CORE by Clare Smyth

Everything was beyond perfect, except for espresso

Excellent food and drinks with friendly and attentive service

Fabulous food, service and ambience. Pricy but worth it. A real treat!

CORE was an outstanding experience, great service and unique ambiance. The food was simply out of this world, full of flavor, textures one has never tried and the combination of treats to the palate of the Tasting Menu is an unforgettable adventure!!

Everything we tried was superb. Beautifully presented, very imaginative but also satisfying (not fussy). The piped music was the only disappointment, it was fairly quiet (thank God!) but bland and corny and disco-ish, we could definitely have done without that. It really didn't fit with the (lovely) room or the food -- let alone with our conversation. The staff were first class, very knowledgeable, polite, friendly and competent. An extensive wine list with plenty of good value choices. And some very creative cocktails to start with. Would definitely go back.

Superb, innovative cuisine. Attentive, friendly and informative service from highly trained staff. We had the tasting menu with matching wines and each course was delightful, both in taste and presentation. The wines were also well matched to each dish and included selections from Greece, Australia, Spain, the US and France. The ambience was also carefully thought through to ensure that we could enjoy quiet and private conversation in warm inviting surroundings. Clare Smyth and her staff certainly deserve the many accolades they have won over the years. Of course all this comes at a cost but it is highly recommended for that very special night out.

Absolutely outstanding food and service. Clare and her team have done a marvellous job! Thank you thank you!

The food was just amazing from presentation to taste. Best 2 star restaurant that I tried this year.

Had a fantastic time here celebrating our anniversary here. The tasting menu was beautiful, each course was perfectly judged, and presented impeccably.

The service was great- attentive without being overbearing and the whole experience was exactly what we were looking for.

I cannot say enough about the wonderful experience we had at Core. The service was incredible, the staff was not stuffy, but excited for you to be there and experience their food. Every single bite we had, was unexpected and fantastic. We had the chef tasting with wine pairing for two, and it was better than 99% of the Michelin Starred restaurants we’ve been to all over the world. Incredible! Bravo!

The food is delicious, the dish is exquisite, the service is in place, the perfect meal I had in London!!

Absolute perfection! Our table of four all chose the tasting menu and there were some real stand outs. Also loved the view into the kitchen as you walk through - especially thrilling to spot Clare in the kitchen. Will definitely be back.

Everything was perfect, the atmosphere , servers and of course the food!!

Simply awesome. Second visit and without doubt fine dining at its highest.

The food is exceptional. Service is good. Couldn’t wait to come back again.

Simply stunning! You can see why Clare and the Team have won so many awards!

Always and consistently brilliant. The food is by far one of the best London had on offer.

Excellent dinner. All the courses were top notch.

Superb. Some dishes tasted strange but majority is superbly yummy. So full!!

Second visit as memorable as the first. It certainly disappoint. We loved every minute, every new mouthful.
Interesting, delicious. About 2 hours for 5 which is very fair. Love the choice of 3 course menu, every nibble an adventure. Extensive wine list with many reasonable options. Staff was friendly and attentive in a lovely efficient but relaxed fashion. Loved meeting one of the chefs.
So many things that are perfectly thought out.
Congratulations

Outstanding evening. A truly lovely culinary experience for my husbands birthday, where we had everything on the long tasting menu and loved every bite. The basics are elevated here and it was hard to say no to more sourdough when offered as I knew it would stop me enjoying what was yet to come. We also shared a cheese course which was ample for two and beautifully presented with imaginative accompaniments. The potato course is like no other and I was pushed to choose between the carrot lamb and duck as my favourite. The staff were friendly and very accomplished and we had the pleasure of being able to thank Mr Johnny Bone and Ms Smyth in person. Thank you all.

We made a special detour on our way back to the States to spend one night in London for the express purpose of enjoying Clare Smyth's fabulous CORE. From the moment we entered, we knew we were in for a special treat - we were warmly greeted and immediately guided to our table, passing the kitchen and a quick wave from Clare. The service was friendly with a casual vibe but also meticulous and thoughtful throughout the evening. We chose the short tasting menu with wine pairings, and started the evening with some lovely amuse bouche treats. My favorite of the courses was the potato with roe, which is a poor description of a stunningly delicious offering. My husband's favorite was the duck - also an exceptional preparation which was both incredibly tender and yet retained a bit of crunch and bite. But I can't overlook the pasta with white truffle - ethereal. All the food was incredibly imaginative, beautiful, and a joy to eat. I'm so glad we added this travel day to our schedule - it was completely worth it, and I'd love to dine at CORE again the next time I am in London.

The tasting menu was absolutely divine! The presentation, flavours and textures of each plate was a true experience. The ambience is fresh and relaxing, with soft light, pastel/bright colours, tables at good distance from each other. The waiters were attentive and professional, while also friendly/warm. The large table next to the kitchen is fantastic as you can see the chef in action!

This is without any question the best restaurant in London right now. Usually with a tasting menu you get 2 or 3 excellent dishes with a lot of average in between, but at Core every single dish is fantastic. Furthermore, the presentation is outstanding, the Sommelier is knowledgable and enthusiastic about the extensive wine list and all the staff are super friendly. A triumph!

Incredible experience as usual from the brilliant Clare Smith & her team. Flawless execution all the way. There is a reason this is the best restaurant in London by a country mile. The only disappointment you will experience is if you do not get a reservation.

A wonderful fun experience. Astonishing flavours. Adorable staff. And seeing Clare work the pass makes it all more engaging and exciting. Good wine pairing but sommeliers why always sweet wine with sweet deserts? Dare to be different!

Memorable evening opting for the tasting menu with wind pairing.

This was our first visit go Core and it won't be our last. I can't find fault. Food, wine, service and decore were excellent! We'll be back!

Amazing - can’t wait to go back. It’s quite expensive but worth every penny.

Service and food were great - posh without the pretentions - not well versed in posh restaurant etiquette but well satisfied with the experience - 1st time I've eaten so late at 21.45 but meal did not fell rushed - only issue would be with the service charge as this always confuses me - should i leave a further tip ? But overall would certainly return if i lived locally

Outstanding dining experience in the heart of Notting Hill! Innovative, modern, unique dishes with local ingredients made to perfection. Perfect service and a cozy atmosphere with views into the kitchen. One of the best in UK and the world!

Fantastic and enjoyable dining experience.

Tasting menu with wine pairings is an absolute must-truly an epic dining experience!

TASTY. Love the Tequilla + Sweet Pea infused cocktail. Wonderful, brilliant culinary art, attentive, friendly and not pretentious...we will return, thank you!

V+P

As always, Core delivers an experience that is unparalleled in London.

Amazing experience - every bite a tasting sensation

Just amazing. Was hoping for a really good experience but was blown away by the level of service and attention to detail. All the menu options were delicious and I had a smile on my face from start to finish. Just loved our evening there!

Truly remarkable culinary concoctions and sensory overloads.
A very special treat to behold.

We loved it. Cuisine clearly based in the French tradition but with a twist. Very fine raw materials particularly evident in the potato and clam dishes. Deserts outstanding - visually very appealing. Very good wine list with some great value wines. Impeccable service - relaxed but attentive at the same tome

All I will say is, Clare Smyth is an absolute genius. The team she has is inspired and I can see them being well on their way to 3 stars 👏🏽😊