14 of the Best Italian Restaurants in London

If you’re looking for a slice of La Dolce Vita without leaving the country, check out our pick of the top spots for authentic Italian food in London, as chosen by an Italian. You can’t get much more authentic than that… Buon appetito!

Il Pampero, Belgravia

Hidden below street level in the swishy Hari Hotel, stepping into Il Pampero feels like stepping back into to a bygone era of Italian glamour, all white tablecloths, deep green furnishings, low lighting and charming Italian waiters. It’s elegant without being ostentatious, and the leather-clad window booths add an important touch of cosiness (perfect for a date). The glamorous central bar is irresistible for a classic Italian aperitivo (beware the deliciously strong Negroni) before sitting down to a feast of antipasti that include beef carpaccio with generous shavings of black truffle and surprisingly moreish fried scamorza (smoked cheese) bites served on a bed of radicchio with balsamic vinegar.

With pasta made fresh on-site, it’s impossible to resist in its various incarnations on the menu. The highlight is undoubtedly the tonnarelli cacio e pepe dish, prepared in a parmesan wheel that’s rolled out to your table on a trolley for extra panache. You’ll find some more unusual pasta dishes on the menu too which are well worth a gander – but keep a bit of space for the veal Milanese, so large that it practically bursts out of the plate, giving Cecconi’s a real run for their money. A very special restaurant – it gets 5* from us. 20 Chesham Place, London SW1

TRY: Whatever the maître d’ recommends – he really does know best.

Al Dente, Fitzrovia

Understated from the outside, understated on the inside, but the food is as rich as you’d imagine it would be in any little eatery on any gloriously old cobbled street in Italy. Al Dente, a mere stone’s throw from Goodge Street Station, is a warm and intimate authentic Italian restaurant which might easily be missed due to the sheer amount of commotion on the street it sits on, but it oughtn’t be. Sit by the window overlooking the hubbub or by the contemporary black metal communal table in the centre of the floor where cutlery and napkins are pulled out from the draws below, a unique addition, and start your meal by ordering a plate of bruschetta to share. Fresh cherry tomatoes chopped onto crispy bread + a basket of homemade olive focaccia + olive oil = an easy-to-scoff-down light start to the meal. All this, with the atmosphere aided by the laughs and conversations of fellow happy diners, sets a laidback, fun tone for an after-work meal with friends. After enjoying a glass of wine as recommended by your waitor, choose your pasta carefully – the portions are large and each dish offers a different taste of Italy. We recommend the seafood linguine for fish-eaters, featuring thick fresh pasta accompanied by clams, mussels, prawns and more. For non-meat eaters and truffle lovers, choose the tortelli. Oodles of cream, lashings of authentic parmesan, and the smell of truffle oil wafting up into your nose makes this dish a feast for all the senses. Especially the taste sense. If you’ve got room for pudding, you must try a cannoli, before taking a final glass of wine out onto the seats on the street to watch the world go by as you sip a taste of Italy in the middle of bustling London. 51 Goodge Street, Fitzrovia W1T 1TG. By Kerri Stolerman

Padella, London Bridge

No Italian restaurant list would be complete without the legendary Padella, know for its standout homemade pasta dishes, tiny prices and gigantic queues. The menu features a handful of simple antipasti and ten pasta dishes, with everything from the simple-but-perfect tagliarini with slow-cooked tomato sauce to a more experimental chicken liver, sage and marsala pappardelle dish. The ingredients, flavours and flair are undoubtedly Italian, but with a smattering of the best of British (it is around the corner from Borough Market, after all) – Cobble Lane Cured ‘nduja and salami are made in London, and ravioli are stuffed with Neal’s Yard ricotta.

But the big question is this: is it really worth the three-hour wait? The answer is a resounding yes. Since opening, Padella has never been queue-less, and the wait only adds to the excitement and anticipation of it all. It’s become a ritual, even. Arrive early, leave your phone number and go exploring for a couple of hours – it’s the perfect excuse for a leisurely stroll around the area (local pub crawl, anyone?) before sitting down to a well-deserved plate or three of steaming hot, delicious pasta. Perfetto! 6 Southwark St, London SE1

TRY: The summer version of Padella’s famous Cacio e Pepe – the fabulous Pici with Marjoram, Golden Garlic and Lemon

Popolo, Shoreditch

Though not traditional, Popolo is undoubtedly one of the most exciting Italian restaurants to come to London. Drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and Moorish cuisine, Jon Lawson has created an array of fusion dishes which even the most die-hard Italian would be proud of. Following the trend for small ‘sharing plates’, the restaurant is best experienced sitting at the counter looking into the open kitchen and ordering just about everything from the menu – this is not an exaggeration, practically everything is a ‘hero dish’.

Pasta is hand rolled for every service, ingredients are fresh and packed with flavour, and the natural wines come from small producers. So far, so Italian. But then the grilled octopus comes on a bed of smoky baba ghanoush, the fried olives are served with chickpeas and labne, and there’s a beautiful aubergine tempura with tahini, pistachio and pomegranate. The pasta dishes are more classic but no less stunning – especially the pork cheek agnolotti in silky porcini butter. This is the kind of food that will stay on your mind long after you’ve left… 26 Rivington Street, London EC2

TRY: Everything.

Bocca di Lupo, Soho

What do you get when you combine the honest and delicious food of an Italian trattoria with the fizzy, sophisticated atmosphere of the London restaurant scene? Something rather close to perfection – AKA, Soho’s Bocca di Lupo. Whether nibbling on small plates at the bar (highly recommended) or seated at the chef’s table, an evening at Bocca is always fun, just as eating out in town should be. Having won numerous accolades since opening in 2008, it remains one of the best restaurants for Italian dining in London with its ever-changing menu that brings you the best of Italy’s highly distinctive regional specialities.

Take a culinary trip around the country in one sitting with Roman fried olives, mozzarella and sage leaves, before heading north for your pasta (the Ligurian spaghetti with clams, chilli, garlic and parsley are a classic) and then right down to Puglia for a mixed meat grill. With everything available as a small or a large plate, you can sample it all – perfect for the proper foodies among you. Finish it off with an espresso before heading out into the night. 12 Archer Street, London W1

TRY: The divine chilled raw tomato soup with burrata – beats Gazpacho anyday.

Macellaio RC, South Kensington

One for the meat lovers. Macellaio means ‘butcher’ in Italian, and that’s exactly what the South Kensington restaurant looks like upon entry. Focusing on the quality of their ingredients (as all good Italians do), the food at Macellaio is simple, but hits the spot every time. Do it Italian family lunch-style by ordering a ‘tagliere’ (wooden board) of mixed Italian charcuterie and cheeses for the table, and a great big Fiorentina steak and some salads for all to share, all washed down with lots of red wine. The tagliatelle al ragù are the best we’ve had this side of Bologna – best to get one each. 84 Old Brompton Road, London SW7

TRY: An interesting variety of offals, including testicles, if you dare.

Daphne’s, Chelsea

Classic upmarket spot Daphne’s is a Chelsea institution, serving up seasonal Italian dishes with flair. The menu balances staunchly Italian recipes with ingredients befitting the postcode, especially come autumn with tagliatelle, risotto and veal covered in shavings of the finest white truffle. The veal and wild boar ragus are hearty, decadent and authentic, while lighter ‘fashionable’ dishes such as yellowtail sashimi with yuzu and tuna avocado tartare exhibit the excellence of ingredients used. Don’t miss the veal cutlet Milanese, accompanied by a stack of skinny deep-fried zucchini chips. This is the perfect place to try something a little different such as Sicilian-inspired chargrilled swordfish with caponata, or the calves liver with smoked pancetta and cipolline – at Daphne’s you can’t go wrong. 112 Draycott Avenue, London SW3

TRY: The scallops are huge, juicy and an absolute a must.

 

Lina Stores Restaurant & Deli, Soho

Our first piece of advice about Lina Stores is to book ahead. Before walking inside we overheard the manager explain to two hopeful diners they’d have to wait 45 minutes for seats (and hearing them eagerly accept), giving the impression this was going to be a dining experience worth waiting for (which turned out to be true). The restaurant is split in two, the downstairs a dimly lit space where friends come together to share pasta plates and couples come to indulge before waddling home from the heart of Soho. The upper level is packed without being uncomfortable, cosy and intimate. If you’re lucky nab the best seat in the house: on the bar right in front of the chefs. From here you can see how quickly the delicious dishes are churned out, which the waiters then whisk away to hungry, anticipating guests.

Lina Stores offers the perfect blend of Italian and English luxury, not overdone or pretentious – the warmth of the manager makes you feel part of the family rather than just an in-and-out diner. The menu works best for sharing dishes, with two antipastis and two or three mains recommended. Start with the Aubergine Polpette & San Marzano Tomato dish, essentially a meatball stuffed with sliced aubergine instead of meat. Also the Stracciatella, Ferrandina Baked Olives, Caperberries & Crostini mopped up with a few slices of bread (listen to the waiters when they tell you to ‘never say to no bread at an Italian restaurant’). For mains, be sure to order the Double Ravioli, Minted Courgette & Parmesan Cream. The whole meal, paired with a few glasses of Italian rosé, is a taste sensation. Visit once, and you’ll be hooked.

The Lina Stores Delicatessen on Brewer Street – where the fresh pasta served in the restaurant is created – is also well worth a visit. What began as a deli for the local Italians soon grew to be known by all the pasta-lovers of London, selling authentic Italian pasta, meats, cheeses, chutneys and our favourite: White Truffle Honey. Lina Stores Restaurant: 51 Greek St Soho, London W1D 4EH and Lina Stores Deli: 18 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 0SH

TRY: The Agnolotti Verdi, Black Truffle & Ricotta: the restaurant’s most famous and sought-after dish. Prior to trying, the manager explained we’d be dreaming about it long after the visit. It’s the day after, and we can confirm this theory. Review by Kerri Stolerman

MORE FOOD: The Best New Restaurants in London

Anima e Cuore, Camden Town

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Italy is discovering one of those tiny, unassuming eateries hidden away in the backstreets that makes the most wonderful food. Anima e Cuore is one such discovery – but in Camden Town. Since being ‘discovered’ by Time Out a few years ago, the 22-cover restaurant has become wildly popular, an issue made worse by the lack of a website and an unpredictable phoneline. Yet this only adds to its authenticity, and makes finally sitting down for your meal that much sweeter. Innovative starters such as tuna tartare with cucumber sorbet are served alongside classic pasta dishes like truffle taglierini and classic Bolognese ragu – all presented beautifully by waiters whose passion is palpable as they explain each dish. BYOB, and no corkage! Our resident Italian’s top pick. 129 Kentish Town Road, London NW1. Call: 020 7267 2410

TRY: Whichever ravioli they’re making fresh that day, and their homemade ice cream for dessert.

Oval Restaurant at The Wellesley, Knightsbridge

The uber elegant restaurant at The Wellesley is a great place for a special occasion supper, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when you can enjoy exquisite Italian food accompanied by the smooth sounds of live jazz. Is there a better combination? Each dish is beautifully constructed with the finest ingredients. Of particular note are the tartare starters – both the smoked tuna tartare with crispy duck egg yolk and avocado puree, and the beef with Norcia truffle are exceptional. The pasta dishes distinguish themselves thanks to the introduction of unusual ingredients such as saffron, green apple and lime to complement more traditional Italian flavours. If you can’t decide, go for the tasting menu which showcases Oval’s best. The after-supper treats served in a lacquer Cohiba box add an extra sparkle to a memorable evening. 11 Knightsbridge, London SW1

TRY: A cigar in the legendary Cigar Room.

Radici, Islington

Islington is one of the hottest areas in London right now, so it’s only fitting that it is packed with plenty of cool restaurants. One such restaurant is Radici, the newest Italian from top chef Francesco Mazzei – only this time, it’s rather more affordable. The restaurant lies across from the Almeida Theatre meaning it’s a hub for the area’s cultured crowd who chat away in the swanky but down-to-earth surroundings.

One of the few places to serve equally excellent pizza and pasta, the concise menu is a little more creative than most and heavily inspired by Southern Italy with Tropea onion and tuna, and Sicilian aubergine and ricotta pizzas which are rarely found elsewhere. With a Margherita pizza at only £8, you can afford to try a few different plates – order a few cicchetti then the burrata tortelli (heavenly) and homely taglierini with beans and pancetta. And leave space for dessert (especially the marsala tiramisu). 30 Almeida Street, London N1

TRY: The zucchini fritti are some of the best in town.

Cecconi’s, Mayfair

Cecconi’s has become a London institution, attracting the glitzy crowd from far and wide all searching for a slice of old-school Italian glamour. The establishment was opened just off Savile Row in 1978 by Enzo Cecconi, the youngest-ever general manager of the renowned Cipriani in Venice, finally bringing Londoners fresh and authentic Italian food. It’s remained a magnet for celebrities and international royalty through the years, drawn by the theatrics and grandeur of the restaurant reminiscent of Cecconi’s original vision. With its plush bottle-green furnishings and beautiful central bar, nibble on some cicchetti while sipping a legendary Bellini or Negroni. The vitello tonnato is one of the best, while the Veal Milanese (pictured above) is unrivalled. For a more affordable option, go for the set lunch menu. 5A Burlington Gardens, Mayfair, London W1

TRY: Fried calamari with lemon aioli that’ll take you right back to the shores of the Amalfi Coast.

Made you hungry? Check out our Food & Drink page for more…

Mercante at Sheraton Grand London, Mayfair

Head Chef at Mercante is the young and highly talented Davide D’Ignazio, who has come straight from some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Rome. His menu pulls together dishes from all over Italy, allowing guests to broaden their understanding of Italian food with plates such as Panzanella (a fresh salad using bread), ox tongue and Gnocchi all’ortica (nettle gnocchi) which one rarely comes across. Taking inspiration from the bustling markets of Naples, Rome and Venice, the menu changes regularly and seasonally, often showcasing unusual regional specialities and ingredients. The restaurant is comprised of a large dining room, perfect for groups of family and friends to enjoy a big, jovial meal in true Italian style without the Mayfair price tag or stuffiness. Sheraton Grand London, Piccadilly, London W1

TRY: The duck ravioli with Amarone wine reduction.

Passo, Old Street

Passo is a lively and effortlessly cool restaurant and café in the heart of trendy Old Street. Head Chef Massimiliano Iaquinoto cuts quite a dash with his long dark hair, piercings and tattoos from behind the flames of the open kitchen as he masterfully combines the best hand-selected Italian ingredients. With pizza and pasta dough made fresh on-site daily, authenticity of flavour is the order of the day. Best enjoyed with a large group of friends, plenty of plates to share and free-flowing wine, this is the kind of restaurant you’ll return to time and time again, and not only for the Truffle 3 Ways Pizza (it’s as amazing as it sounds). Burrata and zucchini chips cooked alla scapece and typical of Campania beautifully accompany Roman fried artichokes to start, while Tagliatelle with generous shavings of fresh truffle are well worth the £17 price tag. 80 City Road, London EC1

TRY: You absolutely must try the Orecchiette with octopus ragout, lemon thyme and olives – a beautiful combination which will make you nostalgic for summers on the Amalfi Coast.

Know an Italian restaurant that we’ve missed? Let us know your recommendations by commenting below…

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