Experience the taste of authentic Italy in the heart of Chelsea
At Daphne's, we take pride in being a neighbourhood favourite, serving authentic Italian cuisine to the good people of Chelsea and South Kensington since 1964. Our elegant interiors evoke a sense of effortless upscale Italian design, with splashes of vivid painterly colour in the plush leather upholstery, vintage Murano chandeliers, and modern European artworks. The result is a series of light, airy spaces that give a feeling of intimacy, while maintaining the sociable buzz of a busy restaurant.
Our Story
Daphne's has a rich history, founded by the vivacious casting director Daphne Rye, who famously discovered Richard Burton. Her powers of attraction lured the leading lights of stage and screen to her restaurant when it opened in 1964, at the height of Chelsea's Sixties heyday. Today, General Manager Gabriele Esposito carries on the tradition, welcoming regulars and newcomers alike with the gregarious charm of his native Naples.
Our Food
Our menu is all about authentic Italian cooking, inspired by the country's rich culinary heritage and diverse regional cuisine. We offer a range of dishes, from antipasti and handmade pastas and risottos to second courses of fresh fish, meat, and seafood, culminating in a dessert list of sweet temptations and fresh ice cream, made daily. Each dish has been refined and perfected to earn its place on a menu that has evolved slowly over the years and shifts to meet the changing seasons. Our Head Chef Chris Dargavel knows that consistency is key, and that the difference between excellent and exceptional can often be found in the smallest of details.
Private Dining
Our Conservatory offers a lavish and lovely space in which to celebrate life's most special occasions. Discreetly tucked away at the back of the restaurant, the room is lined with elegant arched mirrors and decorative glass panels in which peacocks preside over bucolic garden scenes. Flashes of eau-de-nil in the woodwork and cane-backed leather seats bring to mind the shimmering waters of the Adriatic sea. A beautiful tiled floor, terracotta urns bursting with seasonal greenery, and fragrant lemon and olive trees create the most magical atmosphere, reflective of an Italianate escape.
Gift Cards
Give the gift of Daphne's to friends and loved ones. Our gift cards are the perfect way to treat someone special to a taste of authentic Italy.
Food and Service
Many reviewers praised the food at Daphne's, with several recommending specific dishes such as Vanilla Cheesecake with Rhubarb, Tiramisu, Fillet of Sea Bass with Caponata, and Beetroot Salad. Some reviewers noted that the service was excellent, with attentive and friendly staff, while others mentioned that it was slow.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
The atmosphere and ambiance of the restaurant were widely praised, with reviewers describing the interior as cosy, warm, and elegant. Many suggested that the garden seating was a pleasant option, and a few noted that the restaurant was quite loud.
Mixed Reviews
A few reviewers were less impressed with their experience at Daphne's. Some mentioned that the prices were expensive for the quality of food, while others found the staff to be unfriendly or rude. One reviewer specifically mentioned that the female waitresses were extremely rude.
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