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
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Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA, UK
River Café offers exemplary Italian cuisine, characterized by great produce and simple yet precise cooking methods. Customers consistently highlight the restaurant's longstanding reputation and the ambient terrace setting, ideal for a warm day. Diners can indulge in dishes like the Pizzetta with potato and Taleggio, hand-cut pasta Malfatti con Fagiano, and for dessert, the iconic Chocolate Nemesis.
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 nose-to-tail Italian-inspired restaurant known for its hand-rolled pastas and in-house salumeria. The menu features bold, flavorful dishes like pasta with duck ragu and truffle, and a variety of pork-based meals, as well as seasonal vegetables cooked in Italian recipes. The dining experience is complemented by an amari-focused cocktail list and a wine list that showcases low-intervention and classic fine wines from Italy and beyond.
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 charming pasta haven located on Redchurch Street, offering a range of Italian delicacies including hand-rolled pasta, low intervention wines, and more. Not only does it serve as a trattoria and pastificio, but it also hosts pasta-making workshops, making it a great spot for those who love to indulge in and learn about Italian cuisine. The pasta dishes, crafted with buckwheat flour for a unique toasty aroma and taste, are highly recommended by customers, who also suggest saving room for dessert and taking home a bottle of their vermouth Rosso.
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 longstanding restaurant in East London, known for its Italian cuisine and traditional English breakfast. The establishment has been serving the community since 1900, and is currently managed by the third generation of the original family. Customers often recommend the Full English Breakfast, and appreciate the friendly staff and genuine East London atmosphere.
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 is a well-established Italian restaurant in Belgravia, known for its traditional cuisine and quality wines. Their dishes are meticulously crafted, offering a genuine taste of Italy, with a special emphasis on vegetarian options. The atmosphere is intimate and refined, making it a suitable choice for both business lunches and casual meet-ups with friends.
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 well-established restaurant near Piccadilly Circus, offering a diverse menu of authentic regional Italian dishes. The restaurant, founded by Jacob Kennedy in 2008, emphasizes simplicity and authenticity in its cuisine, with a menu that changes regularly to reflect the distinct flavors of Italy's various regions. Additionally, Bocca di Lupo takes pride in making in-house items like gelati, breads, sausages, and pasta, while sourcing the rest from Italy, ensuring an authentic and satisfying dining experience.
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 is known for its hand-made fresh pasta, inspired by flavors from Italy, London, and much of Europe. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, with the cacio e Pepe bucatini being a highly recommended choice. Alongside its food menu, Bancone also features a diverse wine list and a selection of cocktails focused on vermouth, bitters, and Campari.
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 restaurant that offers a simple, seasonally focused, Italian-inspired menu that changes daily. With fresh hand-made pasta and dishes cooked over a charcoal grill, it emphasizes sustainable practices and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant is known for its delicious pasta dishes, warm and buzzing atmosphere, and the serious yet laid-back approach to cooking.
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 neighborhood trattoria offering award-winning, classic Florentine dishes. The restaurant emphasizes simplicity, quality, and authenticity, serving up big flavors in a fun, convivial environment. Notable for its all-day bar and cozy atmosphere, Brutto is known for its Tuscan-style cooking, including big sharing steaks and a range of vegetarian and vegan options.
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, a traditional Italian restaurant, is situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Chelsea and offers a selection of classic Italian dishes at reasonable prices. The menu features a variety of beloved favorites, with the lasagna and zucchini fritti particularly standing out. Whether you're booking a table for a casual meal or a special occasion, Ziani provides an authentic Italian dining experience.
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 is a sophisticated Italian restaurant situated in Knightsbridge, driven by founders from Puglia. The restaurant serves an array of dishes from various Italian regions, often presented with a contemporary twist, providing a diverse culinary experience. Known for its fantastic wine cellar and great ambiance, it also offers private dining opportunities in its intimate wine cellar for special occasions.
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/Italian restaurant located in Belgravia, known for its contemporary and elegant setting. The place is popular among a smart crowd from local neighborhoods and offers a nice selection of wines. The restaurant specializes in delivering excellent Sardinian and Italian cuisine.
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 is a compact restaurant known for its authentic Italian cuisine, with a particular emphasis on fresh pasta dishes. The menu includes a variety of pasta options, from the highly recommended Pici Cacio Pepe to Tagliarini with dried chilli, garlic and pangrattato. The restaurant also offers a selection of cold starters, including the popular Burrata served in extra virgin olive oil and crunchy rock salt, which has been credited for starting a Burrata trend.
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 is a Greek-Mediterranean restaurant located in Mayfair, known for its surrealistic design by Damien Hirst and an impressive collection of 2000-year-old Roman sculptures. The restaurant offers a variety of Italian dishes and a superb wine list, featuring renowned brands like Petrus and Latour. Despite being on the pricier side, Bacchanalia is often fully booked, offering a unique dining experience that combines art, history, and gastronomy.
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.
The River Café
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA, UK
River Café offers exemplary Italian cuisine, characterized by great produce and simple yet precise cooking methods. Customers consistently highlight the restaurant's longstanding reputation and the ambient terrace setting, ideal for a warm day. Diners can indulge in dishes like the Pizzetta with potato and Taleggio, hand-cut pasta Malfatti con Fagiano, and for dessert, the iconic Chocolate Nemesis.
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 nose-to-tail Italian-inspired restaurant known for its hand-rolled pastas and in-house salumeria. The menu features bold, flavorful dishes like pasta with duck ragu and truffle, and a variety of pork-based meals, as well as seasonal vegetables cooked in Italian recipes. The dining experience is complemented by an amari-focused cocktail list and a wine list that showcases low-intervention and classic fine wines from Italy and beyond.
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 charming pasta haven located on Redchurch Street, offering a range of Italian delicacies including hand-rolled pasta, low intervention wines, and more. Not only does it serve as a trattoria and pastificio, but it also hosts pasta-making workshops, making it a great spot for those who love to indulge in and learn about Italian cuisine. The pasta dishes, crafted with buckwheat flour for a unique toasty aroma and taste, are highly recommended by customers, who also suggest saving room for dessert and taking home a bottle of their vermouth Rosso.
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 longstanding restaurant in East London, known for its Italian cuisine and traditional English breakfast. The establishment has been serving the community since 1900, and is currently managed by the third generation of the original family. Customers often recommend the Full English Breakfast, and appreciate the friendly staff and genuine East London atmosphere.
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 is a well-established Italian restaurant in Belgravia, known for its traditional cuisine and quality wines. Their dishes are meticulously crafted, offering a genuine taste of Italy, with a special emphasis on vegetarian options. The atmosphere is intimate and refined, making it a suitable choice for both business lunches and casual meet-ups with friends.
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 well-established restaurant near Piccadilly Circus, offering a diverse menu of authentic regional Italian dishes. The restaurant, founded by Jacob Kennedy in 2008, emphasizes simplicity and authenticity in its cuisine, with a menu that changes regularly to reflect the distinct flavors of Italy's various regions. Additionally, Bocca di Lupo takes pride in making in-house items like gelati, breads, sausages, and pasta, while sourcing the rest from Italy, ensuring an authentic and satisfying dining experience.
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 is known for its hand-made fresh pasta, inspired by flavors from Italy, London, and much of Europe. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, with the cacio e Pepe bucatini being a highly recommended choice. Alongside its food menu, Bancone also features a diverse wine list and a selection of cocktails focused on vermouth, bitters, and Campari.
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 restaurant that offers a simple, seasonally focused, Italian-inspired menu that changes daily. With fresh hand-made pasta and dishes cooked over a charcoal grill, it emphasizes sustainable practices and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant is known for its delicious pasta dishes, warm and buzzing atmosphere, and the serious yet laid-back approach to cooking.
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 neighborhood trattoria offering award-winning, classic Florentine dishes. The restaurant emphasizes simplicity, quality, and authenticity, serving up big flavors in a fun, convivial environment. Notable for its all-day bar and cozy atmosphere, Brutto is known for its Tuscan-style cooking, including big sharing steaks and a range of vegetarian and vegan options.
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, a traditional Italian restaurant, is situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Chelsea and offers a selection of classic Italian dishes at reasonable prices. The menu features a variety of beloved favorites, with the lasagna and zucchini fritti particularly standing out. Whether you're booking a table for a casual meal or a special occasion, Ziani provides an authentic Italian dining experience.
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 is a sophisticated Italian restaurant situated in Knightsbridge, driven by founders from Puglia. The restaurant serves an array of dishes from various Italian regions, often presented with a contemporary twist, providing a diverse culinary experience. Known for its fantastic wine cellar and great ambiance, it also offers private dining opportunities in its intimate wine cellar for special occasions.
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.
Host of Netflix's Somebody Feed Phil
Olivomare
10 Lower Belgrave St
10 Lower Belgrave St, London SW1W 0LJ, UK
Olivomare is a Sardinian/Italian restaurant located in Belgravia, known for its contemporary and elegant setting. The place is popular among a smart crowd from local neighborhoods and offers a nice selection of wines. The restaurant specializes in delivering excellent Sardinian and Italian cuisine.
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 is a compact restaurant known for its authentic Italian cuisine, with a particular emphasis on fresh pasta dishes. The menu includes a variety of pasta options, from the highly recommended Pici Cacio Pepe to Tagliarini with dried chilli, garlic and pangrattato. The restaurant also offers a selection of cold starters, including the popular Burrata served in extra virgin olive oil and crunchy rock salt, which has been credited for starting a Burrata trend.
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 is a Greek-Mediterranean restaurant located in Mayfair, known for its surrealistic design by Damien Hirst and an impressive collection of 2000-year-old Roman sculptures. The restaurant offers a variety of Italian dishes and a superb wine list, featuring renowned brands like Petrus and Latour. Despite being on the pricier side, Bacchanalia is often fully booked, offering a unique dining experience that combines art, history, and gastronomy.
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.
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