Italian Restaurants

From wholesome, rustic pasta dishes to tasty pizza, there is something delicious on the menu for everyone in the best of London's Italian restaurants.

London’s Italian restaurant scene is rich and diverse, offering a wide array of experiences from traditional trattorias to contemporary fine dining establishments. Whether you're in the mood for fresh pasta, Neapolitan pizza, or innovative takes on Italian classics, the city has it all. Here are some of the best Italian restaurants in London:

Classic Italian Dining

Locanda Locatelli

Marylebone One of London’s most renowned Michelin-starred Italian restaurants, Locanda Locatelli is run by celebrity chef Giorgio Locatelli. The restaurant is known for its refined yet authentic Italian cuisine, with a focus on dishes from the Lombardy region. Standout menu items include fresh pasta, risottos, and classic meat dishes like roasted lamb. The chic, elegant atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for special occasions or a sophisticated night out.

River Café

Hammersmith A London institution, River Café has been serving authentic, seasonal Italian dishes since 1987. Run by Ruth Rogers, the restaurant focuses on simple yet refined Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The open kitchen and riverside location add to the relaxed but elegant atmosphere. Signature dishes include wood-fired grilled meats, handmade pasta, and vibrant salads, along with their famous chocolate nemesis cake.

Bocca di Lupo

Soho Bocca di Lupo is a bustling Soho trattoria known for its regional Italian dishes, offering a tour of Italy’s culinary diversity. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect delicious antipasti, fresh pasta, and dishes like fritto misto (fried seafood). The restaurant is casual yet stylish, with a lively open kitchen where diners can watch the chefs in action.

L'Anima

Liverpool Street L'Anima is a sophisticated Italian restaurant offering contemporary takes on southern Italian cuisine. The menu emphasizes fresh seafood and handmade pasta, with standout dishes like spaghetti alla chitarra and grilled octopus. The modern, sleek setting makes it a popular spot for business lunches and dinners, as well as special occasions.

Trullo

Islington Located in the heart of Islington, Trullo is a cosy yet sophisticated Italian eatery known for its excellent pasta dishes and charcoal-grilled meats. The menu is seasonal and changes daily, with offerings like tagliarini with truffle butter, slow-cooked lamb, and burrata with seasonal vegetables. Trullo’s relaxed, neighbourhood vibe and commitment to simple, high-quality ingredients make it a favourite among locals.

Pasta Specialists

Padella

Borough Market, Shoreditch Famous for its fresh, handmade pasta and affordable prices, Padella is a must-visit for pasta lovers. The menu is small but perfectly executed, featuring dishes like pici cacio e pepe, tagliarini with nduja, and ravioli stuffed with ricotta and herbs. The Borough Market location often has long queues, but the pasta is worth the wait. The second location in Shoreditch offers a similar, slightly expanded menu.

Bancone

Covent Garden, Soho, Golden Square Bancone is another pasta-focused gem, known for its elegant yet affordable Italian dishes. The restaurant offers a range of fresh pasta, with highlights including silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter, ragu tagliatelle, and spaghettini with brown shrimp. The sleek, modern interiors and excellent menu make Bancone a great spot for a casual but stylish meal.

Pastaio

Soho, Westfield Pastaio is a fun and lively restaurant offering fresh pasta in a more casual, street-food-style setting. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, including classic carbonara, wild mushroom tagliatelle, and slow-cooked sausage with mafaldine. Pastaio is also known for its playful, colourful interiors and affordable prices, making it a favourite for quick, high-quality meals.

Neapolitan Pizza

Franco Manca

Multiple locations Franco Manca has become synonymous with high-quality Neapolitan pizza in London. Known for its sourdough base, Franco Manca serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas with simple yet flavorful toppings like mozzarella, tomato, basil, and high-quality meats. With locations all over the city, it’s an easy, affordable choice for pizza lovers looking for an authentic experience.

Pizza Pilgrims

Multiple locations (Soho, Shoreditch, Covent Garden) Pizza Pilgrims is another favourite for Neapolitan pizza, offering a range of classic and creative toppings. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and served with a soft, chewy crust typical of the Neapolitan style. Their nduja pizza and truffle pizza are particularly popular, and they also offer fun options like Nutella pizza rings for dessert.

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Stoke Newington, Baker Street L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele brings the famed Neapolitan pizzeria from Naples to London. Known for its simple yet perfect pizzas, the London outposts of this historic pizzeria serve just two varieties: margherita and marinara. The pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients and baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, delivering an authentic taste of Naples in the heart of London.

Fine Dining Italian Restaurants

Murano

Mayfair Murano, led by Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett, is a fine-dining Italian restaurant in the heart of Mayfair. The menu is elegant and refined, combining classic Italian flavours with modern British influences. Dishes like lobster agnolotti, slow-cooked veal, and indulgent truffle dishes are beautifully presented, with an extensive menu to match. The restaurant offers both a la carte and tasting menus, making it a top destination for special occasions.

Cecconi’s

Mayfair Cecconi’s is a glamorous, high-end Italian restaurant offering timeless dishes in a luxurious setting. The menu features classic Italian staples like carpaccio, burrata, handmade pasta, and beautifully grilled meats and fish. Located in the heart of Mayfair, Cecconi’s is a favourite among celebrities and locals alike, known for its elegant interiors and impeccable service.

The Petersham

Covent Garden The Petersham is an elegant Italian restaurant within the Petersham Nurseries, known for its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu is inspired by traditional Italian cooking with a contemporary twist, offering dishes like wild mushroom risotto, burrata with figs, and roasted lamb. The restaurant’s stunning, plant-filled interiors and commitment to sustainability add to its appeal, making it a beautiful spot for a refined meal.

Regional and Contemporary Italian

Cacio & Pepe

Covent Garden Cacio & Pepe is a small, intimate restaurant that specializes in the Roman dish of the same name, cacio e pepe (pasta with Pecorino cheese and black pepper). In addition to this signature dish, the restaurant offers a variety of traditional Roman dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, and saltimbocca alla Romana. The no-frills, rustic vibe and focus on quality ingredients make it a great spot for a true taste of Rome.

Artusi

Peckham Artusi is a neighbourhood favourite in Peckham, offering a seasonal Italian menu in a simple, pared-down setting. The menu changes daily and features fresh, seasonal ingredients with dishes like tagliatelle with wild garlic and fresh burrata. Artusi is known for its affordable prices and casual, friendly vibe, making it popular among locals and foodies alike.

Moro

Exmouth Market While not exclusively Italian, Moro draws heavily from Italian and Spanish influences to create a unique Mediterranean menu. The restaurant is known for its inventive dishes and fusion of bold flavours, offering everything from grilled squid to wild mushroom risotto and roasted meats with Middle Eastern spices. Moro’s relaxed, rustic vibe and creative menu make it a standout in London’s Mediterranean dining scene.

Gelato and Italian Desserts

Gelupo

Soho Gelupo is one of London’s best gelaterias, offering a wide range of authentic Italian gelato flavours. From classic pistachio and hazelnut to more inventive flavours like ricotta and sour cherry, Gelupo’s gelato is creamy, smooth, and bursting with flavour. Located in Soho, it’s the perfect spot to grab a sweet treat after a meal.

Venchi

Covent Garden Venchi is an iconic Italian chocolate and gelato brand with locations across Italy and in Covent Garden. Known for its high-quality chocolates and gelato, Venchi offers a variety of decadent treats, including pralines, chocolate bars, and silky-smooth gelato. The gianduiotto gelato, made with hazelnut chocolate, is a must-try for any chocolate lover.

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