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Como GardenBWorth Trying

Name: Como Garden
Address: 37-45 Kensington High St, London W8 5ED, London W8 5ED, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.7

37-45 Kensington High St, London W8 5ED · Italian restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (7960 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Como Garden delivers a visually stunning Italian dining experience with creative small plates, excellent service, and a lively atmosphere, but high prices and inconsistent execution may disappoint value-seekers.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Como Garden delivers an appealing special-occasion experience anchored by exceptional service attentiveness and striking ambiance with lush greenery and romantic decor, but documented hygiene concerns including rodent reports and chipped plates and inconsistent food quality prevent a higher grade. The creative Italian tapas concept and standout pasta dishes are undermined by reliability issues that matter for a premium-priced destination restaurant.

Restaurant Summary

Como Garden is a feast for the senses, blending lush greenery and romantic decor with a menu that puts a creative spin on Italian classics. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, making it a favorite for date nights, birthdays, and anyone seeking a special occasion spot in Kensington. Service is a standout, with staff like Rahat, Rayhan, and Victoria earning rave reviews for their warmth and attention to detail—expect to feel genuinely welcomed and looked after. Culinarily, Como Garden leans into the contemporary Italian 'tapas' concept, offering small plates meant for sharing and a range of pastas, risottos, and grilled specialties. Signature dishes like the Black Truffle Tagliolini and Beef Ragu Lasagna are frequently praised, though some diners find the creative presentations a bit much and portions on the smaller side for the price. The menu is broad, with options for vegetarians and some flexibility for dietary needs, but value is a recurring concern—expect to pay a premium for the setting and experience as much as the food itself. For families, Como Garden is generally accommodating: kids will find familiar options like Margherita pizzetta, pasta with tomato sauce, and simple grilled chicken. Several reviews mention positive family celebrations and staff going out of their way for birthdays. However, the menu's focus on sharing plates and creative preparations may not suit very picky eaters, and portion sizes may leave hungrier teens wanting more. Overall, it's a family-friendly spot for special occasions, but not the best choice for a quick, budget-friendly meal with kids.

At a Glance

Stunning, Instagram-worthy decor and romantic ambiance
Attentive, personable service—staff frequently named and praised
Creative Italian menu with standout pasta and truffle dishes
High prices and small portions may disappoint value-seekers
Occasional reports of inconsistent food quality and slow service at peak times
Some hygiene concerns (rodent sightings, chipped plates) reported in multiple reviews

What Sets It Apart

instagrammable_decor
creative_pasta_dishes
attentive_named_staff

What People Love

The lush, romantic decor that transports you to Lake Como
Staff who go above and beyond for birthdays and celebrations
Delicious, beautifully presented pasta and risotto dishes
A lively, welcoming atmosphere perfect for special nights out
Thoughtful touches like complimentary birthday desserts

Points of Concern

Pricing is genuinely expensive (£17+ mains, £33+ for truffle pasta), which may surprise casual diners
Some diners report small portions and minimal toppings, especially on premium seafood dishes
A minority of reviews cite hygiene issues (rodents, chipped plates), though most do not
Service can be slow or disorganized during peak times, with occasional management indifference
For adventurous palates: creative/fusion menu may not suit traditionalists

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£38-52 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Try the Black Truffle Tagliolini or Beef Ragu Lasagna for signature experiences.
Families should order Margherita pizzetta or simple pastas for kids.
Seafood lovers: be aware that premium dishes come at a high price and may have modest portions.

Perfect For

Date nights or romantic dinners
Celebrating birthdays or special occasions
Groups who enjoy sharing creative Italian plates
Instagrammers and decor enthusiasts

Location Insights

Area: Upscale, cosmopolitan neighborhood with a mix of affluent residents, tourists, and professionals. Kensington is known for its elegant streets, boutiques, and cultural attractions.

Safety: Generally very safe, well-lit, and well-maintained with high foot traffic, especially in the evenings.

Nearby: Close to Kensington High Street, museums, luxury hotels, and shopping. Surrounded by other restaurants, cafes, and retail.

High Street KensingtonA sophisticated urban neighborhood featuring upscale retail, fine dining, and a mix of historic and contemporary architectural styles. The area offers a refined dining scene with boutique restaurants and elegant cafes catering to a discerning clientele.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–23:00 Tuesday11:00–23:00 Wednesday11:00–23:00 Thursday11:00–23:00 Friday11:00–23:00 Saturday11:00–23:00 Sunday11:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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