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London is a melting pot of cultures, with restaurants offering an array of cuisine from around the world. However, when it comes to authentic Italian dining experiences, the city doesn’t disappoint. From traditional trattorias to contemporary establishments, there is no shortage of Italian restaurants in London to choose from.
In this article, we have curated a list of the top 10 Italian restaurants in London, each with their own unique culinary offerings and signature dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds.
Top 10 Italian Restaurants In London
Bardo, St James
Bardo, located in the iconic St James district, is the perfect combination of contemporary and traditional Italian cuisine. Their menu boasts an impressive selection of small plates, homemade pastas and mains. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, their tasting menu is a must-try offering.
The Sardinian-born chef Francesco Mazzei adds a touch of his heritage to many of the dishes, making it a truly authentic experience.
Noci, Islington
Noci is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Islington. The menu focuses on bringing together the best of Italian produce, with a focus on the region of Puglia. Their standout dish is the Cacio e Pepe, a classic Roman pasta dish with a twist.
The Ricotta and Lemon Ravioli is another popular choice and a must-try for all pasta lovers.
Pizzeria Mozza, Marylebone
Pizzeria Mozza has been serving up some of the best Neapolitan pizzas in London since 2010. Their wood-fired pizzas are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the dough is left to prove for a minimum of 24 hours, resulting in a light, fluffy crust. The classic margherita is always a hit, but for something a little different, try the Salsiccia e Friarielli, made with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Campania & Jones, East London
Campania & Jones is a rustic Italian restaurant in East London, with a focus on simple and honest ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally and is heavily influenced by the Campania region of southern Italy. The Grilled Sea Bass and the Spaghetti alle Vongole are two of the standout dishes.
Fiume, Battersea Power Station
Fiume, located on the iconic Battersea Power Station riverfront, offers stunning views alongside contemporary Italian cuisine. The menu focuses on dishes from the Emilia-Romagna region, with pasta being a highlight. The Beef Short Rib Ravioli and the Duck Egg Tagliolini are must-tries. The weekend brunch offering is also not to be missed.
Canto Corvino, Spitalfields
Canto Corvino is an elegant Italian restaurant located in the heart of Spitalfields. The menu draws inspiration from all over Italy, with a particular focus on the south. The Black Truffle Tagliatelle and the Roasted Campania Pork are two dishes that consistently receive rave reviews.
Ida, Queen’s Park
Ida is a cozy Italian eatery located in Queen’s Park that’s known for its exceptional homemade pasta dishes. Their menu is inspired by the owner’s family recipes, bringing authenticity and tradition to every dish. The Strozzapreti and the Wild Boar Ragu are highly recommended.
Officina 00, Old Street
Officina 00 is a pasta-only restaurant in Old Street that prides itself on using organic, stone-ground flour and sustainably sourced ingredients. It’s a pasta lover’s dream come true with an impressive range of shapes, sauces and toppings to choose from. Their Cacio e Pepe and Genovese Pesto are must-tries.
Legare, Bermondsey
Legare is a contemporary Italian restaurant in Bermondsey that focuses on sustainability and seasonality. Their menu is thoughtfully curated, with dishes like the Squid Ink Tagliolini and the Beef Tender Loin being standout options. The restaurant also boasts an impressive natural wine list.
Maremma, Brixton
Maremma is located in Brixton and focuses on bringing the flavors of Tuscany to London. The menu is inspired by the owner’s upbringing in Maremma, a region known for simplicity and quality of ingredients. Their homemade pasta dishes like the Pici al Ragu and Tagliatelle with Porcini are always popular.
Trullo, Islington
Trullo is a popular Italian restaurant located in Islington that focuses on simple, seasonal ingredients. Their menu changes daily, depending on what’s available at the market, but their homemade pastas are always a standout. The Pappardelle with Beef Shin Ragu and the Tagliatelle with Wild Mushrooms are two dishes that are highly recommended.
Padella, Borough Market
Padella is a pasta bar located in Borough Market that’s known for its affordable, yet high-quality dishes. Their menu is small, but every dish is executed to perfection. The Pici Cacio e Pepe and the Tagliarini with Dorset Crab are two dishes that are always popular. Be prepared to wait in line, as this place is always busy.
Signature Dishes To Try At Each Restaurant
No Italian restaurant experience is complete without trying some of their signature dishes. Here are some of the standout dishes to try at each of our recommended restaurants:
- Bardo – Suckling Pig or Linguine Alle Vongole Veraci
- Noci – Ricotta and Lemon Ravioli or Orecchiette with Cime Di Rape and Sausage
- Pizzeria Mozza – Margherita or Salsiccia e Friarielli
- Campania & Jones – Grilled Sea Bass or Spaghetti alle Vongole
- Fiume – Beef Short Rib Ravioli or Duck Egg Tagliolini
- Canto Corvino – Black Truffle Tagliatelle or Roasted Campania Pork
- Ida – Strozzapreti or Wild Boar Ragu
- Officina 00 – Cacio e Pepe or Genovese Pesto
- Legare – Squid Ink Tagliolini or Beef Tender Loin
- Maremma – Pici al Ragu or Tagliatelle with Porcini
Aside from the signature dishes, each restaurant also offers a unique dining experience. Bardo, for example, has a cozy and intimate atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner. Noci, on the other hand, has a more casual and laid-back vibe, making it a great spot for a family dinner or a night out with friends.
Additionally, some of these restaurants also offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Pizzeria Mozza, for instance, has a delicious vegan pizza made with cashew cheese and seasonal vegetables. Maremma also has a vegetarian version of their Pici al Ragu, made with mushrooms and lentils instead of meat.
Conclusion
With such a variety of Italian restaurants in London to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. We hope our list of the top 10 Italian restaurants in London, along with their standout dishes, will help you in your culinary adventures. While each restaurant has a unique offering, they all have one thing in common an unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and outstanding Italian cuisine.
It’s worth noting that many of these Italian restaurants also offer vegetarian and vegan options, making them a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. Additionally, some of the restaurants on our list also offer cooking classes or wine tastings, providing a unique and immersive experience for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot or a lively atmosphere for a group dinner, these top Italian restaurants in London are sure to impress.
FAQ
What type of Italian cuisine can I expect in London?
London offers a diverse range of Italian cuisine, from traditional pasta dishes to modern interpretations of classic Italian recipes.
Are there any affordable Italian restaurants in London?
Yes, there are many affordable Italian restaurants in London, such as Franco Manca, Pizza Pilgrims, and Pizza Union.
Can I find vegetarian and vegan Italian options in London?
Yes, many Italian restaurants in London offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as Zizzi, Pizza Express, and Purezza.
Do I need to make a reservation at Italian restaurants in London?
It is recommended to make a reservation at popular Italian restaurants in London, especially during peak hours and weekends.
