Margaux South Kensington Review

There are restaurants you stumble upon and enjoy, and then there are restaurants that linger with you. The ones you remember days later when you are still gently smiling to yourself, thinking about that one dish you would happily drive across London for. Margaux in South Kensington sits firmly in that second category for me.

I visited with two of my friends, Cath and Yolande, on a chilled evening that called for good food, a good catch up and a cosy corner to settle into. Margaux is a French inspired restaurant, modern in design but focused entirely on flavour. Nothing fussy or pretentious. Just honest, beautifully crafted dishes that make you close your eyes for a second because the flavours really do deserve your full attention.

From the moment we stepped in, Margaux felt inviting. Warm lighting, exposed brick walls and striking photography created a contemporary but unfussy space. It is one of those restaurants where you feel instantly comfortable, which is exactly what we needed after wandering through the chilly Kensington streets.

This is a restaurant where the food steals the show, and trust me, it does. But let me take you through the entire experience, from the cocktails to the final spoonful of dessert.

Arrival and Seating

When we arrived, we were greeted by a lovely gentleman who let us choose where we wanted to sit. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that level of flexibility. Nobody wants to be parked right by the door in winter, so we opted for a table at the back of the restaurant where it was cosy and calm.

Our coats were taken immediately, a small but thoughtful detail that saves you from wrestling with sleeves while you try to settle into your chair. The atmosphere was relaxed with a gentle buzz from other tables. There was even a large birthday group celebrating near us, and even with that, the space still felt calm rather than chaotic. A very good sign.

Cocktails to Start

Before the food even touched the table, we kicked off the evening with cocktails, because of course we did.

I went straight for the Mezcalita Verde, because at this point if I even spot mezcal on a menu my brain just says yes. I love that smoky undertone and this cocktail delivered exactly that. Mezcal, basil, mint, lime, agave and a touch of Ancho Verde. Fresh, crisp, smoky and slightly spicy. It was my perfect cocktail in a glass.

Cath chose La Passion, which came with cognac, lemon, amaro, orgeat, passionfruit puree and Passoa. Fresh, fruity, elegant and beautifully balanced.

Yolande went for the El Sage, a combination of pisco, sage, lime, pineapple liquor and ginger beer. A little herbal, a little tropical, a little fiery. She loved it.

The cocktails set the tone for the evening. Made with care, beautifully balanced and easy to enjoy without being overly sweet. A great start.

If you enjoy great cocktails in London, you may also love exploring Londons cocktail culture in nearby Chelsea.
Useful link: https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/food-and-drink/bars

Starters

And The Best Octopus I Have Had in the UK

Bread arrived first, but not the typical overwhelming bread basket that fills you up before the real show begins. Instead, little crisp breads for dipping into olive oil. Light, crunchy and just enough to warm up the appetite without spoiling anything to come.

Then came the starters.

Both Cath and I ordered the Grilled Octopus, and I am not exaggerating when I say it is hands down the best octopus I have had in the UK. The portion was generous, almost main course sized, and it arrived with a mix of smoked aubergine puree, miso hispi cabbage, lemon and paprika oil.

Everything about it was perfect. Tender, flavoursome, smoky, charred in all the right places and served with bold flavours that played together beautifully. I would go back to Margaux for the octopus alone. Truly a ten out of ten dish.

Yolande chose the Vitello Tonnato, a veal carpaccio with tuna caper sauce and fresh rocket. She loved it, and although I only had a tiny taste, the creamy, savoury, silky sauce paired with the delicate veal was exactly what you want from this classic dish.

But really, that octopus. I am still thinking about it.

Main Course

The Halibut That Changed My Mind

For my main, I ordered the Roasted Halibut, which came with burnt butter cauliflower, romanesco, and a champagne and langoustine bisque. I do not usually go for halibut, but the lobster style bisque sauce completely sold it to me.

It was exceptional. Delicate but rich. Creamy but not heavy. Flavours layered in a way that makes you want to slow down so you can savour every bite. The burnt butter cauliflower was smoky and soft, adding warmth to the plate while the bisque tied everything together in a rich, savoury embrace.

I would happily order this dish again and again, and here is the real sign of a great restaurant. They brought extra bisque sauce on the side without us even asking. And it was not a token amount either. A generous serving that meant every mouthful could be drenched in that glorious flavour. Heaven.

Yolande ordered the same dish and was just as in love with it. We both agreed it was a ten out of ten.

Cath went for the Honey and Lavender Duck Breast, served with celeriac puree, spiced purple cabbage, plum and port jus. I tasted it, and although I was committed to my halibut, I could easily have chosen the duck. It was rich, tender and perfectly cooked. The kind of dish that makes you briefly consider swapping plates.

Portion sizes across the board were extremely generous. Refined but substantial. You will not leave hungry.

Dessert

Sharing Something Sweet

We shared one dessert between the three of us because we were already incredibly full, but still wanted a final sweet touch.

We opted for the Pear Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream. Warm, buttery pastry, soft pear, sweetness balanced with just enough sharpness and a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting into the tart. A simple dessert but executed beautifully. Exactly what you want at the end of a rich meal.

Wine and Drinks

Alongside cocktails, we shared a bottle of Chateau de Manissy, a fresh, elegant rosé that paired perfectly with everything we ordered. Light, crisp, not overly sweet and very easy to drink. A great choice for a group dinner where you want something refreshing without overpowering the meal.

Atmosphere and Décor

Margaux is modern, but not overly styled or designed to be photographed from every angle. Warm lighting, exposed brick, metal tables and large photography prints give it a contemporary feel. It is simple rather than extravagant, and although the food far outshines the décor, the space is comfortable, relaxed and welcoming.

This is the kind of restaurant where the star of the show is very much the plate in front of you. As it should be.

Service and Hospitality

Our waitress Milka was exactly what you want from great service. Friendly, warm, attentive but never hovering. Plates were cleared smoothly, drinks arrived quickly and the entire pace of the evening felt relaxed. No rush, no pressure, just gentle, thoughtful service throughout.

There were no dramatic stand out moments from the staff, which is sometimes the biggest compliment. Everything just flowed naturally and effortlessly.

Local Area

South Kensington at Its Best

Margaux is tucked into South Kensington, surrounded by pubs, galleries and stylish residential streets. The area has that classic London charm, making it a wonderful location for a date night or a dinner with friends.

With transport links nearby and plenty of places to wander before or after your meal, it fits perfectly into a cosy evening out in the city.

Who It Is Perfect For

Couples on a date night
Small groups of friends
Food lovers who appreciate quality over quantity
Anyone who loves modern French cuisine
Those looking for a quieter, warmer atmosphere away from the tourist crowds
Anyone craving exceptional seafood, especially halibut or octopus

Final Verdict

Margaux surprised me in the best possible way. It looks modern and simple from the outside, but once the food arrives, you realise you are eating somewhere really special. Every course was beautifully crafted, deeply flavourful and incredibly generous. The octopus and halibut were easily two of the best dishes I have eaten in London recently.

Yes, the prices are on the higher side, but the quality you receive makes it entirely worthwhile. Margaux is a restaurant that delivers confidence on a plate. No fuss, no gimmicks, just exceptional cooking.

If you love French cuisine, you need to add this to your London list immediately.

FAQs

Is Margaux in South Kensington good for a date night
Yes. The warm lighting, relaxed atmosphere and exceptional French dishes make it an ideal date night restaurant in London.

What should I order at Margaux Kensington
The grilled octopus and roasted halibut are two of the best dishes on the menu. Both are full of flavour and generously portioned.

Is Margaux in Kensington expensive
It is on the pricier side, with starters around twenty to twenty eight pounds and mains between twenty four and forty eight pounds, but the quality of the food fully justifies the cost.

Does Margaux have good cocktails
Yes. The cocktail menu is excellent with balanced, creative drinks. The Mezcalita Verde, La Passion and El Sage are particularly popular.