delicious and packed a punch, unlike a lot of restaurant cocktails.) It was very busy (and in a Monday evening) so they’re forgiven. We’d certainly go back.

    Il PorticoResponded on November 4, 2023

    Thank you so much for your very kind words and apologies if it took a while with cocktails.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Il Portico is rated 4.7 stars by 1893 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 16 times today
Google Map for Il Portico

277 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NA

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Kensington
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–2:45 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 6:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Eduardo Ferreira
  • Additional
    Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining
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