Dining
The 5 Best Restaurants in Chelsea
From riverside grandeur to neighbourhood favourites: where to eat well in Chelsea.
In short: our top picks are Medlar, Elystan Street and The Ivy Chelsea Garden. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Chelsea eats quietly and well. Less showy than Mayfair, more grown-up than Soho, it rewards people who know where to look, from polished dining rooms to neighbourhood places locals would rather keep to themselves. These are the ones worth the trip.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Medlar | Chelsea | ££££ |
| Elystan Street | Chelsea | ££££ |
| The Ivy Chelsea Garden | Chelsea | £££ |
| Bluebird Chelsea | Chelsea | £££ |
| Colbert | Chelsea | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
Medlar
Why we pick itThree AA Rosettes since 2011, signature crab raviolo with leek fondue and bisque
Worth knowingConsidered, formal dining rather than a scene, so anyone expecting the buzz of the trendier Chelsea openings nearby should recalibrate.
The best value in Chelsea.
-
Elystan Street
Why we pick itPhil Howard's elegant, light-filled room doing precise, seasonal cooking without a scrap of fuss. Grown-up dining at its best.
Grown-up dining at its best.
-
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Why we pick itAl fresco dining among vibrant floral surroundings off the King's Road, with a private dining room looking onto the garden. The one worth planning around the weather for, and the group's most requested room for a celebration.
For all-day glamour and a garden.
-
Bluebird Chelsea
Why we pick itTerence Conran's converted 1920s motor garage, over a century on King's Road
Worth knowingLong waits at busy periods, and a seating order that can leave you watching later arrivals served first. Build in time rather than fighting the pace.
The reliable all-rounder.
-
Colbert
Why we pick itA handsome Parisian-style cafe on Sloane Square, open all day, good for a coffee, a steak or a glass of wine while you watch Chelsea go by.
For people-watching on the Square.
Before you book
Book ahead at the well-known rooms, but leave space for a walk: half the pleasure of Chelsea is the streets between the King’s Road and the river. Lunch is gentler and better value. And dress smart-casual; Chelsea notices, without making a thing of it.
Common questions
What are the best restaurants in Chelsea?
Medlar is our editor's choice: Three AA Rosettes since 2011, signature crab raviolo with leek fondue and bisque. Medlar, Elystan Street and The Ivy Chelsea Garden lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
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