RESTAURANT

Il Portico

Il Portico holds the title of being London’s oldest family-run Italian restaurant, serving Kensington since the 1960s. Generations of the Chiavarini family have kept the spirit alive, and the menu remains firmly rooted in tradition. Expect hearty classics like osso buco, rich ragù pastas, and wood-fired pizzas alongside seasonal specials that nod to northern Italian cooking. The interiors are warm and rustic, with wood panelling, photographs on the walls, and an atmosphere that feels lived-in rather than designed. Service is genuinely welcoming, carrying the familiarity of a place that has grown up with its regulars. While it doesn’t chase trends, Il Portico thrives in consistency, history, and hospitality — it’s a reminder of why neighbourhood institutions matter.