Grato: Warm Italian Charm in Kensington Square
Cozy Italian dining with handmade pasta and warm hospitality in the tranquil heart of Kensington Square, London.
Grato is a cozy Italian restaurant nestled in the leafy and tranquil Kensington Square, London. Known for its authentic handmade pasta and attentive, friendly service, it offers a relaxed atmosphere away from the bustle of High Street Kensington. The menu features standout dishes like pumpkin ravioli and black truffle tagliolini, complemented by a well-curated wine list and classic desserts such as tiramisu. Ideal for intimate dinners and special occasions, Grato blends neighborhood warmth with refined Italian flavors.
A brief summary to Grato
- 9 Kensington Square, London, W8 5EP, GB
- +442033719338
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-11:15 pm
- Wednesday 5 pm-11:15 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-11:15 pm
- Friday 5 pm-11:30 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends, as Grato can get busy during peak dining hours.
- Try the pumpkin ravioli and black truffle tagliolini for standout pasta dishes.
- Enjoy a glass of the wine of the month on the terrace to soak up the charming Kensington Square atmosphere.
- Save room for tiramisu, a well-loved dessert that pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s wine selection.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Grato location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Grato
A Hidden Gem in Kensington Square
Grato is situated in a peaceful corner of Kensington Square, a charming and leafy enclave that contrasts with the busy streets nearby. This setting provides a serene backdrop that enhances the dining experience, making it feel like a welcoming neighborhood spot despite its central London location. The restaurant’s unpretentious vibe invites guests to relax, with an ambiance that encourages casual dining and conviviality.Authentic Italian Cuisine with a Focus on Fresh Pasta
The culinary heart of Grato lies in its dedication to traditional Italian flavors, particularly its handmade pasta dishes. Signature offerings include silky pumpkin ravioli, praised for its sweetness and texture, and the luxurious black truffle tagliolini, a favorite among regulars. While some dishes like the risotto have drawn mixed opinions, the overall menu emphasizes quality ingredients and classic preparations, including antipasti platters featuring salame, coppa, pancetta, and prosciutto.Inviting Atmosphere and Attentive Service
Grato’s atmosphere is intimate and cozy, enhanced by soft candlelight and a warm interior that feels both elegant and approachable. The staff are known for their friendly and attentive service, creating a welcoming environment where guests feel valued. Regular patrons enjoy the lively interactions and the relaxed, shirt-untucked vibe that makes the restaurant feel like a comfortable local haunt.Perfect for Special Occasions and Casual Gatherings
Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, Grato offers a setting that suits a variety of dining experiences. The terrace overlooking Kensington Square is a favored spot for savoring wine and dessert, such as the well-regarded tiramisu. The restaurant’s charm lies in its balance of sophistication and ease, making it a versatile choice for couples, friends, and small groups.Location and Accessibility
Located just off High Street Kensington, Grato benefits from easy access while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Its position within Kensington Square offers a quiet retreat from the urban bustle, ideal for those seeking a refined yet relaxed Italian dining experience in central London.A Taste of Italy in the Heart of London
Grato exemplifies a genuine Italian neighborhood restaurant, combining authentic flavors, a welcoming ambiance, and a picturesque setting. It stands out for its handmade pasta, attentive service, and the ability to provide a warm, convivial dining experience that feels both special and comfortably familiar.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kensington War Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn gothic cross memorial honoring Kensington’s fallen soldiers, set beside the historic St Mary Abbots Church.
142 Cromwell Rd
0.7 km
Historic Victorian office building in prestigious South Kensington, steps from world-class museums and transport hubs.
Queen Victoria Monument
1.1 km
A majestic tribute to Queen Victoria, blending imperial grandeur with rich symbolism in the heart of London’s royal landscape.
Speke Monument
1.2 km
A Victorian obelisk in Kensington Gardens honouring explorer John Hanning Speke, who identified Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile.
37 Thurloe St
1.3 km
Historic Victorian townhouse in South Kensington's cultural heart, steps from world-class museums and the Underground.
Béla Bartók Memorial
1.3 km
Celebrate the legacy of Béla Bartók, the Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist, through this evocative bronze memorial in London’s South Kensington.
George Orwell Plaque
1.3 km
A literary landmark on vibrant Portobello Road celebrating George Orwell’s enduring legacy in London’s cultural heart.
Empire House
1.5 km
Historic Edwardian landmark in South Kensington offering luxurious apartments near London’s premier cultural and shopping districts.
Edward Jenner Memorial
1.5 km
Victorian marble tribute to the physician who conquered smallpox and invented vaccination.
Space Apart Hotel
1.6 km
Modern serviced apartments in historic Kensington Gardens Square, offering stylish comfort and easy access to London’s top attractions.
St Peter's Church, Notting Hill
1.6 km
A serene Victorian Anglican church blending classical architecture, rich history, and community spirit in the heart of Notting Hill.
Norwegian War Memorial
1.7 km
A solemn granite tribute in Hyde Park honoring British-Norwegian friendship and support during World War II.
Sussex Gardens
1.7 km
A serene Victorian garden oasis nestled in the historic Tyburnia district, blending lush greenery with elegant architecture in central London.
St Luke's & Christ Church
1.8 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of St Luke's & Christ Church, a hidden gem in the heart of London, perfect for reflection and cultural immersion.
Brompton Cemetery
1.8 km
Explore the tranquil beauty and historical significance of Brompton Cemetery, a Victorian landmark in London offering a unique retreat.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kensington Palace Green
0.4 km
A peaceful royal garden oasis beside Kensington Palace, blending lush greenery with centuries of British history in central London.
Kensington Palace
0.5 km
Discover centuries of royal history and serene gardens at Kensington Palace, a majestic London landmark and former home to British monarchs.
Sambourne House
0.5 km
Step into Sambourne House, a Victorian treasure showcasing the art, design, and life of Punch’s celebrated cartoonist in the heart of Kensington.
Queen Victoria Statue
0.6 km
A majestic marble statue of Queen Victoria by her daughter, marking the birthplace and childhood home of one of Britain’s most iconic monarchs.
Round Pond
0.7 km
Historic ornamental lake in Kensington Gardens, home to model yachts and diverse wildlife, set against the iconic backdrop of Kensington Palace.
the Design Museum
0.8 km
Explore the cutting-edge world of design in London’s iconic museum, where creativity meets culture and innovation shapes everyday life.
Imperial Cinema
0.8 km
A cozy, student-centered cinema blending academic culture and entertainment in the heart of South Kensington.
The Albert Memorial
0.8 km
A breathtaking Victorian Gothic monument in Kensington Gardens, honoring Prince Albert’s legacy with intricate sculptures and gilded grandeur.
Royal Albert Hall
0.8 km
Experience the grandeur and timeless cultural legacy of London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, a world-famous venue for music and the arts.
Diana Memorial Playground
0.9 km
A magical, inclusive Peter Pan-themed playground in Kensington Gardens, offering imaginative play and adventure for children of all abilities.
Queen's Tower
0.9 km
Discover the Queen's Tower, a stunning historical landmark in South Kensington, showcasing Victorian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Science Museum
1.0 km
Explore London’s iconic Science Museum with interactive exhibits, live demos, and iconic artifacts celebrating scientific achievement.
The Tower House
1.0 km
Discover The Tower House, William Burges’ iconic Victorian Gothic Revival home, a masterpiece of architectural artistry and rich symbolism in London.
Leighton House
1.0 km
Explore the exquisite Victorian studio-home of Frederic Leighton, where art, architecture, and Orientalist design create a timeless cultural treasure.
Notting Hill Hillgate Village
1.0 km
Discover Hillgate Village’s pastel charm, historic roots, and vibrant local life nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, London’s bohemian enclave.
Essential places to dine
Grato
0.0 km
Cozy Italian dining with handmade pasta and warm hospitality in the tranquil heart of Kensington Square, London.
Dishoom Kensington
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant flavours and Art Deco charm of Bombay’s iconic Irani cafés at Dishoom Kensington, London’s stylish Indian dining destination.
Zuaya London
0.2 km
Discover modern Latin American cuisine with vibrant flavors, stylish ambiance, and exceptional cocktails in the heart of Kensington.
Prezzo Italian Restaurant London Kensington
0.2 km
Cozy Italian dining in the heart of Kensington with classic pasta, pizza, and family-friendly options in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Akira Restaurant at Japan House London
0.2 km
Experience authentic Japanese elegance and exquisite omakase dining in the heart of Kensington at Akira Restaurant, Japan House London.
Spaghetti House Italian Restaurant Kensington High Street
0.2 km
Authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm await at Spaghetti House on Kensington High Street, perfect for casual dining in central London.
The Ivy Kensington Brasserie
0.2 km
Classic British brasserie charm meets lively Kensington atmosphere in this elegant all-day dining hotspot on High Street.
Alexandrie Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience authentic Egyptian flavors and elegant dining in the heart of Kensington with Alexandrie’s refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Il Portico
0.8 km
Authentic Northern Italian dining with family warmth and timeless charm in the heart of Kensington.
The Shed
1.0 km
A rustic, family-run gem in Notting Hill serving sustainable, farm-to-table British cuisine with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.
Town House Kensington
1.2 km
Elegant modern British dining with global influences in the heart of South Kensington, offering all-day meals and refined ambiance.
The Ladbroke Arms
1.3 km
A charming gastropub in Notting Hill offering refined British cuisine, standout Sunday roasts, and a welcoming garden terrace.
Cocotte Notting Hill
1.6 km
Experience authentic French rotisserie chicken in a cozy, farm-to-table setting on vibrant Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill.
Gold
1.6 km
Stylish modern European dining with wood-roasted seasonal plates and inventive cocktails on iconic Portobello Road in vibrant Notting Hill.
Core by Clare Smyth
1.7 km
Experience three-Michelin-starred modern British cuisine by Clare Smyth in an elegant Notting Hill setting, where sustainability meets culinary artistry.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Jigsaw
0.2 km
Refined British womenswear on Kensington High Street, where timeless tailoring meets contemporary elegance in a stylish boutique haven.
London Souvenir Kensington
0.2 km
Kensington High Street's go-to for authentic London souvenirs: red buses, royal trinkets, and Union Jack delights in a shopper's paradise.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Trendy threads and eclectic home vibes on London's iconic Kensington High Street – Urban Outfitters delivers boho-chic shopping with a creative edge.
Good
0.4 km
Discover timeless designer vintage at Good, where Kensington Church Street's charm meets sustainable high fashion in a curated second-hand paradise.
Kensington Palace Shop
0.5 km
Discover regal treasures at Kensington Palace Shop: fine china, jewellery, and exclusive souvenirs inspired by centuries of royal elegance in London's premier palace grounds.
Oxfam Shop - Kensington High Street
0.6 km
Unearth ethical treasures on Kensington High Street at this vibrant Oxfam shop, where second-hand style funds global change amid London's posh shopping scene.
the Design Museum Shop
0.7 km
Curated gifts, books and design objects from the Design Museum’s High Street, Atrium and Exhibition shops—where form, craft and everyday use meet.
the Design Museum Shop - High Street Shop
0.8 km
Curated design haven on Kensington High Street: books, homewares, and innovative gifts celebrating creativity from the Design Museum.
Octavia Foundation - Kensington
0.8 km
Discover designer bargains and vintage treasures at this Kensington High Street charity shop, funding life-changing support for local communities in true Octavia Hill spirit.
The Natural History Museum Shop
1.1 km
Discover nature’s wonders through unique gifts and souvenirs at the Natural History Museum Shop in London’s iconic museum.
Science Museum Shop
1.1 km
Ignite curiosity with science-inspired gifts, gadgets, and toys at this inventive shop inside London's Science Museum – perfect for all ages.
Notting hill store
1.1 km
Explore Notting Hill's local convenience store, your one-stop shop for groceries, unique souvenirs, and reliable luggage storage.
The gift store
1.2 km
Discover quirky handmade crafts and Notting Hill treasures at this vibrant Pembridge Road gem, where every shelf holds a unique story from London's creative heart.
Appletree boutique
1.2 km
A small Notting Hill boutique specialising in retro‑inspired prints, colourful womenswear and standout accessories for playful, individual styling.
The London Shop
1.3 km
Friendly and affordable gift shop in vibrant Queensway, London, open daily with a welcoming atmosphere and great souvenirs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Builders Arms
0.2 km
A classic Kensington pub with cosy period character, modern British comfort food and a lively, neighbourhood atmosphere.
High Spirit Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
A friendly, compact cocktail bar on Kensington High Street serving well-made classics and creative seasonal drinks in a warm, music-led setting.
AMARO BAR - London
0.2 km
Elegant Kensington cocktail bar blending Savoy mastery with inventive twists, vintage rarities, and intimate speakeasy charm on High Street.
Prince of Wales
0.2 km
A cosy Kensington pub of warm wood, classic pints and a surprising Thai menu tucked behind a Victorian façade.
Stables Bar
0.2 km
Elegant Kensington cocktail haven in a former stable, blending equestrian heritage with inventive mixology and cosy conservatory vibes opposite lush gardens.
Piano Kensington
0.2 km
Live piano requests, cocktails and casual late-night bites in the Royal Garden Hotel — a music-led, relaxed Kensington night out.
Bar 190
0.7 km
Experience London’s legendary rock ’n’ roll cocktail bar with classic Victorian charm and expertly crafted drinks at Bar 190.
The Churchill Arms, Kensington
0.8 km
London's floral-festooned pub icon: Churchill memorabilia, pioneering Thai eats, and blooming facades since 1750 in vibrant Kensington.
The Owl and Monkey Cocktail Bar
0.9 km
A stylish South Kensington cocktail bar blending tropical design, sustainable mixology, and warm hospitality for memorable nights.
The Hereford Arms, South Kensington
1.0 km
Victorian South Kensington pub pouring Fuller's ales, serving refined classics like cod and cottage pie amid Hitchcock charm and Ripper lore.
The Henderson Bar & Kitchen
1.1 km
Notting Hill's carnival-inspired bar serving twisted British classics from breakfast to cocktails on a sunny terrace—honoring Russ Henderson's legacy.
Evans & Peel Detective Agency
1.2 km
Step into a secret 1920s detective office for immersive cocktails, live jazz, and a playful mystery-solving speakeasy experience in London’s Earl’s Court.
K Bar
1.2 km
Sophisticated South Kensington cocktail haven blending innovative mixology, gem-inspired elixirs, and plush club-like elegance for unforgettable evenings.
The Sun In Splendour
1.3 km
Historic Notting Hill pub with yellow charm, hearty fare, craft pours, and a secret garden haven on bustling Portobello Road.
Naked & Famous Bar
1.7 km
A cozy, retro-styled Notting Hill basement bar focused on tequila and mezcal with bold, handcrafted cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Metric
0.8 km
A compact, collegiate nightclub beneath Imperial College’s Beit Quadrangle — lively student nights, intimate dancefloor and a campus-centred party vibe.
Notting Hill Arts Club
1.0 km
West London's sweaty basement cradle of music legends since '97—coffee by day, live gigs and club nights till 2am in an intimate den of funk, jazz, and raw talent.
Dolce Night Club , London
1.2 km
Elite VIP nightclub in South Kensington blending luxurious design, R&B beats, and high-end cocktails for unforgettable weekend revelry.
B London
1.2 km
Dive into South Kensington's electric nightlife at B London, where sophisticated beats and stylish crowds fuel unforgettable nights from 9pm till dawn.
Ricco London
1.5 km
A plush, performance‑led lounge in Kensington Olympia where cocktails, Mediterranean sharers and cabaret create theatrical late‑night nights.
Privilege Entertainment Ltd
1.6 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife at Privilege Entertainment Ltd, London's premier entertainment agency and nightclub, where unforgettable experiences await.
The Duke of Wellington
1.9 km
Historic Young's pub on Portobello Road: Victorian screens, market views, British roasts, and Notting Hill legends in every pint.
The Globe
1.9 km
Traditional London pub by day, lively late‑night bar and club by night—large, hireable rooms and a warm, characterful interior.
Electric House
2.0 km
Experience the vibrant social scene at Electric House, a chic social club in Notting Hill, London, blending style, comfort, and culinary delights.
Subteranian
2.5 km
A compact underground club on Acklam Road delivering dense, DJ-led electronic nights with an intimate, bass-heavy atmosphere.
Lost In Disco
3.0 km
An intimate West London disco night celebrating 1970s–80s funk, soul and floor-filling classics with DJs, guest singers and a glittering dancefloor.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
3.3 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
Carwash Nightclub
3.4 km
Europe's longest-running disco since 1989: sequins, funk beats, and joyful dancing in Mayfair's retro heart. Join the glitter-fueled party!
Tabu London
3.4 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
The Cuckoo Club
3.7 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Cozy
- Intimate
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Couple Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly