Best of 14 restaurants in Kensington
Welcome to the world of exquisite culinary delights in Kensington! Renowned for its class and elegance, the borough of Kensington is home to a diverse range of restaurants that cater to every palate. From high-end dining experiences to cozy cafes, restaurants in Kensington offer a variety of cuisines, including traditional British, Italian, Indian, and Japanese, among others. Whether you're a foodie or just looking to enjoy a nice meal, these restaurants are sure to impress. Come and explore the culinary scene of Kensington!
- 1. Kalaya in Kensington
- 2. Kensington Quarters
- 3. Martha in Kensington
- 4. Sherry’s Restaurant
- 5. Cook and Shaker
- 6. J&J family restaurant
- 7. Kensington Pub in Kensington
- 8. Cantina la Martina
- 9. Càphê Roasters
- 10. Koolae Restaurant
- 11. New Cambria Restaurant
- 12. Vientiane Bistro
- 13. KMA Restaurant
- 14. Table for 3
1. Kalaya in Kensington
Family-owned restaurant with authentic Thai recipes

Kalaya, a Thai restaurant situated at 4 West Palmer Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is known for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic cuisine. The restaurant is popular for its bold flavors and traditional recipes, providing guests with a unique dining experience that feels like they've been transported to the lively streets of Thailand.
The menu features a wide variety of dishes, from classic curries and noodle dishes to more exotic options like fried whole fish with lemongrass and chili. Guests can also view the menu, hours, phone number, address, and map on various review sites. Photos and ratings from recent visitors highlight the delicious food, friendly service, and inviting ambiance of the restaurant. Kalaya's authentic Thai dishes and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone in the Philadelphia area.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Affordable Nightlife
2. Kensington Quarters
In-house butcher shop, Sustainable and locally-sourced meats, Scratch-made cocktails

This establishment offers an excellent experience for a date night. The cocktails served are creative and well-crafted, providing a unique touch to the dining experience. The dishes are skillfully prepared, with a focus on flavor and presentation.
In particular, the steak stands out as a must-try dish. Its tender and juicy texture, combined with the perfect seasoning, makes it a delicious choice for any meat lover. The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and inviting, creating a comfortable and enjoyable ambiance. Moreover, the service is exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff who provide excellent customer care.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
3. Martha in Kensington
Offers a unique fusion of Thai and Mexican cuisine

The restaurant provides an outstanding experience with great vibes and stellar menu options. Its unbelievable service has impressed visitors on multiple occasions. The unique pho-inspired drink is refreshing and compelling, challenging expectations in a positive way. The mocktail list is also decent, providing various options for those who do not consume alcohol.
The restaurant has consistently exceeded visitors' expectations, making it a go-to spot for many. Its service is a standout feature, demonstrating the establishment's commitment to providing an excellent dining experience. The drinks menu, particularly the pho-inspired option, is a testament to the restaurant's creativity and willingness to offer unique and exciting options to its patrons.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
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4. Sherry’s Restaurant
Family-owned since 1974, uses local ingredients

Sherry's Restaurant is a well-loved establishment in North Philly, known for its exceptional service and tasty food. The atmosphere is cozy and casual, making it a popular spot for locals. While it's not a fine dining experience, it offers a welcoming and comfortable environment for patrons.
The restaurant's friendly staff, including waitress Nanny, are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. From early morning cups of coffee to satisfying late-night meals, Sherry's Restaurant is a go-to place for many. Its commitment to quality and community makes it a worthwhile neighborhood favorite.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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5. Cook and Shaker
Live music on weekends, Karaoke nights, Sports viewing parties

The first paragraph highlights a hidden gem where the staff is consistently friendly and welcoming. The food served is always hot and tastes delicious, and the drinks are equally impressive, receiving a perfect score of 10/10. Moreover, the prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value for the quality of food and service provided.
In the second paragraph, the service is described as fast, friendly, and excellent, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure guests' needs are met. The atmosphere is praised for its beauty, adding to the overall enjoyable dining experience. Overall, the establishment boasts an exceptional level of service and hospitality, making it a must-visit destination.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
6. J&J family restaurant
Home-style cooking since 1950, using original recipes and fresh ingredients

J&J Family Restaurant is a local establishment known for its delicious breakfast offerings and affordable prices. The restaurant is owned by Lee and his family, including his wife and sons. They serve up a popular breakfast platter of scrambled eggs with cheese and turkey sausage. While the atmosphere can be less than desirable at times, the generous portions and tasty food keep customers coming back.
Located near the Allegheny Station in Kensington, J&J Family Restaurant is a family-run business that offers great diner food at even better prices. Their breakfast specials, such as the Pork Special with eggs, bacon, sausages, and home fries, are a steal at $2.99. For those looking for lunch options, the restaurant offers specials starting at just $3.99. Overall, J&J Family Restaurant is a hidden gem in Kensington, providing high-quality food at unbeatable prices.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
7. Kensington Pub in Kensington
Extensive beer list, happy hour specials, and outdoor seating available.

The food at this establishment is truly exceptional, with the pizza standing out as a possible contender for the best in both the surrounding area and the city as a whole. Among the various offerings, the Cobb salad is a popular choice, often enjoyed as a take-home treat for loved ones.
The staff at this establishment are a definite highlight, consistently described as friendly, pleasant, and helpful. Their commitment to providing excellent service is matched by their affordable prices, making for a highly enjoyable dining experience overall.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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8. Cantina la Martina
Family-owned since 1985, Known for homemade mozzarella

The food at this establishment is consistently described as authentic, delicious, and amazing, with a wide variety of options available. Popular choices include margaritas, tacos, ribs, guacamole, esquites, refried beans, plantains, and cheese. Standout dishes that have received high praise from guests include the Mis 3 Amores, which features three chicken drumsticks with different mole sauces, Camaron Suizas enchiladas with red and green cheese sauce, and Mar y Tierra Oaxaqueno, which includes bone marrow and chapulines.
The service at this establishment is highly regarded by patrons for its friendliness, attentiveness, and efficiency. The bartender, in particular, has been noted for their ability to handle multiple parties with ease, ensuring that all guests are well taken care of and receive prompt service throughout their dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Happy Hours
9. Càphê Roasters
Local roastery with a focus on sustainable practices

Opening a restaurant is often presented as a simple task, but in reality, it requires significant effort to stand out from the competition. To succeed, a restaurant must offer an exceptional dining experience, with an inviting atmosphere, comfortable seating, and friendly service, in addition to serving delicious food and drinks.
One example of a unique culinary experience can be found at a J Street cafe, which offers Vietnamese coffee that keeps customers coming back for more. The combination of sweet condensed milk and frothy milk, stirred together behind a long countertop, creates a delicious and visually appealing beverage. Additionally, the use of Vietnamese espresso beans roasted on-site provides a robust and invigorating caffeine kick. These elements come together to create a memorable and enjoyable coffee experience that sets this cafe apart from others.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
10. Koolae Restaurant
Authentic Hawaiian cuisine, Colorful decor creates a fun atmosphere

This location is suitable for a family-friendly store and offers a satisfying breakfast experience. The food and service have been consistently good on my visits, which have occurred several times over the years. My fondness for the establishment is amplified by its proximity to my home.
The breakfast served here is highly rated, featuring standout dishes like grits, scrambled eggs with cheese, and pancakes. Although I've noticed a slight change in the crispiness of their home fries recently, they remain a popular choice. The positive dining experience is occasionally accompanied by the lively atmosphere of people gathering outside the establishment, but they are generally respectful unless engaged. I plan to visit again soon to enjoy the delicious offerings.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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11. New Cambria Restaurant
Cozy atmosphere, family-owned, and serves alcohol

The New Cambria Restaurant is well-known for its excellent customer service and delicious food, making it a popular takeout spot on Kensington Ave. The menu offers a variety of mouthwatering options, including waffles with banana, blueberry muffins, and bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches. Additionally, customers can enjoy perfectly cooked omelettes, chicken, and sandwiches, as well as delicious coffee among its drinks.
Customers can look forward to taste good waffles and other delicious food options at The New Cambria Restaurant. The restaurant's menu also features chicken and sandwiches that are cooked to perfection. Moreover, the restaurant offers a selection of drinks, with coffee being a popular choice among customers. With such a wide variety of options, it is easy to see why The New Cambria Restaurant is a popular takeout spot in the area.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Hidden Gems
12. Vientiane Bistro
Family-owned and operated, uses traditional Lao recipes and ingredients

The service at the establishment is quick, attentive, and provided by a super nice waitstaff. The location itself is cozy and clean, creating a comfortable dining experience for guests.
The food served at the restaurant is generally described as delicious, with reviewers highlighting specific dishes such as the braised pork belly and papaya salad. However, there are some users who express disappointment with the flavor or quality of the food, which did not meet their expectations.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
13. KMA Restaurant
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
14. Table for 3

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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