Il Portico is a family run Italian restaurant at 277 Kensington High Street. Opened by Pino Chiavarini in 1967 and now guided by the fourth generation, it has built its identity around personal hospitality and the cooking of Emilia Romagna rather than a broad generic version of Italian food.
Antipasti introduce seasonal vegetables, cured meat, cheese and other ingredients treated with restraint. The kitchen prepares pasta by hand each day, using traditional shapes and filled varieties with sauces that reflect the region’s fondness for slow cooked ragù, butter, herbs and mature cheese.
Meat, fish and vegetable main courses change with the season and retain the same regional focus. Flexible preparation allows the team to accommodate many vegetarian and gluten free requests, while the compact menu keeps attention on carefully sourced produce and established family recipes.
Italian desserts, coffee and a thoughtful wine list complete an unhurried meal. Its location between Olympia, Holland Park and the cultural venues of Kensington makes Il Portico especially useful before or after a performance, while group bookings extend the family dining room to larger occasions.
Address: 277 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London W8 6NA, United Kingdom