Nestled in the Crowne Plaza hotel in the heart of Kensington lies a smart and stylish restaurant offering London diners and hotel guests alike the unique flavours from the South China Sea since 2012. Across the road from Gloucester Road tube station, it makes for a wonderful and relaxing place to dine after a day strolling around the V&A, Natural History Museum or shopping in Harrods.
This slick restaurant takes its inspiration from the practise of Feng Shui which centres around creating harmony through balance. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they’ve named their restaurant after the ‘fifth flavour’, a component vital to many Asian cuisines. In keeping with this theme, diners will find a pleasurable dining experience throughout, with its soft jazz and swing music playing and overall laid-back vibe.
The menu is just as exciting with a range of soups, salads, curries, rice and noodle dishes from the likes of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. Their dishes are also perfectly proportioned for sharing so guests can embark on a culinary adventure with friends and family. Diners can also expect a different experience each time they visit, with a new host of monthly specials to choose from such as beef rendang and udon noodle soup.
Inviting all to their restaurant, Umami aims to help their guests explore one of the world’s most fascinating regions one dish at a time. This experience is bound to be even more fulfilling when diners use their Gourmet Society memberships. By producing their cards upon arrival, they’ll be able to exclusive savings, and can treat themselves to an extra beverage, starter or dessert.