Dining at The Belvedere, Holland Park: A Restaurant That Feels Like a Warm Embrace

Located in the heart of Holland Park, The Belvedere restaurant offers elegant Italian-inspired dining in West London. Contributor Deborah Kombe shares how a simple act of kindness brought her back for the full experience.

A few months ago, The Belvedere “rescued” us during the interval of the Opera at Holland Park by letting us take away some freshly made chips, even though it wasn’t their usual policy. After a long day, that simple kindness felt like the most thoughtful gesture in the world: warm food, shared laughter, and the sense of being looked after. It’s funny how something so little can lodge itself in your memory, a kindness you don’t expect but never forget. That moment of generosity had us eager to return, and on our visit back, we were delighted to experience the restaurant properly.

Setting the Scene

Holland Park, the Royal Borough’s largest park, is a 54-acre oasis in West London, full of manicured gardens, wild woodlands, and the breathtaking Kyoto Gardens, a perfect prelude to the meal awaiting you at The Belvedere. The striking 17th-century building, once part of the Holland House stables built in 1638, has evolved over the centuries from a celebrated ballroom hosting glittering salons, literary giants like Charles Dickens, political figures, and even royal guests including Queen Elizabeth, into a restaurant that carries echoes of its grandeur. 

Aptly named Belvedere, a 16th-century Italian term meaning “beautiful view,” stepping inside feels almost magical. Glance to your right and there is an almost Narnia-like sensation, as though you have stepped through a grand doorway into another country; southern Italy to be precise. Terracotta-toned walls and exposed brickwork combine with palms and fig trees that soften the space, while bespoke furniture adds elegance and warmth. 

Upstairs, fabric-lined ceilings and wall-hugging banquettes frame a salon that feels both glamorous and intimate, complete with a cocktail bar upholstered in a Duncan Grant Charleston cloud print, a private dining room, and a terrace overlooking the gardens. On the ground floor, the dining room strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined, and we felt wonderfully at peace seated near an open door, taking in the gentle sights and sounds of the gardens.

Starters: A Delicious Debate 

Our waiter for the evening Vasily, a kind gentleman, was incredibly patient with us as we waffled over what to order. He walked us through his recommendations, explaining why each dish worked, how they were made, and which flavors complemented each other—never once making us feel rushed.

After a while, we settled on three starters: the Black Fig Salad with Mustia Ricotta, the Hand-Dived Grilled Scallop, and Veal Tonnato (three of us, three starters… girl math, if you know, you know).

A wise woman once told me it’s essential to always have something green on your plate, be it a salad or some veggies, so the Black Fig Salad was a must; and what a choice it was. Presented as a beautiful leafy tower adorned with juicy black figs, Mustia Ricotta, pine nuts, and walnuts, all elegantly drizzled with olive oil, it was a stunning start to the meal.

The grilled scallop arrived in dramatic fashion, served atop a bed of fragrant, smokey herbs (quite literally on fire) and was probably my favourite starter;  plump, buttery, and perfectly cooked.

Lastly, the Veal Tonnato, a classic Italian dish of thinly sliced cooked veal, wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, but my friends Hannah and Priscilla thoroughly enjoyed it.

As the evening unfolded, we ventured into the raw side of the menu. Since there were three of us, we went for three raw dishes to share. First, the Bluefin Tuna Tartare with avocado and paprika mayo, light, refreshing, and packed with flavour, absolutely something I would happily order again. Then came the beef tartare with quail egg and crispy potato. I will admit, raw beef always made me nervous, but this one completely changed my mind. Seasoned to perfection, it was an unexpected delight. Lastly, the Japanese Kingfish Carpaccio with ponzu and burnt corn. Priscilla absolutely adored it, while I enjoyed it once and did not feel the need to revisit, aha.

To accompany our meal, we enjoyed a wonderfully light and fruity selection of wines. Priscilla had the AM Recordings Pinot Noir from Oregon, while Hannah and I shared the Le Mortelle ‘Vivia’ Vermentino/Viognier from Tuscany. Each glass complemented the dishes beautifully, enhancing the flavours without overpowering them.

Mains: Truffle, Sea bass, and Slight Regret 

Now for our mains, and yes, we may have overdone it. We actually ordered even more, but our dear waiter Vasily kindly suggested we remove one dish to avoid not finishing it all, and we certainly didn’t want to be wasteful.

First up, the handmade Tagliolini with fresh black truffle. I had never quite understood the appeal of truffle until this pasta, and suddenly it all made sense. Simple, creamy, rich in flavour, and delicate in texture, this dish is one I would come back for alone.

Next, the Wild Sea bass Fillet with peas, broad beans, and red radishes. Seafood and I usually “go together real bad”, and this did not disappoint. Fresh, light, and perfectly balanced, it suited the warm summer evening beautifully.

We also tried the Grilled Mint Marinated Lamb Chops, which unfortunately did not impress any of us. On the bright side, the Truffle Pizza more than made up for it. Our sides included tender stem broccoli and beautifully cooked Jerusalem artichokes, almost like potatoes but somehow better.

Dessert: Who Needs It?

We didn’t have dessert—there was simply no room after everything we ate—but the experience wasn’t just about the food or the decor. The real atmosphere came from the staff. Watching them arrive and leave their shifts, hugging each other, chatting with regulars, and taking the time to engage with us was truly special.

One member of staff, David, really stood out. He offered spot-on food recommendations, entertained us with stories of his travels when he found out we were headed to Mexico that week, and shared his dreams for the world. It reminded me of the Mediterranean approach to life, where shared meals and lively conversation aren’t just enjoyable, they’re essential. These wholesome interactions, full of warmth and connection, felt like they added a little extra time to my lifespan—the kind of moments that make you feel nourished in every way.

Full and Happy

All in all, our evening at the Belvedere was a memorable one. From the warm welcome to the thoughtful, engaging staff, and of course the great food, it’s a place that leaves you feeling full in every sense. Whether you’re a local looking for a special night out or visiting the city, it’s worth making the trip.

Trust me, it’s an experience that goes beyond a meal. It’s about connection, flavour, and an atmosphere that lingers long after you leave.

To book your table, visit belvedererestaurant.co.uk. The Belvedere is located within Holland Park, off Abbotsbury Road, London W8 6LU.

Writer & Photographer

Deborah Kombe is a London-based writer and photographer crafting immersive stories and visual narratives that explore culture, travel and lifestyle.

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