Clifton Hotel

Ask the right Kew diner where to find serious Italian comfort, and they’ll point you straight past the standard pub fare to Puttanesca Osteria inside the Clifton Hotel. A masterclass in casual dining. No stuffy white tablecloths here—just large, cozy dining rooms buzzing with a relaxed energy. The kitchen fires on all cylinders under fresh management. Expect blistering, thin-base woodfired pizzas—the Margherita and earthy truffle pies are absolute standouts. Pastas arrive bold and deeply flavored, practically begging you to fare la scarpetta with whatever crust you have left. Don't sleep on the perfectly seared steak or the hearty calamari and gnocchi. Portions are unapologetically generous. Case in point: a mountain of rich, espresso-soaked tiramisu that rivals any nonna's recipe. Paired with a sharp, interesting wine list and incredibly warm hospitality from the front-of-house team, it’s a brilliant, laid-back slice of Italy right on High Street.