Best Restaurants Near The Natural History Museum

Since the Natural History Museum is close to other museums like the V&A we had a blast planning a day around this road in South Kensington and what we didn’t manage to include in our plans of places to go was where to eat! Thankfully, we found a lot of choices tucked around here that were enough to refuel us for a couple more hours. Since there’s a lot of attractions here I decided to include a bunch of places that are all within walking distance of the museum or close to the South Kensington tube! 

My Pick of the Best Restaurants near the Natural History Museum

Pierino

Pierino is a delightful Italian restaurant that has earned a reputation for serving classic dishes like pizza and pasta. With a simple yet inviting dining room and an option for streetside seating, the restaurant caters to those seeking an authentic yet casual Italian dining experience. 

A family-run business, Pierino takes pride in emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients and traditional Italian cooking techniques. This commitment to culinary authenticity shines through in the flavors of their dishes. 

The combination of classic dishes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a dedication to traditional cooking methods makes it a go-to destination for me and my family whenever we’re craving for some good ol’ Pizza. 

📍37 Thurloe Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2HP, United Kingdom

Honest Burgers South Kensington

Honest Burgers South Kensington is a burger joint that stands out for its variety, creativity, and stellar customer service. Situated in the heart of South Kensington, this branch boasts unique offerings, including special burgers exclusive to the location. The collaboration with La Cave a Fromage yields the Beef & Smoked Raclette Cheese Burger, a tantalizing creation not found in other Honest Burgers outlets. 

Another local gem is the Beef & Halloumi Burger with Tzatziki, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to crafting distinctive flavors tailored to the South Kensington palate. For those with dietary preferences, the restaurant goes the extra mile by offering a 100% vegan burger featuring the popular “Beyond Meat” patty, vegan cheese, and vegan mayo. 

📍24 Thurloe St, South Kensington, London SW7 2LT, United Kingdom

Brompton Food Market

Brompton Food Market stands out as a cafe and restaurant which is renowned for its commitment to using the very best ingredients. This establishment offers a culinary experience that revolves around fresh, seasonal food. When I first set foot on the restaurant, I was immediately engrossed with the inviting atmosphere, resembling a leafy garden oasis that enhances the overall dining ambiance. 

The menu reflects a fusion of European and British cuisine, catering to diverse preferences with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Diners can anticipate daily specials, showcasing culinary creativity, such as the enticing pearl barley and spelt risotto with chorizo, rosemary, and tomato. Yum!

📍33 Thurloe Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2HQ, United Kingdom

Big Fernand

Another stellar burger joint on our list is Big Fernand. With roots tracing back to Paris in 1993, Big Fernand has made a global mark with multiple locations across France, the UK, and Hong Kong. Known for its commitment to quality, this chain has carved a niche in the burger scene by prioritizing locally sourced meats, artisan buns with a secret recipe that felt like it was from a specialized bakery, and unpasteurized cheese. 

The menu at Big Fernand is succinct yet diverse, offering a selection that spans beef, chicken, veal, lamb, and a veggie option. Upon tasting my first bite at Big Fernand, I immediately noticed that the restaurant gives their burgers a subtle twist by incorporating herbs, imparting a distinctive and memorable taste that distinguishes them from other fast-food chains. 

📍39 Thurloe Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2HP, United Kingdom

Pappa Roma Restaurant, Pizza and Bar

At the heart of Pappa Roma’s charm is its commitment to traditional Italian dough. Crafted fresh daily, the dough is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity. Hand-stretched and cooked on the stone of their wood-burning oven, it sets the stage for an authentic Italian pizza experience. 

The wood-fired pizzas further elevate Pappa Roma’s culinary offering. Cooked to order, these pizzas capture the essence of traditional Italian craftsmanship. Adding to the allure is the restaurant’s rustic setting, featuring exposed ceiling beams that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The simplicity of the dining room contributes to its coziness, making Pappa Roma an ideal place to savor a comforting meal.

📍6 Glendower Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 3DP, United Kingdom

CERU Eastern Mediterranean Restaurant

If you’re looking for a more exotic delight for the tastebuds, then look no further than CERU Eastern Mediterranean Restaurant in South Kensington. Seamlessly blending exotic Middle Eastern fusion cuisine with contemporary charm, the restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from the District Line tube. 

CERU’s All Day Menu, a masterpiece in itself, features nearly 100 ingredients and over 20 spices. Noteworthy is its gluten-free focus, making the menu inclusive and designed for sharing. Drawing inspiration from every corner of the Middle East, CERU infuses each dish with flair, style, and a modern twist, creating a dining experience that would definitely knock your boots off with the wide array of smells and flavours!

📍7-9 Bute St, South Kensington, London SW7 3EY, United Kingdom

Anning Rooms

Anning Rooms Restaurant is more than just a dining establishment—it’s an exclusive haven that intertwines exceptional cuisine with an enchanting setting. Anning Rooms boasts breathtaking views of the Natural History Museum’s iconic architecture, offering patrons a dining experience immersed in the splendor of the museum. The restaurant also embraces its surroundings with elegance with nature-inspired wallpaper and thoughtful design elements. 

The dining rooms are transformed into showcases of wonder, featuring impressive displays of fossils and specimens. These cabinets of curiosities add a layer of fascination to the dining atmosphere, making each visit an exploration. Moreover, Anning Rooms goes the extra mile by offering special kids’ meal boxes. This thoughtful touch makes the restaurant not only exclusive but also family-friendly.

However, as mentioned above, Anning Rooms is for members only, as it prides itself on exclusivity, providing a sophisticated dining experience reserved for its members.

📍Second floor, Hintze Hall, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2DG, United Kingdom

Tapas Brindisa South Kensington

Tapas Brindisa South Kensington captures the essence of classic Spanish tapas and charcuterie. The restaurant draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Spanish home cooking, curating a seasonal selection of wraps, tapas, roasts, cured plates, and farmhouse cheeses. The restaurant’s glass-fronted dining area with an open kitchen, complemented by a modern decor and outdoor terrace, invites patrons to indulge in al fresco dining while enjoying views of people passing by. 

Perfect for family dining, as they also offer a dedicated children’s menu, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a meal with their little ones. Tapas Brindisa impresses not only with its culinary offerings but also with an all-Spanish wine list, cocktails, and perfect serves. Whether it’s a celebration, a date, or another special occasion, the restaurant proves to be a fitting choice. 

📍7-9 Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2HE, United Kingdom

Apero Restaurant and Bar

Apero takes pride in curating a menu that showcases the best-sourced ingredients and enduring flavors of the Mediterranean. Each dish is a testament to the authenticity and richness of this renowned culinary region. The meal commences with generous plates of Italian garlic bread and olive oil, setting the stage for a feast featuring a variety of dishes that are just jam-packed with flavour. 

Upon entry, I immediately felt at ease with the ambiance at Apero, which is vividly tailored for comfort, providing a relaxed setting ideal for enjoying a meal and drinks with friends or family. Moreover, Apero has carved a niche with its signature aperitifs and Italian pre-dinner drinks that are served before the main course. Though, there’s a selection of pub food and is acutally one of the best restaurants to lounge around and have fun in.  

📍2 Harrington Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3ER, United Kingdom

Tombo

Tombo is a Japanese Caféfor those seeking a more culturally unique culinary experience infused with symbolism and authenticity. The name “Tombo,” meaning ‘dragonfly’ in Japanese, serves as a powerful symbol of renewal. 

They are known for award-winning Japanese tea and matcha, meticulously sourced from the foothills of Mount Fuji. Hand-picked and steamed, only the freshest and highest-quality leaves find their way into Tombo’s extensive tea and matcha-based drink offerings, including the delightful afternoon tea. 

The café also takes pride in promoting a healthy and balanced diet, offering diverse Japanese dishes such as sushi, Japanese tapas, donburi, and bento boxes. Tombo’s allure also extends to its tempting homemade desserts, featuring treats infused with matcha powder. These creations are a feast for the eyes and an irresistible finale to a delightful meal.

📍29 Thurloe Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2HQ, United Kingdom

Ognisko

Ognisko Restaurant stands as a distinguished, rich tapestry of Eastern and Central European cuisines. Housed in a splendid Victorian building, once the esteemed home of the Polish Hearth Club, this restaurant celebrates tradition and taste. The menu at Ognisko is a testament to the culinary heritage of Poland, featuring traditional and orthodox platters meticulously crafted with staple ingredients like pork, pickled cabbage, potatoes, mushrooms, and cream. 

The generous baskets of bread, including dense and flavor-packed pumpernickel and dark rye, served with pickled gherkins and butter, set the stage for an authentic dining experience. Complementing the culinary offerings is a diverse selection of homemade vodkas featuring esteemed brands like Belvedere and Chopin. 

Moreover, the ambiance at Ognisko is nothing short of enchanting and  quickly became one of my personal favourites. There’s also a beautiful dining room, adorned with white tablecloths, dark wooden floors, and golden fixtures, exudes an elegant charm. 

📍55 Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2PG, United Kingdom