Core by Clare Smyth: Menus, Dress Code & 3 Michelin Stars

There’s something quietly magnetic about a restaurant that earned three Michelin stars in just four years. Chef Clare Smyth’s Notting Hill home, Core, opened in 2017 and has become a destination for those seeking modern British cuisine at its most refined. This guide covers everything from the tasting menus and pricing to the dress code and booking process, so you can decide if this three-star experience is right for you.

Michelin stars: 3 ·
Location: Notting Hill, London ·
Head chef: Clare Smyth ·
Tasting menu price: £185–£205 ·
Opened: 2017 ·
Seats: ~50

Eight key facts, one pattern: Core by Clare Smyth combines three Michelin stars with a deeply personal commitment to British produce and sustainability — a combination that sets it apart even among London’s finest restaurants.

The table below summarises the restaurant’s core specifications for quick reference.

What is on the Core by Clare Smyth menu?

Core Classics tasting menu

• Seven-course journey featuring signature dishes like “Core-teser” dessert (113 steps) and Portland crab with caviar (Dining With Frankie, a fine dining review site)
• Priced at £185 per person (Janice Rohrssen Blog)
• Canapés include gougère with truffle cream and foie gras tart (Wine-Pages Forum, a wine community)

Core Seasons tasting menu

• Seven-course menu that changes regularly, priced at £205 per person (Michelin Guide)
• Highlights British seasonal produce like Isle of Harris scallops and Herdwick lamb (Core by Clare Smyth official site)
• Wine pairing available from £135 (Travels for Stars, a Michelin-star restaurant blog)

Vegetarian and dietary adaptations

• Vegetarian tasting menu available on request (Janice Rohrssen Blog)
• Allergen and dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice (Core by Clare Smyth official site)

Wine pairing options

• Wine pairing starts at £95 for the shorter menu, £135 for the full tasting experience (Travels for Stars)
• Sommelier-curated selections complement each course (Core by Clare Smyth official site)

The implication: Core’s menu strategy deliberately uses two price points to serve both first‑timers and repeat guests, while the Seasons menu keeps the kitchen creatively agile.

What do customer reviews say about Core by Clare Smyth?

Overall rating and common praise

• Rated 18/20 by a noted restaurant reviewer for “almost uniformly excellent” French‑British cuisine (Travels for Stars)
• Michelin Guide describes the experience as “superb” from welcome to petit fours (Michelin Guide)
• Service consistency is a standout; TripAdvisor ratings place it among London’s top fine‑dining destinations (multiple reviews, aggregated on TripAdvisor, a user‑review platform)

Criticisms and areas for improvement

• Some guests note the price is high but justified by quality and presentation (Travels for Stars)
• Limited flexibility for walk‑ins; booking weeks ahead is often necessary (Janice Rohrssen Blog)

Comparison with other three‑star restaurants

• Unlike many three‑star peers, Core maintains a relaxed, unstuffy atmosphere (Michelin Guide)
• Its focus on British ingredients is more pronounced than at many French‑led three‑star competitors (Core by Clare Smyth official site)

Why this matters: Core earns top marks for execution and ambiance, but the price ceiling and booking friction mean it’s primarily a special‑occasion venue for most Londoners.

What is the dress code at Core by Clare Smyth?

Recommended attire for men

• Jackets are encouraged but not required (Visit London, the official tourism guide)
• Collared shirts and smart trousers are standard; ties are optional (Core by Clare Smyth official site)

Recommended attire for women

• Cocktail dresses, smart jumpsuits, or elegant separates are common (Visit London)
• Smart flats or low heels are acceptable; stilettos not necessary (Core by Clare Smyth official site)

Footwear and accessories

• Clean, polished leather shoes or smart loafers for men (Visit London)
• A cloakroom is available for coats and bags (Core by Clare Smyth official site)

What not to wear

• Trainers, ripped jeans, and casual sportswear are discouraged (Core by Clare Smyth official site)
• Tracksuits, shorts, and flip‑flops are not permitted (Visit London)

The catch: the dress code is smart‑casual to formal — less rigid than some three‑star restaurants, but still a clear step above everyday wear. Men who skip a jacket are unlikely to be turned away, but will feel underdressed.

How to book a table at Core by Clare Smyth?

Online booking via official website

• Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance on the official booking portal (Core by Clare Smyth official booking page)
• A credit card is required to secure the reservation (Core by Clare Smyth official booking page)

Phone reservations

• Phone: +44 20 3937 5086 (Core by Clare Smyth official site)
• Phone lines are open during restaurant hours; online booking is preferred (Core by Clare Smyth official booking page)

Availability and lead times

• Tables often release 60 days ahead at 9am London time; popular slots fill within minutes (Janice Rohrssen Blog)
• Lunch and dinner are available; lunch is slightly easier to secure (Core by Clare Smyth official booking page)

Cancellation policy

• Cancellations within 48 hours incur a charge (full fee reported by some guests) (Core by Clare Smyth official booking page)
• No‑show fees are charged per person (Core by Clare Smyth official booking page)

The pattern: Core’s booking process is designed for committed diners. The 48‑hour cancellation penalty and advance‑booking window mean last‑minute impulse visits are rare.

How many Michelin stars does Core by Clare Smyth have?

Timeline of Michelin stars

• First star awarded in October 2018 (Michelin Guide)
• Second star in October 2019 (Michelin Guide)
• Third star in September 2021 (Michelin Guide)

What the stars mean

• Three stars indicate “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey” (Michelin Guide)
• Core is one of only five three‑star restaurants in the UK as of 2025 (Michelin Guide UK)

Other accolades and awards

• 4 AA Rosettes (AA Restaurant Guide, the motoring association’s rating)
• Listed in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants (World’s 50 Best, an industry ranking)

Why this matters: The rapid ascent from zero to three stars in just four years is rare even by Michelin standards. It signals that the kitchen achieves an exceptional level of execution and consistency from the start.

For a diner in London weighing a special‑occasion splurge, the choice is clear: Core by Clare Smyth delivers a three‑star experience with less formality than peers, but the price and booking hurdles mean it’s a once‑in‑a‑while destination — not a regular treat. If you plan 60 days ahead and bring your appetite for British seasonal cooking, the reward is one of the most consistent kitchens in the capital.

For a similarly refined experience, consider The Ritz Afternoon Tea for its own strict dress code and elegant setting.

Frequently asked questions