📍 92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN, UK
Weighted rating from:
Google: 4.7 • TripAdvisor: 5
Score calculated from online mentions, review sentiment, and dining indicators across London. Trust this score to find where to eat, drink, and dine in London.
Based on verified guest experiences

Located in the vibrant heart of London, Core by Clare Smyth is a culinary gem that boasts three Michelin stars, drawing diners from near and far. With its contemporary design and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant offers a remarkable dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Guests rave about the impeccable service and the chef’s dedication to each dish, which are not only visually stunning but also meticulously crafted to showcase seasonal ingredients. The restaurant caters to various occasions, making it an ideal spot for couples, families, and even business gatherings. With an array of French, British, and contemporary European dishes, Core is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable gastronomic adventure. It’s a place where every meal feels like a celebration of fine dining.
Google: 4.7 (1245 reviews)
TripAdvisor: 5 (1049 reviews)
The food had a rather understated flavour—nothing particularly memorable or exciting. While some might appreciate the simplicity of the taste, the dishes lacked a distinctive kick that would make them stand out. The presentation was quite dull as well, as reflected from other reviews.
We’ve had many memorable meals over the years, but this one certainly takes the cake. Core’s three Michelin stars are extremely well-deserved - the creativity, presentation, and attention to detail are truly unrivaled. Each course was perfectly crafted, beautifully plated, and masterfully explained by its chef. Chef Clare Smyth was active in the kitchen on the evening we dined there, and it was evident how dedicated she was towards every dish being truly perfect. The wine pairings were a highlight as well, as was our amazing service by our server Bri. We can’t wait to return here again someday; do not miss your chance to dine here if a reservation comes available.
We went to Core for lunch to celebrate a family birthday. The staff were amazing, so welcoming and helpful. The drinks in the bar were delicious, and we were so thrilled to be seated at the chefs table as my husband could then watch everything in the kitchen. The food was just outstanding- we all had the core classics menu. This was truly five star experience and I cannot recommend core enough.
I had a lot of doubts about how to express my experiences. The food and service were exceptionally good. Dishes were works of art, worthy of a 3 star restaurant. But the speed at which the various courses have to be completed is more like a cheap pizzeria. One dish had not yet been served and the other dish was already arriving. Sometimes there was barely 5 minutes in between. I indicated a few times that it could be slower, but to no avail. Finally, the cup of tea was placed down and the bill was immediately (unsolicited) presented. Never experienced anything like this in a star restaurant. The next guest was already ready waiting for our table, time to leave. I think this is really shameless. A dinner in a 3 star restaurant should be a wonderful experience, we are talking about a bill of approximately 1000 Euro for 2 people. That shouldn't be completed in 2.5 hours, right? So, the food and friendliness of the waiters are definitely 5 stars, but the disrespect of the management and chef who gave the order to sell the table twice in 1 evening are worth 1 star...so a total of 3 stars and really an illusion poorer.