We love this southwest London neighbourhood for many reasons: its beautiful Victorian homes and proximity to Hyde Park, but foremost for the diverse dining options. Here are our tried and true favourites.
4 Harriet St, SW1X 9JR
Cantinetta Antinori
Are you in Knightsbridge or a tiny Tuscan town? It's hard to tell whilst inside Cantinetta Antinori – despite its location just off Sloane Street, the environs are transportive to a tiny Italian trattoria, replete with old-school music playing in the background. Cosy and warm, nestle into a comfortable banquette and tuck into family recipes. We loved Scaloppina di filetto di vitello, thin veal fired in the best butter with lemon sauce, and save space for the tiramisu – pistachio flavoured and served tableside beneath a cloud of cream.
Mr Chow
The OG location of now-global Chinese favourite Mr Chow opened in Knightsbridge in 1968. Recently the subject of a documentary by HBO, Michael Chow is legendary amongst restaurateurs. Enduring today, expect the same delicious Beijing-style Cantonese food served in an elegantly kitsch dining room with mirrored walls. The dishes are served family-style, and should you have dietary restrictions or special requests, they're very accommodating – don't miss the signature duck.
151 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7PA
Sixth & seventh Floor, 12–14 Basil St, SW3 1AJ
CLAP London
A transplant from Dubai, Ibiza, Riyadh, and Beirut, CLAP London brings delicious Japanese cuisine to Knightsbridge, offering ‘sensory dining’ across two floors with expansive views. For the whole experience, opt for the omakase menu – otherwise, we’re partial to the innovative sushi rolls and succulent Australian wagyu. Ask for a seat at the bar: suspended above is a huge ‘chandelier’ crafted solely of vintage toys.
Harrods Food Halls
Harrods Food Halls are a sought-after destination for a quick bite while shopping. Restaurants from the likes of Masayoshi Takayama (the three-Michelin-starred chef of MASA in NYC), Tom Kerridge (perfect fish and chips, with local and ethically caught fish and triple-cooked chips), Neha Mishra's Kinoya Ramen Bar, and Gordon Ramsay (his burger restaurant, the first outside Las Vegas, and everything you'd expect from the Michelin-starred chef) mean an atypical department-store dining experience.
Harrods, 87–135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL
7 Cheval Pl, SW7 1EW
Haandi
Globally renowned for its Northern Indian cuisine, this restaurant chain prides itself on authentic flavours and healthful preparation. The London location has sophisticated interiors, but the true highlight is the (spotless) glass-front kitchen: diners can view the magic as it happens. The dal bukhara is particularly delectable, having cooked upwards of 12 hours over simmering charcoal embers.
Dinner by Heston
Heston Blumenthal's restaurant in Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park takes inspiration from British dining history, dating back to the 13th century. This singular concept lays the way for a distinctive meal, beginning with the staple dish, meat fruit, which pairs mandarin orange with chicken liver parfait and toasted bread. Book the chef's table for the best experience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the action.
66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA
4 Knightsbridge Grn, SW1X 7QA
Sette
Inspired by Scarpetta Group's NYC favourite, Sette London is in the Bulgari Hotel. Serving up atmosphere alongside delicious, authentic Italian food, the menu utilises seasonal and local ingredients to craft homemade cuisine. The signature dish, spaghetti with tomato and nasil, speaks to the perfect simplicity of well-prepared Italian food; Nolita Social, a downstairs lounge in homage to the NYC neighbourhood, has a live DJ and cocktails.
Sumosan Twiga
A sophisticated dining room plays the backdrop for this unique restaurant, serving a rare hybrid cuisine of Japanese and Italian. The menu offers Venetian dishes such as lobster tagliolini alongside sushi and sashimi, and a crudo-style raw bar. The events and experiences calendar offers many opportunities to go behind the scenes with the chefs, such as sushi lessons and more – and an adjacent nightclub keeps the party going well beyond dinner.
165 Sloane St, SW1X 9QB
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