Seemor
The Franklin RestaurantA-Worth Trying
24 Egerton Gardens, London SW3 2DB
· Italian restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (126 reviews)
Reservations
Refined modern Italian inside a boutique Knightsbridge hotel delivering polished service and elegant, creative dishes; great for celebrations and quiet dates, with some reports of uneven execution and slow pacing.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
The Franklin delivers exceptional food quality and outstanding service attentiveness that position it competitively with the area's better neighborhood restaurants. Pleasant garden-facing interiors enhance the experience, though occasional consistency dips in execution and pacing prevent grade A territory. Ideal for special occasions and refined Italian dining, though premium pricing may feel steep to some.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked inside a boutique Knightsbridge hotel, the room feels warm and bustling yet quiet enough for conversation. Service draws praise by name, with hosts who make birthdays feel personal. One guest noted, "we felt looked after from amuse-bouche to petits fours," capturing the attentive hospitality theme. In the kitchen, the cooking leans modern Italian with creative twists rather than theatrics: risotto evoking Margherita pizza, ricotta gnocchi under Parmigiano foam, and polished pastas like crab spaghettone. It suits diners who enjoy elegant plates, detailed explanations, and a relaxed, unhurried pace more than those hunting big, rustic portions. A few guests found a dish or two underwhelming, so expectations should skew to refined and contemporary. For families, the calm setting helps, and afternoon tea themes have delighted kids, but the dinner menu reads adult. Simple picks like chicken, plain pasta shapes, or roast potatoes can work for less adventurous eaters. There is no clear kids menu, so consider tea or earlier dinners if bringing young diners.
At a Glance
- Polished, personal service with thoughtful celebration touches
- Modern Italian dishes with creative flourishes and elegant presentation
- Quiet, intimate room ideal for dates and special occasions
- Occasional uneven execution (dry rabbit, variable steak) and slow pacing
- Premium pricing for a boutique setting may feel high to some
What Sets It Apart
- intimate_garden_view_room
- chef_table_side_explanations
- boutique_hotel_elegance
What People Love
- Feeling genuinely cared for by named staff
- Refined pastas and inventive risotto
- Calm, elegant room with garden outlook
- Little extras like canapes, petits fours and birthday treats
Points of Concern
- Some diners report a dish falling short (occasional dry rabbit or average steak)
- Pacing can feel slow on busy nights
- Booking confusion historically for afternoon tea hours (check times carefully)
- Pricing is premium for the portioning and style
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£55-72 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with beef tartare or beetroot with caramelized goat cheese for contrasting textures.
- Share one primi like crab spaghettone, then a main; add roast potatoes for an easy crowd-pleaser.
- Vegetarians: consider Risotto Pizza Margherita and ricotta gnocchi combo.
Perfect For
- A romantic date night after museum visits
- A birthday or anniversary dinner with attentive touches
- Business lunch where quiet matters
- Hotel guests seeking elevated Italian without scene-y bustle
Location Insights
Area: Upscale residential-meets-luxury retail corridor appealing to shoppers, hotel guests, and quiet-date diners.
Safety: Generally very safe, well-lit streets with steady foot traffic near museums and high-end shops.
Nearby: Short walk to Brompton Road, Harrods, V&A and boutique hotels; leafy garden squares nearby.
South KensingtonSouth Kensington is characterized by its sophisticated dining scene, featuring upscale restaurants, chic cafes, and refined eateries. The area attracts a cosmopolitan crowd who appreciate luxury, culture, and a polished social atmosphere, with many visitors drawn by nearby museums and embassies.
Egerton GardensEgerton Gardens is a quiet, elegant garden square known for its exclusive residential character and discreet luxury. Dining options nearby tend to be high-end and intimate, catering to a discerning clientele who value privacy and quality.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–21:00
Tuesday07:00–21:00
Wednesday07:00–21:00
Thursday07:00–21:00
Friday07:00–21:00
Saturday07:00–21:00
Sunday07:00–21:00
Available: Reservations
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