London
The Best Italian Restaurants in London
These top Italian restaurants in London deserve every foodies attention.
London, known for its diverse culinary landscape, is home to several great Italian restaurants that transport you directly to the sunny terraces of Italy. Whether you're looking for the rustic charm of The River Café, the hand-crafted pasta at Burro e Salvia, or the family-run warmth of E Pellicci, London has an Italian spot to satisfy every craving.
This guide has put together a selection of restaurants that contend for the title of best Italian food in London, with each location promising a unique take on both classics and bolder creations. While written by our team, all picks are based on recommendations from World of Mouth experts and locals like Jonathan Alphandery, Santiago Lastra, Ink Tanaka, and Margaux Koopman. Read on as we dish out London's best Italian restaurants.
The River Café
.svg)
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA, UK
The River Café in London sits beside the Thames with an airy setting and outdoor seating that makes the most of its riverside location. Its changing menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients while showcasing a thoughtful approach to Italian cooking. The inviting space also features a well-curated wine list, making it a relaxed spot for enjoying a quality meal.
Recommended by
A classic is a classicExemplary produce, cooked with love and care, excellent service, THE most delicious Italian food in London - there's a reason the River Cafe has been at the top for decades. It really is that good and the terrace on a warm day, over a long lunch, is a very special place to be.
manteca
49-51 Curtain Rd
49-51 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT, UK
Manteca is a London restaurant that emphasizes nose-to-tail cooking, in-house salumeria, and hand-rolled pasta. It has a laid-back atmosphere where whole-animal butchery and wood-fired breads add to its distinct style. An amari-focused cocktail list and a range of low-intervention and classic wines round out the experience.
Recommended by
Vibrant and deliciousA gem in London with hand-rolled pasta, nose-to-tail cooking and in-house salumeria. Delicious and hearty food served in a vibrant atmosphere. My favorite on the menu was pasta with duck ragu and truffle.
Burro e Salvia
52 Redchurch St
52 Redchurch St, London E2 7DP, UK
Burro e Salvia is a welcoming pasta spot in Shoreditch that changes its menu each month to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy a relaxed meal in the cozy dining area or pick up pasta to cook at home. Workshops are also offered for anyone curious about learning how to make their own pasta.
Recommended by
I love Burro e Salvia for a quick pasta fix, it’s unalienating and delicious.
E Pellicci
332 Bethnal Grn Rd
332 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 0AG, UK
E Pellicci is a family-run East London café that has been serving the local community since 1900. The staff greets many regulars by name, and the warm neighborhood atmosphere makes newcomers feel right at home. They offer honest, hearty meals inspired by both Italian and English traditions.
Recommended by
Genuine East London greasy spoon atmosphere and a great place for Full English breakfast.My favourite greasy spoon cafe in East London for Full English Breakfast. Pelliccis on Bethnal Green Road opened in 1900 and is now run by the third generation of the same family. Mostly Italian menu and Full English Breakfast. Friendly staff (as long as you finish your plate) and great place for East Londoner spotting.
Zafferano
16-18 Lowndes St
16-18 Lowndes St, London SW1X 9EY, UK
Zafferano has been a local favorite in Belgravia since 1995, known for serving traditional Italian cuisine in a relaxed yet refined setting. The welcoming atmosphere and quality wine list make it a popular spot for both business meetings and friendly get-togethers.
Recommended by
The Belgravia local’s favourite Italian institution. Traditional Italian cuisine with no modern twist which suits Zafferano just perfect. Quality wine list.
Bocca di Lupo
12 Archer St
12 Archer St, London W1D 7BB, UK
Bocca di Lupo is a family-run trattoria by Piccadilly Circus that has been welcoming diners since 2008 with its genuine, regional Italian cooking. The space includes an open kitchen and counter seating, creating a lively atmosphere where guests can watch the action. A private dining room is also available, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to friendly hospitality and attention to detail.
Recommended by
Jacob Kennedy´s Bocca di Lupo is already over 10 years old (founded in 2008) but still going strong, always full. Kennedy has been spending a big part of his life in Italy and it shows. The food feels genuine, regional Italian. The kitchen makes a point of covering all the regions of the country - not mixing them but keeping areas separate on the constantly changing menu. It might feel like a mission impossible but works perfectly. Simplicity is the key here. My favourite seats are at the counter. As a bonus they own a great gelateria on the other side of the street.
Bancone Golden Square
8-10 Lower James St
8-10 Lower James St, London W1F 9EL, UK
Bancone Golden Square in London specializes in fresh pasta made by hand every day, and it has a friendly, informal atmosphere. It’s a comfortable spot to meet up with friends, offering good value for money in a lively setting.
Recommended by
Delicious pasta dishes and great value for money!Perfect for an end of the month cheap and cheerful treat with friends.Really recommend the cacio e Pepe bucatini.
Trullo
300-302 St Paul's Rd
300-302 St Paul's Rd, London N1 2LH, UK
Trullo is a London spot offering an ever-changing, Italian-inspired menu that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients. Founded by a chef with experience at St John and Padella, it has a cozy atmosphere and friendly service that puts guests at ease. The warm, laid-back vibe makes it an inviting place to share a relaxed meal.
Recommended by
One of the best progressive Italian experiences I ever had; chef Tim (ex-St John) and also the owner of Padella makes you feel in another world in a super cozy and fun atmosphere; expect offal and seasonal tasty pasta.
Brutto
35-37 Greenhill Rents
35-37 Greenhill Rents, London EC1M 6BN, UK
Brutto is a casual London trattoria with a warm, laid-back atmosphere inspired by Florence. It places a strong focus on simple, bold flavors in a setting where low lighting, lively music, and friendly service help guests feel at ease. With a neighborhood vibe and a welcoming bar, it’s a comfortable spot for locals and visitors alike.
Recommended by
Fun Florentine tratt by Russell Norman serves up satisfying Tuscan food in a characteristically buzzy space.Russell Norman’s latest venture is a lively Florentine inspired trattoria. Expect great unfussy Tuscan-style cooking, big sharing steaks, and lots of personality that’s truly unique to a Russell Norman institution back in Polpo’s hay day. Brilliant food, brilliant fun.
Ziani
45 Radnor Walk
45 Radnor Walk, London SW3 4BP, UK
Ziani is an authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Chelsea, offering classic dishes in a relaxed setting. Prices are reasonable, and you’ll find a good variety of well-known Italian favorites. It’s a welcoming spot for anyone looking for a comfortable meal in the neighborhood.
Recommended by
Traditional Italian restaurant Authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Chelsea. Decently priced and you can find all the Italian classics. Absolutely loved the lasagna and zucchini fritti.
Enoteca Turi
87 Pimlico Rd
87 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8PH, UK
Enoteca Turi – dal 1990 is an Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge, founded by owners from Puglia, and brings together flavors from different regions with a modern twist. It features an extensive wine cellar and a welcoming atmosphere.
Recommended by
A wonderful and elegant Italian in KnightsbridgeDriven by founders from Puglia, the restaurant offers wonderful food from different Italian regions, often with a contemporary twist. Fantastic wine cellar. Great ambience.
Olivomare
10 Lower Belgrave St
10 Lower Belgrave St, London SW1W 0LJ, UK
Olivomare is a Sardinian and Italian restaurant in London’s Belgravia with a contemporary, elegant feel. Its welcoming atmosphere and nice wine list draw a smart local crowd, creating a relaxed environment for a refined meal.
Recommended by
Belgravia’s excellent Sardinian / ItalianVery good Italian / Sardinian restaurant, elegant and contemporary. Nice wine list. Smart crowd from the local neighborhoods.
Padella
6 Southwark St
6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ, UK
Padella Borough Market is a cozy spot in London known for its house-made pasta and laid-back atmosphere. You’ll often find a queue outside because they don’t take reservations, but many regulars say it’s worth the wait. It’s a simple, affordable place that draws people in with its authentic Italian feel.
Recommended by
Padella started the fresh pasta revolution in London has some of the greatest small plates & cheap eats in Southwark I have been visiting Padella for years & is hands down one of the most wonderful restaurants in London. No reservations (so get there half an hour early to queue) it is a tiny reataurant serving gorgeous pasta dishes & cold starters fit for a king. All dishes are reasonably priced, so simple yet so authentically italian. Their burata in extra virgin olive oil and crunchy rock salt started a burata revolution in the capital. The highilight: pici cacio pepe hands down
Bacchanalia
1-3 Mount St
1-3 Mount St, London W1K 3NB, UK
Bacchanalia Mayfair stands out for its striking interior, featuring Greek and Roman-inspired décor brought to life by Damien Hirst’s surreal art and ancient sculptures. Located in London’s Mayfair, it’s become a talked-about spot for its memorable setting and wide-ranging wine list.
Recommended by
The Damien Hirst designed Greek-Roman extravaganza.It costed 75 million £ to renovate, it took Damien Hirst’s surrealistic design and a few 2.000 years old Roman sculptures to create this insane Greek-Italian restaurant in Mayfair. I include it here since it is one of the most talked-about places in London now. Its mostly Italian food is ok, not more. The wine list is superb, full of the obvious Petruses and Latours - as you may already guess. For me, it sure was fun to experience once - probably not twice. Very expensive. Book well in advance as its full every night.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
London
? Get the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over
3,000
destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
Host of Netflix's Somebody Feed Phil
Meet more experts
Discover more
