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

1543 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.

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No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

26 Jun 2022

June 2022

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

19:00

Booked 12 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 1,543 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

London
Italian
West London
Best Overall
West London
Best Food
West London
Best Service
West London
Best Ambience
West London
Best Value
West London
Italian

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OT
OpenTable Diner
London
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
A very good meal ahead of the Opera. Staff are friendly, helpful & very efficient. Thank you
t
tryanythingonce
London
45 reviews
4.0
45 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience4
Marvellous food and service as always but the room is cramped with staff knocking chairs all the time for those sitting near the till Could you open at 5.30pm during Opera Holland Park season?
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
A superb restaurant, the quality of the food and wine is top. The prawns are a dream. Good wine list too. The proprietor James is a charming and kind man who always welcomes me and my friends. I cannot recommend this restaurant more. A classic. The accusation of it being homophobic is absolute nonsense. Open and welcoming.
JS
JudyS
London
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience4
Delicious food and excellent service. This was a pre-opera dinner booking and the efficient service was really appreciated. Will be back.
PL
PaulL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful Italian restaurant , lovely atmosphere and relaxed, great staff and service. The food was fabulous, it was all above very good but as I am writing this I want to single out the Saltimbucca Romana... boy oh boy , the best I've ever had. Thank you to all at Il Portico for a fabulous experience. Paul
OT
OpenTable Diner
Bedfordshire
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 17 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a place! The staff are super warm and friendly and the vibe is great. We sat outside and ate a 4 course meal that did not disappoint
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Like home with best food ever
B
Bunhead
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a glorious lunch with a friend. Upon arrival we were immediately seated in a lovely quiet corner with comfy seats. A short menu is always a good sign and we weren't disappointed when the food arrived. My sea bass was cooked to perfection and my friend's spaghetti alla Vongole was heavenly. The service was attentive but unobtrusive.
BJ
BarbaraJ
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 16 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great little restuarant - very authentic Italian food, which was delicious, and very big portions. Very friendly staff and good service, great ambience. We had a chat with the owner before we left and he is a really nice chap. Would definitely recommend this - it's very cosy and friendly but also felt quite special.
SR
SamanthaR
London
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 14 June 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
Great Italian food, good value, at friendly local restaurant.
LM
LondonMum
London
53 reviews
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on 14 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a find! Thank you JK Rowling for, obliquely, introducing us to this gem of an Italian restaurant. Il Portico is the ultimate family-run restaurant, spanning three generations and six decades — and it's easy to see why. We started with pasta — Strozzapreti Romagnoli, twisted pasta strips with creamy of prosciutto and squacquerone cheese, which was heaven on a plate. I wasn't familiar with squacquerone, but what a discovery, tangy, slightly salty-sweet, delicious. My other half had the seafood with squid ink tagliatelle, which was faultless. Super-fresh seafood, a beautiful balance of flavours. Both pastas were clearly home-madeand cooked to perfection. For mains, it was calves liver and a veal chop with a white wine and rosemary sauce. which could easily have fed two. Again, both were beautifully cooked, with classic sauces. We were full to bursting, but couldn't resist the chocolate tart made with almond flour. Yum! Rich dark chocolate, not too sweet, and that nutty base note. This really is honest Italian cooking at its best. There's no fuss or unnecessary frills, just great ingredients, cooked well — a recipe for fabulousness. There's also a good wine list, with plenty of by-the-glass options — and desert wines served chilled, as they should be. What's not to love? We will definitely be back.
s
sarahw
New Orleans
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on 11 June 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
food not great, service not warm and cozy after all one expects a slice of italy. I would know I’m italian
C
Charles
Central Coast
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 10 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect evening thanks to beautiful food and engaging staff. Can't wait to return.
D
Delmsted
London
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 10 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Pre opera meal served promptly with excellent food and service. Will definitely use again
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 9 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food; great wine list; attentive service - the perfect Italian restaurant.
i
ianglasgow
London
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on 9 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent pre-opera meal. Very good food delivered expeditiously. Great service.
j
johnc
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
SERVICE AND MEAL EXCELLENT GOING TO HOLLAND PARK OPERA SO IMPORTANT FINISHED AND GOT BILL ON TIME
BM
BeckyM
London
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 8 June 2022
overall2food2service1ambience3
We ordered the gamberini they were not as good as before. They tasted like rancid olive oil. Service was spotty,inattentive. You were one of our local favorites, now we don't know.....
MD
MatthewDrake
Oxford
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As if possible, the food actually gets better. A superb experience.
JB
JamieB
Oxford
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 4 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second time and just as good as the first! We sat outside which was fine and quieter than we thought it would be next to the road.
M
Marco
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 4 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We're not used to visit Italian restaurants (we do it at home) but Il Portico deserves its fame. The spaghetti alle vongole, a must at Il Portico, were very tasty (very high quality clams) and not dry ("scarpetta" is compulsory). I'm not a super-fan of thin spaghetti but I really enjoyed it. My wife get garlic prawns, amazing... and my duck with aceto balsamica has been wonderful. Everything drunk with a flavoured sauvignon bianco at a glass. Last but not least, service was friendly and very lovely, exactly as it should be in an Italian family restaurant.
TT
TobyT
London
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 26 May 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great food, nice atmosphere and definitely worth a visit - will be back.
a
andrewb
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb food, fab service and a really friendly atmosphere
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 20 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous dinner
ES
ElliotS
West Palm Beach
146 reviews
vip
5.0
146 reviews
Dined on 20 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent restaurant with one of the nicest owners I have ever come across. So accommodating!! The food was outstanding, especially the burrata with aubergine. We will definitely return to this restaurant as well as the sister place, Pino a few doors down. Both great finds!
RC
RichardC
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 19 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a very enjoyable evening. Food, service and ambience were excellent. We will return
AP
AdrianP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great food and very pleasant staff that make you feel valued. Definitely will go back
JE
JonE
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I cannot fault our experience at Il Portico, as always, the food was fantastic, the staff attentive and helpful, and the atmosphere relaxed and warm...so 5 stars all around.
VM
VictoriaM
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favourite restaurant in London! Fab food and service!
MS
MargaretS
London
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 14 May 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Nice evening but chairs not comfortable. Good good but not as good as our last visit. 2 of our guests thought it too pricey!
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 13 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, looking forward to visiting again.
B
Bonappetit2015
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 12 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Feeling like eating at home with friends. Great atmosphere and great food. Thanks.
M
Matt
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 11 May 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
Amazing food Staff were ok - could have been more attentive and took a long time to get attention for ordering and the bill
R
Rose
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 7 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious as usual. First course was good but pricey for what it was (asparagus with parmigiano)
JE
JimE
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 6 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent menu and wine list. Quality food cooked to a high standard and served by attentive and friendly staff
S
Skys
London
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 4 May 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great evening, great staff & interesting conversation with James the owner,passionate about farming & supporting the farming community. Farm to table a lovely evening & delicious food
J
Judi
London
173 reviews
vip
5.0
173 reviews
Dined on 3 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great menu and wonderful food as always matched the service
RA
RobA
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 30 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Authentic Italian excellent food and lovely ambience.
MV
MeelisV
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 29 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always happy to be back. Very friendly staff and excellent food.
d
dinnerdiva
London
22 reviews
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on 28 April 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
My friend and I hAd calves liver which wasn’t particularly tender. I thought it was pricey as it came with nothing else. Would have been nice to have one veg included in the price as in other restaurants.

FAQs

Il Portico is rated 4.8 stars by 1543 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

26 Jun 2022

June 2022

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

19:00

Booked 12 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

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How is Il Portico restaurant rated?

Is Il Portico currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information