Core By Clare Smyth in London: photos, reviews

About

Excellence Award

2025 Restaurants

MICHELIN

Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine

Core By Clare Smyth in London is a culinary gem that presents a truly exquisite dining experience. Known for its high-quality and unique dishes, this restaurant expertly blends British and fusion cuisine, offering flavors that transport diners back to 16th century England, as some have likened it to dining with Shakespeare himself. Its fashionably intimate and cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely meet-up with friends or enjoying a sophisticated solo meal. With a meticulous attention to service and a menu that features delightful desserts and heavenly flavors, Core is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. While reservations are recommended, those who acquire a table are treated to a delightful array of cocktails, wines, and teas in light and airy surroundings. Though the experience comes with a hefty price tag, starting from 100+ GBP per person, the amazing and unforgettable experience more than justifies it.

Price

$$$$ 100+ GBP

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cuisines

British, Fusion

Services

Reservations available, Dine-in, Reservations required, Reservations recommended

Offering

Serving alcohol, Serving desserts, Serving cocktails, Serving beer, Serving wine, Serving coffee

Payment

Payment by credit card, Payment by debit card, NFC payment

How to get here?

The nearest public transport options for your convenience.

Portobello Road (Stop PJ)

Bus stop 289 m walk

Portobello Road Autoloo

Bus stop 198 m walk

Ladbroke Square Gardens (Stop HS)

Bus stop 323 m walk

4.7

based on 1,470 reviews

Google

4.7/5 1,470 reviews

Mike Angel

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

What can I say about the food and the overall experience? I can only liken it to when 16th century England had Shakespeare. This is food you simply must come and eat. From the appetisers whereby the mini crispy roast chicken taco to the smoked lobster. The tomato starter was out of this world. The freshness just takes you back to when you first smelt a fresh tomato on the vine. My wife absolutely loved the roe and potato. Described it as her tongue having an orgasm it was that good. The duck dish was sublime and the flavours just kept popping. The Core-Teaser was an epic way to round off the meal. The Malteaser is the lighter way to enjoy chocolate, but the Core-Teaser is the most indulgent way to enjoy chocolate. The wine pairing was on song too. The service and staff were amazing. Restaurants are such an amazing way to enjoy the diversity of cultures and experiences and the staff here embodied that. We got to meet Clare at the end of the night which was a fabulous touch. We will be back. If you love food and want to go on a journey of just heavenly favours, go to Core!

Daisy H

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We visited Encore in Sydney and fell in love with the restaurant. The quality is at the same level as Per Se--if not higher--but with a bit more of an artistic touch. The service was polished and discreet. Core echoes the spirit of Encore, with every detail executed to perfection. Arriving at 9:45 p.m., we glimpsed Clare at work in the kitchen. Later, when I was chatting with our waitress (I wish I remembered her name — she was so nice! Tall, with short hair), I mentioned that I am a big fan of Clare. Our waitress said that the chef had already left and was surprised that I had not spoken with Clare when I came in — I simply did not want to interrupt her work. She then arranged a short kitchen tour for us, which I did not expect, especially since our reservation was for the last seating. Everyone was incredibly kind and attentive.