
Best Dishes at La Palombe
Grilled Octopus Provençal
MainsTender grilled octopus served with Provençal vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, zucchini) and a bright herb sauce. The octopus is charred on the outside, tender within. The Provençal preparation brings acidity and freshness. This is the seafood highlight of the menu.
Rabbit Ballotine
MainsA skilled presentation of rabbit—boned and rolled around black pudding filling, then cooked gently. The rabbit is delicate and gamey, the black pudding adds richness and blood-forward depth. Served with fresh seasonal vegetables. This is fine bistro cooking with swagger.
Confit Duck Leg
MainsA classic bistro dish done with precision. The duck leg is cooked low and slow until the meat falls from the bone, while the skin crisps during finishing. Served with a Basque-influenced sauce and potatoes. Reviewers note the balance between crispy and tender, and the boldness of flavor.
Paris-Brest
DessertThe classic French pastry—a ring of choux dough baked until crisp, filled with whipped hazelnut cream and topped with praline. It's light, nutty and refined. The contrast between the crisp pastry and creamy filling is essential. A timeless dessert done right.
Mackerel Rillettes
StartersA silky spread made from shredded cooked mackerel mixed with herbs and bound with clarified butter. Intense, briny and boldly flavored. Served with warm toast. It's a classic French preparation done with care and generous seasoning.
About La Palombe
La Palombe opened in 2023 in Kensington, founded by restaurateur James Chiavarini and chef patron Jake Leach (formerly head chef at three-Michelin-starred The Ledbury). The restaurant draws inspiration from southwest France—the Pyrenees and Basque Country—serving classical French bistro food with bold flavors and strong technique. It earned recognition from the Michelin Guide as a neighbourhood bistro worth seeking out.
Top 5 dishes at La Palombe:
- Grilled Octopus Provençal – 88% recommended(Signature)
- Rabbit Ballotine – 85% recommended(Signature)
- Confit Duck Leg – 87% recommended(Signature)
- Paris-Brest
- Mackerel Rillettes
Details
- Cuisine:
- French
- Price Range:
- £££
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Reservations
Hours
- Friday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Monday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Tuesday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Thursday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM
La Palombe feels like a place that's been around for decades—it has that sense of permanence. Book ahead on weekends but weekday lunch is usually easier to get.
The wine list focuses on French classics with some interesting lesser-known producers. Ask for a recommendation to match your main.
The menu changes with seasons to support sustainable farming practices. Check what's seasonal when you visit.
Jake Leach trained at The Ledbury under Éric Chavot. The technical precision and confidence in the cooking reflects his pedigree.
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