Not many London hotspots can hide in plain sight around London’s swanky High Street Kensington – but Como Garden is one of them. Located just moments away from Kensington Palace and the leafy stretch of Hyde Park, this Italian escape serves up stunning dishes with hearty flavours, home-made ingredients, and an elegant ambiance – all wrapped in authentic Italian charm.
The restaurant’s picturesque interiors are well hidden from the High Street, with frosted glass concealing a design inspired by the elegance of Lombardy. Inside, traditional hues and ornate patterns meet hand-painted tableware, lush greenery, and a fairy-lit olive tree that anchors the space’s romantic, summer courtyard aesthetic. The interiors – and the effortlessly inviting atmosphere – captivate diners and Insta feeds alike, transporting guests straight to the sun-drenched waterfronts of the Mediterranean from their very first step in.
The menu is crafted as a culinary journey through Italy, spotlighting regional favourites in the form of refined tapas-style plates. While the small plate concept encourages sharing and variety, the dishes go far beyond light bites — each one pays homage to traditional recipes, enhanced with subtle modern twists that reflect the restaurant’s global influences. And with three plates recommended per person, there is plenty of room to explore.
The Fontina Arancini, served with a bright marinara sauce, makes for the perfect starting point, alongside the Fried Zucchini slices which pair beautifully with a tangy lemon aioli, offering a fresh contrast of zesty coolness against a warm, delicate crunch. The Saltimbocca Alla Romana is a refined take on the Italian classic, serving tender veal escalopes wrapped in prosciutto and pan-seared to perfection for a crisp exterior and delicate centre. For those after the comfort of familiar dishes, the Marinated Chicken with Truffle Sauce & Mashed Potatoes is a reliable favourite, with fragrant herbs adding a unique touch to this rich and indulgent choice. To finish, Como Garden’s trusted Tiramisu hits just the right note of sweetness and smoothness, for an unmistakably Italian end to the meal.
No visit to Como Garden is complete without an essential stop at the pasta section of the menu. This focus on pasta is rooted in the passion of owners Alberto and Arian Zandi, who have made it a core value to serve only the highest-quality pasta, handmade daily by the in-house Italian pasta chef. Standouts include the restaurant’s signature Black Truffle & 24-Month Parmesan Tagliolini, the Fresh Madaldine with Veal Ragu, and the Native Lobster & Tomato Spaghetti. There is also a lunch menu which offers a salad with a pasta dish, priced at just £14.50 – an absolute steal for the quality, portion size, and hot London location.
Beyond the food, it would be remiss not to mention the extensive wine list, curated with care from some of Italy’s most prestigious regions, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the vineyards of Piedmont. For something lighter, Como Garden’s signature cocktails offer a refreshing summer alternative, with the Cupido (a blend of rum, amaretto, and strawberries) standing out as a firm favourite among regulars.
Part of the Emerald Hospitality Group, Como Garden is the product of vision and dedication from founders Alberto and Arian Zandi, who have crafted a vibrant, immersive, and memorable experience that goes far beyond a simple meal. The twins began their culinary journey with Latin American hotspot Zuaya in 2018, later expanding with Spanish-inspired El Norte in Mayfair and Riviera, their tribute to Southern French cuisine in St James’s. Their passion for hospitality and innovation has brought a distinct flair to London’s dining landscape, firmly establishing the Zandi brothers as key players in the city’s ever-evolving food scene – with more yet to come.
You can find Como Garden at 7-45 Kensington High Street, London W8 5ED, open daily from 11:00 to 23:00.
