Kitchen W8
London, United Kingdom
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Relaxed and free from pomposity, there is a lovely neighbourhood feel to this restaurant that provides both great cooking and a warm welcome. The versatility of the place knows no bounds, as it’s as well suited to a romantic dinner as it is to a quick lunch while out shopping or when celebrating with friends. The well-executed, reliably enjoyable dishes are based on classical combinations and deliver satisfying flavours. A good value set menu is available alongside the à la carte.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Exceptional Value with a Michelin Star: Kitchen W8 offers a highly acclaimed £28 three-course set menu, proving that Michelin-starred dining can be accessible and affordable without compromising quality. This value proposition is considered one of London's best restaurant deals.
Quiet Elegance and Neighborhood Charm: Unlike many flashy Michelin-starred restaurants, Kitchen W8 maintains a discreet and understated presence with black awnings and subtle signage. Inside, the ambiance is calming and clean, featuring white tablecloths, terracotta pots of dried flowers, and botanical wall murals, creating a warm, inviting neighborhood atmosphere.
Creative British-French Fusion with Unique Ingredients: The restaurant showcases seasonally-led British dishes with a French accent, using distinctive ingredients such as caramelised Parmesan gnocchi, scorched Cornish mackerel, and pickled walnut sauce. This blend of British heritage and contemporary culinary flair is a hallmark of Kitchen W8's menu.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred Kitchen W8 in London include:
Cornish Mackerel: Featured in a signature dish grilled and paired with smoked eel, sweet mustard, and leek, this ingredient highlights the restaurant's focus on flavor-driven seafood dishes that are highly regarded by the chef and guests alike.
Smoked Eel: Used alongside Cornish mackerel in a celebrated dish, smoked eel adds a distinctive smoky depth and richness, showcasing Kitchen W8's skill in balancing bold flavors.
Valrhona Chocolate: A key component of their signature dessert, a 70% Valrhona chocolate panna cotta, which is paired with hazelnut ice cream and lime zest to create a refined, textural, and flavor-rich finale to the meal.
Hazelnut: Used in both the ice cream accompanying the chocolate panna cotta and in a hazelnut pesto served with cod, hazelnuts provide a smooth, elegant taste and a crunchy texture contrast, reflecting the kitchen's inventive use of nuts in savory and sweet dishes.
Leek and Sweet Mustard: These ingredients complement the seafood dishes, adding layers of sweetness and sharpness that enhance the overall flavor profile of the signature grilled mackerel and smoked eel dish.
These ingredients are significant as they represent Kitchen W8's commitment to seasonal, flavor-focused cooking with a balance of textures and tastes, particularly emphasizing seafood and refined desserts. The use of Cornish mackerel and smoked eel showcases their expertise in seafood, while Valrhona chocolate and hazelnut highlight their dessert craftsmanship.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Kitchen W8 - London Michelin-Starred Restaurant Menu and Prices
Set Menus
1. Standard Set Menu
- Price: £49.50 per person
- Availability: Lunchtime and early evenings
- Courses: Three courses
- Description: This set menu features exceptional cooking by Chef Mark Kempson, changing every few weeks to highlight seasonal ingredients at their best. It offers great value for a Michelin-starred experience.
- Example dishes:
- Starter: Carpaccio of Pepper-Crusted Venison with spiced quince, beetroot, tardivo, and blue cheese
- Main: Fillet of Cornish Cod with winter root chutney or Partridge Wellington with creamed Savoy cabbage
- Dessert: Valrhona Chocolate Mousse (rich and indulgent)
- Notes: The menu is inspired by contemporary European flavors, focusing on fresh, seasonal, and sustainable produce.
2. Set Menu with Wine
- Price: £60 per person (includes wine pairing)
- Description: Similar to the standard set menu but includes wine pairing to complement the courses.
3. Summer Lunch Set Menu
- Price: £25 per person
- Description: A special seasonal summer lunch menu offering a three-course meal at a very accessible price point.
À La Carte Options
- Kitchen W8 offers an à la carte menu alongside the set menu, featuring refined dishes such as:
- Cumbrian Beef Tartare: Delicately seasoned, served with artichokes and parmesan
- Cornish Cod: Paired with smoked eel, celeriac, and truffle
- Savoury Churros: Topped with truffle parmesan shavings (noted as a standout dish)
- Prices for à la carte dishes are not specifically listed in the available information.
Special Seasonal Menus
- The set menu changes every few weeks to incorporate the best seasonal ingredients, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining experience on each visit.
- The summer lunch menu at £25 is a current seasonal offering.
Summary of Prices
| Menu Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Set Menu | £49.50 | Three courses, seasonal |
| Set Menu with Wine | £60 | Includes wine pairing |
| Summer Lunch Set Menu | £25 | Seasonal, three courses |
| À La Carte | NOT_FOUND | Specific prices not available |
This menu structure reflects Kitchen W8's focus on seasonal, modern European cuisine with excellent value set menus and a refined à la carte selection.