The Best Italian Restaurants In London For An Authentic Taste Of Italy
Nothing beats a hearty bowl of freshly made pasta, period. Sure, you could rustle up your own version of your favourite Italian dish at home, but you know for a fact that it can’t compete with a delicious homemade portion from one of London’s leading Italian restaurants.
From rich ragus and creamy cacio e pepe to indulgent cheese-loaded pizzas, nothing quite compares to an authentic Italian experience, made by some of the finest chefs in the business. Read on for our edit of the best Italian restaurants in London.
Osteria Angelina
Following its success in Dalston, the Italian + Japanese fusion restaurant has now opened shop near Spitalfields. With incredible flavours, carefully considered lineup and tasteful decor, dinner here is set to become one of the hottest reservations for foodies in the know. When you arrive, make sure you order the Shinkjuki Albatross cocktail, with spiced pineapple, Santa Spina & citrus – it’s the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing, you’ll find yourself ordering another.
The must-order dishes are, without a doubt, the hamachi collar along with the tuna crudo. For mains, the whelk risotto with burnt soy butter will live rent-free in your head for years to come. As for dessert? It’s all about the brulee black sesame cheesecake with milk gelato.
where: 1 Nicholls &. Clarke yard, Spitalfields, London e1 6sh
website: www.angelina.london
Babbo
Babbo offers a charming all-day Italian dining experience on St John’s Wood High Street, with a welcoming atmosphere inspired by La Dolce Vita. The menu features a range of signature dishes inspired by secret family recipes passed down from generation to generation. Must-order items include the Lobster Tagliolini and, of course, Tiramisu for dessert. This spot is perfect for a date night or catching up with friends over a few glasses of wine.
Where: 29-31 St John’s Wood High Street, London NW8 7NH
website: www.babborestaurant.co.uk
Locatelli
One of London’s most exciting new Italian restaurants is Locatelli, a lovely spot located in the National Gallery at the Sainsbury Wing. The restaurant brings to life chef Giogio Locatelli’s vision of modern Italian dining, with a menu that’s rooted in authentic Italian tradition and recipes. Save plenty of time for your visit here, this is dining the way the Italians do it – with plenty of time for conversation and lingering over good pasta and fabulous wine.
To start with, don’t miss the Parma ham with pear and aged balsamic vinegar, it’s the perfect summer starter. Veggies will love the handmade stuffed pasta with peas, shallots and shaved summer black truffle, and for meat eaters, the tagliatelle, beef and pork ragout with parmesan cheese is excellent. To end, you won’t be able to resist the selection of maritozzi, best enjoyed with a quick espresso. A great spot to stop by for lunch in between a visit to the National Gallery or one of those days when you’re up and about in Trafalgar Square, we love that Locatelli pays attention to the details and serves an exquisite Italian feast.
where: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London
website: www.locatelliatnationalgallery.co.uk
Marcella
A mere 10-minute train ride from London Bridge, Marcella is the definition of a neighbourhood gem. Sitting on Deptford’s pretty High Street, the vibe is unfussy and warm, enhanced by their lovely staff. With a seasonal menu full of fresh, picture-perfect dishes, it is the ultimate cool, effortless spot for a date or a lively dinner with friends. The drinks are equally impressive, featuring a thoughtful wine list and spot-on classics. Do not leave without trying the Frangelico Sour, a real standout, mixing smooth, nutty notes with a tart, bright finish.
I tried their set Sunday menu and it did not disappoint. The Ox tongue and kale tempura started the show off strong, followed by a creamy pasta, which I was super excited to try, as pasta’s what Marcella is known for.
Imogen, Graphic Designer
where: 165A Deptford High St, London SE8 3NU
website: www.searcys.co.uk
Paper Moon
Established in Milano in 1977, the high-end Italian restaurant brings authentic Italian cuisine in the most beautiful setting, featuring olive trees, greenery, terracotta colours and travertine marble.
House favourites include beef and tuna tartare and Mediterranean monkfish, to traditional parmigiana and fresh homemade pappardelle and ravioli.
As for the menu, you can expect an array of delicious Antipasti, Primi and Secondi Piatti, Pizze, Proposte Leggere, and Dessert. House favourites include beef and salmon tartare and Mediterranean octopus, to traditional parmigiana and fresh homemade pappardelle and ravioli. For something a bit special, we’d also recommend the Linguine with Homarus lobster, datterini tomatoes and bisque sauce to share.
where: The OWO, 7 Horse Guards Avenue, SW1A 2EX
Website: www.papermoonrestaurants.com
Murano
If you’re anything like us, you want to try as much of the menu as possible. And at Murano, you can. The Michelin-star restaurant brought to you by Angela Hartnett is nestled in the heart of Mayfair and offers humble Italian cooking with flair. The menu offers 3 – 6 courses, and the chefs will tailor your portion size based on how many courses you’d like, allowing you to sample as much as possible without overindulging. Dishes range from artichoke barigoule to braised oxtail ragu to olive oil pommes purée.
where: 20 QUEEN STREET MAYFAIR, LONDON W1J 5PP
website: www.muranolondon.com
Tavolino
Meaning ‘small table’ in Italian, this neighbourhood Italian restaurant and bar boasts some of the best views overlooking Tower Bridge. Split across two floors, the restaurant provides the perfect stop-off point if you’re after something comforting and authentic after a stroll along the Thames.
Changing seasonally, the menu focuses on freshly made bread, pasta and gnocchi, all of which are made upstairs in the kitchen every day. Pull up a pew at the bar and enjoy a tipple or two, before sinking into the banquette seats for a meal to remember.
where: 2 More London Riverside, SE1 2DB
website: www.tavolino.co.uk
Eataly
From kitchen cupboard essentials to grab-and-go lunch options, where else would you go to get your Italian fix than Eataly?
Located just outside Liverpool Street, Eataly has become a commuter’s dream destination for quick lunches or business meetings. Downstairs is reserved for takeaway bites to eat, as well as providing the space to grab fresh pasta and sauces for an easy dinner, while upstairs is home to its three in-house restaurants, wine cellar and store cupboard necessities.
In the words of Eataly themselves, Italy has never been so close…
where: 135 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3YD
website: www.eataly.co.uk
The Italian Greyhound
Hidden away on Seymour Street at the Marble Arch end of Marylebone, The Italian Greyhound pegs itself as a neighbourhood dining room and that’s exactly what it is. Think homely dishes such as burrata with saffron pear, sesame & honeycomb, served by friendly Italian-speaking hosts within aesthetically beautiful yet rustic interiors. From Squid ink agnolotti with prawns, vodka lobster sauce to whole grilled seabass, the delicious variety is sure to satisfy. Perfetto.
Saturday brunches in London were quickly becoming monotonous – there are only so many ways one can eat an egg! The Italian Greyhound’s scarpetta concept is a must, bringing the best of Italian dining to the morning, at once cosy and familiar and fabulously elevated. The warm vibes are pitch perfect for a tipsy girly catch up – I will definitely be back.
Flora, Senior Brand Partnerships Executive
where: 62 Seymour St, London W1H 5BN
website: www.theitaliangreyhound.co.uk/
Spagnoletti
With its theatrical open kitchen, this buzzing restaurant serves great Italian food that’s all about using imaginative Italian flavours, crafted by the award-winning chef Adam Simmond. Signature dishes on the menu include a lovely tuna tartare with blood orange dressing, a sinful truffle rigatoni and the crowd favourite T-bone steak. The interiors are vibrant and stylish and invite long lunches with plenty of chatter over classic Italian cuisine.
where: 23 Euston Road, London, NW1 2SD
website: www.spagnoletti.co.uk
TOZI Victoria
Offering both lunch and dinner, TOZI is the place to go to find authentic Italian dishes in the heart of London. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, TOZI’s menu has been carefully created by Chef Maurilio, taking inspiration from the Venetian casual dining tradition.
Some standout menu items include black truffle buffalo ricotta ravioli, duck and girolles ragout maccheroni and pistachio tiramisù.
Our restaurant is a lively place to come and share great value Italian food with friends and family for any occasion.
where: 8 Gillingham St, Pimlico, London SW1V 1HJ
Website: www.tozirestaurant.co.uk
La Trattoria
If it’s a date night destination you’re after, La Trattoria is a must-visit. Open from breakfast through to dinner, bringing a signature Italian flair to the table.
Located inside The Pelham, the hotel’s signature eccentric interiors seep into the restaurant, boasting striking red and white striped walls and colourful artwork throughout.
Menu highlights include pan-fried prawns, chilli, garlic & bisque; Creamy risotto with delica pumpkin cream and gorgonzola; poached cod fillet, capers, olives, crispy focaccia, lemon sauce; and a 16-hour slow-cooked British Angus beef cheek with mashed potatoes, red wine reduction, caramelised shallots and baby carrots.
where: 15 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, SW7 2LA
website: www.collezione.starhotels.com
Sale e Pepe
For authentic, traditional, and top-quality Italian in Knightsbridge, Sale e Pepe is your best bet. First opened in 1974, it has become a staple in West London, serving up fresh pasta and friendly service.
Their pasta and tiramisu are first-rate, but we also especially recommend the Dover sole for the main and beef tartare as a starter – it doesn’t get much better than this.
where: 9-15 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0HD
website: saleepepe.co.uk
Theo Randall at the InterContinental
The renowned chef launched the restaurant back in 2006, and since then, his commitment to delivering rustic produce-driven Italian food continues to flourish. With a menu changing monthly, inspired by none other than Theo’s road trips around Italy, you know you’re in good hands. It’s Italian fare at its finest.
Where: InterContinental, 1 Hamilton Place, Mayfair, W1J 7QY
Website: www.theorandall.com
Trullo
A local favourite since opening its doors in 2010, Trullo is home to the finest seasonally focused, Italian-inspired menu. With dishes changing daily, the menu always boasts something new, different and vibrant.
Located in Highbury East, Trullo’s interiors are simple, with a mix of industrial thrown in. Handmade fresh pasta is a menu staple, whatever the season, alongside heroes changing dishes freshly prepared from their very own charcoal grill.
Where: 300-302 St Paul’s Road, Highbury East, N1 2LH
Website: www.trullorestaurant.com
Norma
One of the prettiest restaurants we’ve laid eyes on, Norma London is one of our favourites. Located on Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, the contemporary Italian is inspired by the food, culture and vibrancy of Sicily.
Drawing influence from the grand café culture found in Sicily, expect to uncover buckets of charm, from the old-school hospitality through to the booth tables and rustic menu.
Look forward to dishes such as buratta with seasonal grilled fruit & a sweet pistachio pesto; slow-cooked beef with purple potato purée and salsa verde; pork belly with pistachio pangrattato, rose harissa beans; crab taglioni, and ‘Norma’-style aubergine parmigana.
where: 8 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 2LS
website: www.normalondon.com
Bocconcino
Fine dining Italian delights at their best, Bocconcino boasts two London locations and caters to all of your carby desires.
Serving up beautiful interiors and traditional Italian cuisine, expect all of the classics from moreish antipasti to Roman-style thin-crust pizzas. Don’t skip dessert – we can’t resist a slice of the tiramisù with indulgently whipped mascarpone cream.
where: mayfair & soho
website: www.bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk
Eco Restaurants
If you’re after a traditional, family-run restaurant, look to Clapham’s Eco Restaurants. Established in 1993, this award-winning pizzeria has become a firm favourite with SW locals, serving up delicious and authentic sourdough pizzas.
Order for the table and opt for the Caprese, chilli prawns and antipasto meats platter, before choosing your pizza of choice. Topped with organic tomato sauce, made using the finest Italian tomatoes, go spicy with the four seasons, featuring ham, artichoke, mushrooms and olives or make your own to suit your cravings.
where: 162 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UG
website: www.ecorestaurants.com
Carlotta
Another restaurant in the Big Mamma Group franchise, Carlotta only opened up in 2023 but quickly became the must-visit destination for dreamy interiors and Italian cuisine.
The restaurant celebrates those who set up little corners of Italy in countries around the world, including America. Expect a mix of Neapolitan and Sicilian classics, with a few American twists added for good measure. The pistachio wedding cake tiramisu is a table essential.
where: 77-78 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5JX
website: www.bigmammagroup.com
Padella
Simple, affordable and delicious, Padella ticks all of the right boxes when it comes to dining out in London. Whether you’re after a cosy, carb-filled date night destination or you’re catching up with friends, Padella is always a good idea. Plus, with a new Soho location set to open this April, snagging a table is about to get a little easier.
Once you’ve secured your stall, order your pasta of choice. From fettuccine with Cobble Lane cured nduja, mascarpone and lemon to pappardelle with eight-hour cooked Dexter beef shin ragu, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
where: shoreditch & Borough Market
website: www.padella.co
Legare
A Bermondsey favourite, Legare is the neighbourhood Italian you’ll instantly want to add to your growing restaurant bucket list.
Located just a short stroll from Tower Bridge, Legare’s menu is regularly changing, boasting seasonal antipasti and pasta that’s made daily by hand. Expect catch of the day, carby pasta and more.
where: Cardamom Building, 31G Shad Thames, Bermondsey, SE1 2YR
website: www.legarelondon.com
Gloria
From the brilliant Parisian bar and restaurant group, Big Mamma Group’s Gloria is home to granny chic interiors and stunning food. Pro tip: make sure you try the pasta dipped in a melted cheese wheel at the table – you will not regret it.
Big Mamma Group is home to a few foodie favourites, including Circolo Popolare. The Fitzrovia restaurant came onto the scene back in 2019, bringing with it 20,000 bottles of spirits lining the walls, as well as floral vines draped from corner to corner and a whopping 280 covers
where: 54-56 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3QR
website: www.bigmammagroup.com
Mucci’s
From the moment you step inside Mucci’s, you know you’re in for a good time. The vibrant blue exteriors welcome guests in, with a beautiful outside area that’s perfect for those alfresco summer moments, while the inside boasts clean design and elegant decor.
Designed to be shared, the menu boasts classic and modern Italian dishes. Order a selection from the cicchetti menu, from burrata to zucchini fritti, tagliatelle bolognese to Chicken Milanese served with lamb’s lettuce and parmesan.
The bar, home to an illuminated marble counter, serves up spectacular cocktails and Italian gins and houses one of the largest selections of Japanese whiskeys in London.
where: 442 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW10 0LQ
website: www.muccisrestaurant.co.uk
The Franklin Restaurant
The Franklin Restaurant serves up modern Piedmont cuisine. The menu focuses on simplicity, slotted alongside sophistication and seasonal ingredients.
The interiors really speak for themselves, featuring Venetian églomisé mirrors and grey velvet decor. With just 30 covers, this is the perfect space for an intimate date night or get-together with friends.
where: 24 Egerton Gardens, Knightsbridge, SW3 2DB
website: www.collezione.starhotels.com
Monmouth Kitchen
Bridging the gap between Italian and contemporary Peruvian tapas, Monmouth Kitchen is a gorgeous restaurant slotted in the heart of our favourite London spot, Seven Dials.
Boasting 106 covers, the restaurant can be found serving up the best of Peruvian cuisine, mixed with Italian flavours. Fall in love with crispy peppered calamari, spicy nduja salam pizza with soft cream cheese, pecorino, and truffle tortellini, and crispy-skinned sea bass fillets with warm San Marzano tomatoes, avocado, and olives.
where: 20 Mercer Street, Seven Dials, WC2H 9HD
website: www.thekitchensrestaurants.co.uk
Azzurra
Championing the best seafood from the British Isles with the simplicity of Italian cooking, Azzurra is part of the Aqua Restaurant Group and is inspired by acclaimed restaurateur David Yeo’s travels across Italy and Sicily.
The menu, as you would expect, focuses on fresh seafood, with dishes such as red prawn with herb dressing; seabream carpaccio, homemade potato gnocchi with caciucco sauce & seafood; and grilled rump of lamb.
where: 127-128 Sloane Street, SW1X 9AS
website: www.azzurrarestaurant.co.uk
Lina Stores
It’s no secret that London has fallen in love with Lina Stores’ story and its signature pistachio-hued design since arriving way back in 1944, and years later we’re all still intoxicated with their authenticity and charm.
Now boasting various locations across the capital, this traditional Italian restaurant specialises in homemade pasta, cured meats and cheeses. Enjoy dishes such as pumpkin ravioli with pine nuts and basil; tuna crudo, capers, and pink peppercorn; and Sicilian cannolo.
where: Various Locations
website: www.linastores.co.uk
Luca
From its stunning covered terrace to its Michelin star status, Luca puts a spotlight on ingredients from around the British Isles and Italy.
Tucked away in Clerkenwell, the space is beautifully decked out, complete with red leather banquette seating, exposed brickwork and atmospheric lighting. The menu doesn’t disappoint either, with highlights including roast Orkney scallops with Jerusalem artichoke and ‘nduja; ravioli with prawns, bay muscles, and blood orange; and Hereford beef fillet, Jerusalem artichoke, pickled walnut and confit garlic.
where: 88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH
website: www.luca.restaurant
Bancone
On a mission to bring Londoners high-quality, yet affordable pasta, Bancone, the Italian favourite with branches in the heart of Soho, Borough and Covent Garden.
The restaurant serves up modern classics predominantly from Italy, but they also grab inspiration from Europe.
The restaurant serves up modern classics predominantly from Italy, but they also grab inspiration from Europe and a little further afield, adding a modern twist on your typical Italian classics.
where: various locations
website: www.bancone.co.uk
Cafe Murano
Located in the heart of St James’s, Bermondsey, and Covent Garden, you’ll find Angela Hartnett’s foodie empire, Cafe Murano.
The menus pride themselves on being small, but well thought-out to really bring you the best of Italian culture.
The menus pride themselves on being small but well thought-out to really bring you the best of Italian culture. You’ll soon be munching through Italian favourites, including Chicken Milanese and salt cod fritters, parmesan, and lemon, as well as tucking into mouth-watering homemade pasta with rich, buttery sauces.
where: Various Locations
website: www.cafemurano.co.uk
Cecconi’s
As if you needed any more of an excuse to visit The Ned, Cecconi’s is one of the finest Italian restaurants in the city. Home to rouge velvet interiors and a stunning bar lining the centre of the restaurant, Cecconi’s is an all-day Venetian brasserie, celebrating northern Italian dishes.
If you’re a fan, they also boast sister restaurants all over the world, from New York to Barcelona, Berlin to Miami.
where: The Ned, 27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
website: www.thened.com
Bocca Di Lupo
For a stripped-back, honest approach to Italian dining, look to Bocco Di Lupo, the Soho favourite created by Jacob Kenedy and Victor Hugo.
Despite being a Soho haunt, the restaurant prides itself on being a family business and a small trattoria at heart.
Despite being a Soho haunt, the restaurant prides itself on being a family business and a small trattoria at heart. Each dish on the menu shows which region of Italy it stems from, and usually offers a small or large option. Choose a few of the smaller plates and share the experience with your fellow diners or go it alone and order in a hero main dish.
where: 12 Archer Street, Soho, W1D 7BB
website: www.boccadilupo.com
Larch by Sky Garden
Located just across from Sky Garden, Larch is the perfect stop-off restaurant to refuel after a morning exploring the city’s highest public garden.
Inspired by traditional Italian trattorias, the menu features familiar dishes of cicchetti, antipasti, pasta and pizza. Must-try items include truffle arancini, king prawn spaghetti, and the burrata e melanzane pizza.
where: 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF
website: www.skygarden.london
Sartori
Bringing Southern Italy to the heart of London is Sartori. Having first opened its doors in 2010, Sartori quickly became the place to go for authenticity. Nowadays, you’ll find them rustling up freshly prepared pizzas and pasta daily.
Even they admit the star of the menu is the pizza offerings.
Even they admit the star of the menu is the pizza offerings. Think stone baked, lashing of fresh tomato sauce and moreish mozzarella.
where: 15 Great Newport Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 7JE
website: www.sartorirestaurant.com
