Core by Clare Smyth – Notting Hill

★★★★★ 4.0/5 - based on 6 reviews

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Stephanie Le

★★★★★4/5 Published at 20 October, 2024

"Warm Hospitality and Beautiful Execution at CORE"

The staff at CORE were truly wonderful — from the kitchen to the waiters and front desk, everyone was welcoming and kind. I really appreciated being served in both English and French, which made the experience even more comfortable for me. Each dish was beautifully presented and thoughtfully explained, showcasing skillful execution. While I did find the overall experience a bit overpriced compared to other Michelin-starred restaurants I’ve enjoyed, I’m still very glad I came. It was a lovely experience and worth trying at least once.

Lawrence Ratcliffe

★★★★★5/5 Published at 14 September, 2024

"A Perfect Afternoon at CORE – And Good Luck to Team CORE!"

We had an amazing afternoon celebrating at CORE. From start to finish, the food and service were truly top class — a flawless dining experience that made our celebration even more special. Huge thanks to the entire team for making it memorable. Also, best of luck to Team CORE in the London Marathon — we’ll be cheering you on! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️👏

Happiness Chidarikire

★★★★★3/5 Published at 7 August, 2024

"Disappointing Service and Underwhelming Food Despite Beautiful Presentation"

For a Michelin-starred restaurant, I arrived with high expectations — unfortunately, they were not met. The most disappointing aspect of the evening was the service. There seemed to be an excess of staff moving around aimlessly, which became a constant and distracting presence. Many didn’t appear to have clear roles or purpose, which disrupted the otherwise elegant setting. As for the food, it was just okay — certainly not bad, but lacking the wow factor you'd expect at this level and price point. The presentation, however, was undeniably stunning, and visually, each course was a work of art. Will I return? I’m uncertain. There’s potential, but with so many outstanding dining options elsewhere, it may be some time before I consider giving it another shot.

Alessandro

★★★★★4/5 Published at 20 July, 2024

"High Standards, but Lacking in Storytelling"

While Core may not be the most unforgettable three-star restaurant I've visited, it certainly maintains an impressively high standard with each course. The flavors, presentation, and progression of the meal were all solid — consistent with what you'd expect from a Michelin-starred experience. However, the storytelling and explanation behind the dishes felt rushed and sometimes unclear. Waitstaff spoke too quickly and occasionally mumbled, which took away from the immersive aspect that often elevates fine dining to something truly special. That said, this seems to be a common issue at high-end spots worldwide. Overall, Core delivers an excellent culinary experience, but there’s room for improvement in how the story of the meal is told.

Kirstie Newham

★★★★★5/5 Published at 20 June, 2024

"A Long-Awaited Culinary Delight at Core"

My partner and I finally dined at Core this April after years of anticipation — and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We opted for the "Core Seasons" tasting menu at £245 per person, along with the wine pairings for an additional £155 each. While certainly a splurge, every element was thoughtfully executed. The food was exceptional, but what truly elevated the experience were the wine pairings — expertly selected to complement and enhance each course. The staff were numerous, attentive, and polished, ensuring we felt cared for throughout the evening without being overbearing. Core delivers not only on food, but also on service and experience. For serious foodies, it’s a must-visit that justifies its reputation and price.

N Williams

★★★★★3/5 Published at 10 May, 2024

"Polished but Lacking Soul"

After finally securing a reservation via OpenTable, we were welcomed warmly and shown to a quiet corner table. The ambiance was refined, with soft conversation filling the space and a lovely bottle of champagne to begin the meal. Unfortunately, the overall experience felt mechanical — more conveyer belt than culinary journey. Service was almost too efficient, requiring us to ask for it to slow down. While the presentation was immaculate, much of the food felt underwhelming for a starred establishment. The signature carrot and potato dishes didn’t live up to their reputation, though the venison and the apple-shaped dessert stood out positively. Ultimately, the meal lacked the emotion and atmosphere that make fine dining truly special. It’s one to judge for yourself, but I personally won’t be returning.