Something made for Instagram that isn't Jill The Squirrel, avocado burgers or Lady Gaga? We found it, and it's called Restaurant Ours. Tucked behind South Kensington amongst a host of couture-fronted shops, Tom Sellers of Restaurant Story fame is the culinary director at this dining space where 'redical yet refined' food can be found; and we wanted to see if the pitch was to be believed. 

The Venue and Atmosphere

I recently got down on one knee to my boyfriend to ask, beg and plead him to marry me. The success rate was 100%. Now the more-than obvious has happened: I bang on constantly and consistently about the day, how I want plants for bridesmaids, botanical themed invitations and flower crowns, so imagine my damned joy to find a living wall, botany led living room and trees at Restaurant Ours. 

Split between four spaces, the honesty of flora is the theme here: a second floor balcony boasts some of the best in palms, potted plants and chic, green velvet, the private dining room is a charmed space golden and black floral hues, the new terrace space is an ode to all things sweet and garden petite, and the main dining space is home to a beaming, living wall, with fairy-light laced trees interrupting the dining tables. For me, this is the perfect enviroment to eat in. It's simple, it's fresh, it's welcoming and it's supported by a 20-something crowd that can't help but lead Restaurant Ours' Instagram charge thanks to photo opps at every turn.

From the second floor balcony to restaurant space, botany is key at Restaurant Ours.

The Food and Drink

Led to a pea-green corner booth and perfectly placed in front of the open kitchen, we were ready for another show. It was Head chef Jared McCarroll on the pass during our visit, and the staff in both kitchen and dining space had clear fluidity throughout the night, owed to a captain that keeps his ship happy and working. 

Starting with cocktails, Restaurant Ours clearly utilise the land for a menu that's geared to reflect the interiors. My pick was the Dolce Gabbana - Hello at £12. Not only boasting a rich, green glow, this is a must for those after sweet bite with a fragrant twist. Supported by Ketel One, basil, egg white and elderflower, this was the perfect opener and went down with ease. The only problem with the drinks at Restaurant Ours? They don't have time to wait for you. Having chased the Dolce Gabbana down within 5, it was a sharing cocktail that snatched our eye. Presented in an infamous golden pineapple, toppled with fresh flowers, the Brompton Sling at £24 for two turns heads, and not just on appearance. One of the freshest cocktails on the menu, the earl grey tea and lemon verbena infusion alongside Tanqueray Gin creates a fusion of plain-spoken, yet proud flavours.

We'd had our wicked way with the cocktails, and wanted to make sure we didn't skip starters. Ideal for sharing, Restaurant Ours wants to socialise food, and not just in conversation. Picking between us the crab with avocado and apple (£12), the burrata with smoked tomato (£9) and the heritage beetroot with horseradish and raspberries (£9), there were two clear stand-outs. Melt-in-the-mouth isn't just a statement for steak, as we found with the crab. Light in texture and supported by the smooth apple bite, this was some of the silkiest seafood in the building. Also boasting an incredible texture, the mix of heritage beetroot alongside the bite of horseradish created pure, vegetable glamour.

The Dolce Gabbana cocktail is an ode to the botanical interiors of the restaurant. 

Light enough to leave you wanting more, it was time for a main meal of truffle tagliatelle (£21) and medium-rare sirloin (£32) alongside honey-glazed carrots and asparagus. I'm pescatarian, so while the meat was off limits, there's no shortage of delight to be found in the pasta. While plain in appearance, that's the trick with dish. One of the richest plates on the menu, the truffle is delicately infused into the sauce, generating a naughty and nice flavour that would leave you licking plates were you on the sofa at home. The carrots were firm without being tough, and the honey added depth to an already sweet dish. 

My friend Leyya has a sweet tooth that would tear down mountains, so it was only right to close with signature salted caramel doughnuts at £7 (presently aptly in a cutesy, striped paper bag) and a chocolate fondant with ginger and amaretto. Looks don't just do the dishes justice at Restaurant Ours, they polish off the flavour too. Not only did the opening of the bag release an aroma that would happily roll eyes, the gracious goo of the fondant spread across the plate with plight, making you lap up every moment of your closing experience.

The burrata with smoked tomato was a testament to subtle flavours made bold. 

Summary

Seeing is believing at Restaurant Ours: it is a wonderland of botany, it is home to more foliage than you've had hot dinners, it is a wonderland of refined British dishes and it is a wonderland of flavours made ripe. Clearly geared to both experience and palate alike, Restaurant Ours has generated a memorable encounter where inclusion, creativity and delicious dishes go hand in hand... we've got the Instagram pictures to prove it.