Il Portico

Name: Il Portico
Address: 277 Kensington High Street, London, United Kingdom, W8 6NA
Telephone: 020 7602 6262
Price range: £26 to £40
Rating: 4.8

4.8

1636 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 booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

4 Dec 2022

19:00

Booked 14 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 12:00pm - 2:45pm; Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
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

Location
277 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NA
Area
Kensington
Parking Details
Street Parking
Additional
Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Prosecco San Simone, Veneto
- Glass£7.00
- Bottle£31.00
Malvasia Il Casello 'La Malva' Emilia Romagna
- Glass£8.00
- Bottle£33.00
Negroni£8.00
Gin, Vermouth, Campari
Negroni Spagliato£8.00
Prosecco, Campari, vermouth
Camparino£8.00
Cherry marnier, campari, pink grapefruit
Aperol Spritz£7.00
Aperol, prosecco, soda
Martini Amalfitano£11.00
Grey goose, lemon, fresh basil

Birre Italiane

Birra Moretti 4.9%£4.50
Amarcord Gradisca 5.2%£5.50
Baladin Isaac (Weissbier) 5%£7.10
Baladin Nazionale Ale

Affettati & Charcuterie

With homemade Piadina Emiliana, fresh figs & Modena balsamic reduction

Culatello Di Zibello*£14.00
Taken from the finest rump, cured for between 24 and 36 months & produced in a tiny area of Parma, Culatello is considered the finest of Salumi
Affetati di Parma£11.50
24 Month aged Prosciutto di Parma (leg) & Spalla Cruda* (shoulder)
Affetati di Piacenza£11.50
Coppa* (neck) & Pancetta Piacentina* (belly)

Antipasti

Mortadella*£10.50
mousse with Mariola Salame* & Piadina flat bread
Zuppetta di Pesce con Crostini all' Aglio£9.00
Light monkfish and seafood soup
Tomino Caldo*£10.00
Grilled Tomino cheese with walnuts and wild honey
Calamari Mari e Monti£11.50
Grilled fresh squid, chilli, garlic & oyster mushrooms
Gamberoni aglio Olio£12.00
King prawns with fresh chilli, garlic & white wine reduction

Primi

available as a main course or starter

Pisarei e Faso*£15.00
Handmade pasta dumplings, borlotti beans, tomato and prosciutto
Anolini in Brodo*£16.50
Handmade pasta filled with 24 month Parmigiano Reggiano, veal jus, & served in homemade capon broth
Cappellacci di Zucca£16.50
Cappellaci with butternut squash and cheese, butter & sage
Gramigna Ortolana£15.50
Fresh Pasta spirals served with autumnal vegetables
Crespelle Piacentine£15.50
Baked savoury pancakes with ricotta, Parmigiano and spinach
Risotto Porcini£17.00
Risotto with hand picked Porcini & white truffle oil
Tagliatelle al Vero Ragu di Bologna£16.50
Fresh tagliatelle with pork belly ragu
Spaghettini alle Vongole£16.50
Spaghettini, fresh Normandy clams, chilli and garlic

Secondi

Cotechino Emiliano*£17.50
Slow roasted salame from Modena, lentils and puree potatoes
Stinco d'agnello£17.00
Shank of Kent lamb, wild mushrooms, Barolo and puree potato
Nodino di Vitello£25.50
Veal Chop (T-bone) of veal. White wine and rosemary jus
Fegato burro e salvia£16.75
Pan-fried calves liver, butter and sage
Scaloppine Porcini£17.50
Veal escallops with wild Porcini mushrooms
Scaloppina alla Milanese£16.50
Veal Milanese, fresh rucola and heritage plum tomatos
Galletto al mattone£17.00
Roasted free range poussin, garlic, chilli and rosemary
Orata al finocchio£16.50
Fresh Sea bream with roasted fennel and pink peppercorns
Sogliola alla griglia£27.50
Grilled Dover sole

Contorni e Insalate

Zucchinie Fritte£3.50
Spinaci£3.50
Fine French Beans£3.50
Patate (Sautéed or Mashed)£3.50
Rucola e Parmigiano£5.50
Plum Tomato and Red Onion£4.50
Mixed Salad£4.50

What 1,636 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

West London
Italian

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Filters

LS
LionelS
Warwickshire
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
Lovely food as usual abs the staff were as friendly as ever, even thought our food order didn’t get put through. You did however give us our wine on the house 😁😁😁
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was delicious. I will definitely come back to eat the Squid ink tagliolini again!!! The wine was divine and the staffs are very friendly and they make you feel at home. Will definitely come back!
ST
SverreT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of those (not so) hidden gems in London. Been there twice, for sure not the last one.
L
Luv2dine
London
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service3ambience5
They forgot to ask us for drinks and when we ordered wine they brought it after we finished eating. They added dishes we didn’t order and we had to remove them off the bill otherwise the food is delicious.
KE
KarenE
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience5
Our party split as a couple of them thought the menu was too expensive but I am very glad to have stayed as the food was amazing! The portions were generous. The service was friendly and not at all rushed.
RO
ROBERTF
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
A highly recommended eating out experience in this all too rare restaurant world
Il PorticoResponded 5 days agoHi Robert , Many thanks for your wonderful words,feedback will be passed to the team and make them very happy! Kind Regards, Kostas
IB
IzidoreBeautrelet
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 26 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We spent a magnificent time, the experienced staff knows exactly what to do and adapts to every situation (ours being a relaxing date like lunch). The quality of time, the noise, and the space is perfect. All was accompanied by superb food, quick, timely, and great in terms of quantity ( and I'm not a small eater, quite a big eater actually). This is clearly a great place to dine and is very well located.
Il PorticoResponded 5 days agoHi Izidore, Many thanks for your lovely review and very glad to hear that we click every box to a guests' list. Feedback will be shared with the team too. Kind Regards, Kostas
JF
JFB12
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 25 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceptional as usual! This place is a must! Food service ambience perfect!
Il PorticoResponded 5 days agoDear Guest , Many thanks for your very kind words and we are very glad to hear that food ,service and ambience were all perfect. Kind Regards, Kostas
VV
VanessaV
London
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 24 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have never had a bad experience at this restaurant. Needless to say we drive all the way from the Cotswolds (2.5 hours) just to eat here. It is just SO worth it!
TC
TomC
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 24 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely, friendly, family-run Italian restaurant. Excellent food and atmosphere.
Il PorticoResponded on 26 November 2022Thanks Tom, glad you enjoyed
ST
ShirinT
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 November 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Beautiful! The staff are so lovely and warm. It has such a warm family atmosphere and they make you feel part of that family. We love it.
Il PorticoResponded on 23 November 2022Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 21 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always a wonderful experience at our favourite Italian. Never fails to disappoint- amazing food, amazing service, flexibility around my pregnant food whims, incredible attention to detail and the personal touch!… feels like having dinner with old friends. You could not ask for more from a restaurant. Thank you thank you thank you
Il PorticoResponded on 23 November 2022Thank you so much!
JM
JessicaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 19 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal with the family, beautiful food and wonderful service.
Il PorticoResponded on 23 November 2022Thank you so much Jessica!
S
Snailsinmyporridge
London
7 reviews
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on 19 November 2022
overall1food2service1ambience2
Very disappointing. Service was initially friendly but then it vanished, had to chase a water, chase a refill, was never asked if we wanted wine, or when ordering the main (which was quite good) that it would be a good idea to order some sides. Uncomfortable chairs and tired decor. Easy to spend £100 a head for a fairly simple lunch, have had far better in London for the same or less.
Il PorticoResponded on 21 November 2022We're very sorry that you left dissapointed, and only wish that you had mentioned something to us whilst you were in the restaurant. We always try do everything we can to ensure the guest is happy, and would have loved to been able to fix this for you. Our average spend per head is £50-£55 (and lower at lunch) which is in line with other restaurants in prime central London. It is possible to spend £100 per head, but only if ordering very expensive wine. With very best wishes, James
SH
SuzanneH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food, wine and atmosphere. Thanks to James and the team for making our evening with friends so enjoyable. We will definitely come again. Can't fault it at all!
EJ
ErikaJ
Newcastle
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Lovely Italian food, I had the prawns to start which were lovely and the veal pasta which was one of the best pastas I’ve had
Il PorticoResponded on 21 November 2022Thanks Erica!
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible food Kind staff Special experience
Il PorticoResponded on 15 November 2022Dear Anonymous Guest, Many thanks for your very kind words and we are very pleased food and service contributed in having a very special experience with us. Hopefully we will see you again very soon. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
d
davidl
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
great food, lovely owner and staff, will def go again
Il PorticoResponded on 15 November 2022Dear Davidl, Many thanks for your lovely words and very pleased food and team were great ,I will pass on feedback to the Team and owner James. With pleasure to look after you again soon. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
CH
CHARLOTTEH
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious authentic Italian dishes - great atmosphere can really recommend
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear Charlotte, Thank you for your very kind review about food and ambience-hoping to see you again very soon. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 5 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Owner and staff were over the top friendly. This was the best pasta I have ever eaten. Incredible!!
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear Anonymous Guest , Thank you for submitting such a wonderful review .Feedback will be shared with owner James and the team.Key ingredient for our pastas is that we prepare them freshly every day for you and I am very glad you enjoyed it ! Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
OR
OlivierRM
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 4 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favourite restaurants in London. Excellent service, excellent food, pure Italian food. And the owner is a pure gentleman.
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear OlivierRM, Many thanks for visiting us recently and having us amongst your favourite restaurants in London,it means a lot to us.Very glad food and service was excellent and I will definitely pass your kind words to owner James too. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
T
Tingware
London
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 4 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely traditional Italian restaurant I. have been coming for the last 20 years. Very warm homely ambience, particularly coming in on a cold wet evening. Friendly staff and delicious food.
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear Tingware, Many thanks for your continuous support and visiting us even when the weather is not that great,we will always do our best to make it up for the weather for you! Very glad food and service was up to standards. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
KC
KathyC
London
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 4 November 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
The restaurant is small but cozy, and the waiters were very helpful. The food was very good and we will come back again. Thank you for an enjoyable evening I’ll portico.
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear KathyC, Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review and hopefully to see you again very soon. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
MD
MDR2405
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 2 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always great food and great service and all simply presented. Il Portico never disappoints. This is a great restaurant that is a classic family run Italian operation which accentuates the quality of the food, the warmth of the welcome and friendly efficient service.
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear MDR2405, Many thanks for your continuous support and we are doing our best every day to maintain high standards for food and service so you can always enjoy your visit with us. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
BA
BAP1
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 31 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A locally owned gem in Kensington. Unique Italian fare with a lot of veal choices. Our table enjoyed the pastas.
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear BAP1, Many thanks for your very kind words ,we are working hard every day to ensure that quality of food and service will be 10/10 and it makes us extremely happy to see our guests appreciating our effort . Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
AO
ArturO
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 29 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again the Il Portico crew delivered an awesome service and food. Highly recommended
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear ArturO, Many thanks for your very kind words about food and service ,with pleasure to host you again soon. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
SO
ShifaO
London
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 29 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent friendly service! They were so sweet to our grandma and made her feel like a queen! Food was hearty: good portion sizes and delicious!
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear ShifaO , Thank you for your very kind words about food and service going above and beyond.At Il Portico we are doing our best every day to ensure that every guest is treated like Queen ( or King ) but we certainly have a soft spot for Grandmas!!! Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
JK
JK24
London
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on 27 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another absolutely fabulous evening at Il Portico, thanks to the efforts of James and his team. We are very lucky to have such a great restaurant in our neighbourhood and we can't wait to head back for another meal. Thank you!
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear JK, Many thanks for your very kind words for the team.Feedback will be shared with James and the team. Hoping to see you again soon. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager
GR
GaryR
London
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 26 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent and the staff so hospitable - will definitely be going back
Il PorticoResponded on 10 November 2022Dear GaryR , Many thanks for taking the time to submit such a wonderful review for the team and our food.Hopefully we will see you soon. Kind Regards, Kostas Restaurant General Manager.
K
Kensington
London
53 reviews
vip
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on 25 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Il Portico is always outstanding. Especially for its great cuisine and ambiance and for the wonderful welcome of its hard-working and indefatigable owner, James Chiavarini. Finally, in high-priced Kensington, Il Portico remains eminently good value.
Y
Youknowmetoo
Berkshire
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on 25 October 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good servive and delicious food
S
Squib
London
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 22 October 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
This is a traditional Italian restaurant. Service was good, bitter leaf salad was excellent, calamari and muscles were really fresh. Definitely a bit different.
CB
CarmenB
London
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 22 October 2022
overall3food4service4ambience3
the meals for 6 was on the whole good, service quick and efficient.Regarding the price, we found it on the high side compare with other restaurants.
LD
LondonDiner
London
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on 21 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this local Italian: good food, lovely service, warm vibe.
B
Bonappetit2015
New England
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 21 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of the hidden gems of London. This is not a restaurant but a family place whereto are treated like one of the family members. Fabulous plates, outstanding service, an amazing value for money. All food is just amazingly cooked and the waiters are all super nice with you. One of my favorites.
LA
LouA
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 20 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were perfect! Started with half portion of pasta followed by veal saltimbocca. Great experience!
A
Angie
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 19 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Brilliant food and service. Atmosphere a little formal, despite very friendly waiting staff.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was unbelievable and the staff great. Looked after my family so well. Thank you
S
Sparkenfarkel
Toronto
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 13 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful staff. Excellent food. High quality service
AM
AnnaM
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had another great evening at Portico. The food is consistently good and the service is consistently impecable.

FAQs

Il Portico is rated 4.8 stars by 1636 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

4 Dec 2022

19:00

Booked 14 times today

277 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NA

Additional information

Area
Kensington
Hours of Operation
Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 12:00pm - 2:45pm; Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
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

Website
http://www.ilportico.co.uk/
Phone number
020 7602 6262

Il Portico

Make a booking

Additional information

Aperitivi

Prosecco San Simone, Veneto

Malvasia Il Casello 'La Malva' Emilia Romagna

Negroni£8.00

Negroni Spagliato£8.00

Camparino£8.00

Aperol Spritz£7.00

Martini Amalfitano£11.00

Birre Italiane

Birra Moretti 4.9%£4.50

Amarcord Gradisca 5.2%£5.50

Baladin Isaac (Weissbier) 5%£7.10

Baladin Nazionale Ale

Affettati & Charcuterie

Culatello Di Zibello*£14.00

Affetati di Parma£11.50

Affetati di Piacenza£11.50

Antipasti

Mortadella*£10.50

Zuppetta di Pesce con Crostini all' Aglio£9.00

Tomino Caldo*£10.00

Calamari Mari e Monti£11.50

Gamberoni aglio Olio£12.00

Primi

Pisarei e Faso*£15.00

Anolini in Brodo*£16.50

Cappellacci di Zucca£16.50

Gramigna Ortolana£15.50

Crespelle Piacentine£15.50

Risotto Porcini£17.00

Tagliatelle al Vero Ragu di Bologna£16.50

Spaghettini alle Vongole£16.50

Secondi

Cotechino Emiliano*£17.50

Stinco d'agnello£17.00

Nodino di Vitello£25.50

Fegato burro e salvia£16.75

Scaloppine Porcini£17.50

Scaloppina alla Milanese£16.50

Galletto al mattone£17.00

Orata al finocchio£16.50

Sogliola alla griglia£27.50

Contorni e Insalate

Zucchinie Fritte£3.50

Spinaci£3.50

Fine French Beans£3.50

Patate (Sautéed or Mashed)£3.50

Rucola e Parmigiano£5.50

Plum Tomato and Red Onion£4.50

Mixed Salad£4.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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FAQs

How is Il Portico restaurant rated?

Is Il Portico currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information