30 of the best Italian restaurants in London to get booking now
Pizza, pasta and small plates galore
Whether you call London home or you’re just visiting for the weekend - you’re in luck. The capital is packed with incredible Italian restaurants just waiting to be booked. From silky bowls of penne alla vodka and delicate branzino to triple-cheese pizzas and creamy burrata, there’s something to satisfy every kind of Italian food craving.
Whether you’re planning a stylish dinner in Marylebone, grabbing a quick bite in Soho, or searching for the perfect date-night spot filled with great vibes (and even better carbs), London’s Italian dining scene delivers.
Expect everything from cosy, speakeasy-style hideaways to buzzing, contemporary restaurants, each offering its own take on classic Italian hospitality.
Scroll on to discover the flavours, aromas and charm that make these spots must-visits for your next pasta, pizza or aperitivo fix. Buon appetito!
Harry's
Where to find them: London's Covent Garden, Marylebone, Victoria
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden, Bond street, Victoria
We order: 'Nduja Maccheroni cheese gratin, Truffled chicken, and Amalfi Lemon dessert
Newly opened in the heart of Covent Garden, Harry’s Covent Garden brings a dose of vintage Italian glamour to the neighbourhood. We started with the calamari, which was wonderfully flavoursome, alongside a bowl of impressively large olives that made the perfect appetiser. For mains, the Truffled Chicken - a roast half-chicken served in a creamy mascarpone truffle sauce with sautéed mushrooms, parsley and garlic - was delicious. I actually ordered it after a woman leaving the restaurant insisted it was the best thing on the menu while collecting her coat from the cloakroom… and she was absolutely right.
On the side, the garlicky green beans had the perfect kick, while the ’nduja maccheroni cheese gratin was rich, comforting and generously portioned - ideal for sharing. The real star, however, was the Amalfi lemon dessert: white chocolate and lemon cheesecake with crushed amaretti, lemon sorbet and toasted meringue. Bright, creamy and beautifully balanced, it was easily the highlight of the meal.
If you’re after hearty Italian food with a glamorous, old-school feel, Harry’s is well worth a visit.
Book nowGrasso
Where to find them: Soho, London
Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road
We order: Mozzarella dippers, penne alla vodka, chicken parm (with spaghetti), rosemary fries, and the New York baked cheesecake
Purveyors of the silkiest pasta sauces, delicious homemade desserts, and portions big enough to feed three, where do we even start when it comes to Soho’s family-run Italian-American? The decor combines the charm of a traditional trattoria with the laid-back vibes of a diner, transporting you into a cosy haven where comfort food reigns supreme. Start with the viral mozzarella dippers on a bed of nduja (they’re as deliciously molten as they look) and dive in with the chicken parm with spaghetti, or the new lobster linguine — ideal if you love the tang of vodka pasta with a decadent seafood twist. Prefer to play it safe? Pizzas adorn the menu, too, and we’d suggest going classic with the 'Cheese pie' (margherita) topping. Trying both the New York baked cheesecake and tiramisu — both handmade in the kitchen by the Grasso’s matriarch, might we add — is non-negotiable. Both are creamy, indulgent and ridiculously moreish. If you can’t bag a pre-booked table, the queue is 100% worth the wait.
TOZI
Where to find them: 3A Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ
Nearest tube station: Battersea Power Station
We order: Sicilian prawns to start, cacio e pepe and salami pizza to share, salted caramel chocolate bombe for dessert.
Lobster pizza, ice-cold apertivi, wild boar pappardelle, rigatoni dunked in a giant cheese wheel, c'mon, what's not to love? If you're heading for an evening mooch at Battersea Power Station, TOZI is the pizzeria and cichetti bar you'll want to book for dinner.
Located next to the art'otel, the restaurant's warm, elevated atmosphere lends itself to date nights, girlie catch-ups, and pensive solo dinners. Extravagant pizza toppings range from grilled octopus and black truffle, to roast pumpkin and fennel sausage, but make sure you leave room for dessert. The salted caramel chocolate bombe is... life-changing.
Plus, this Valentine's, TOZI puts a spin on its signature pizzas, transforming them into playful heart shapes all weekend long. Cute!
Kitchen at Holmes
Where to find them: 108, Baker Street
Nearest tube station: Baker Street
We order: Burrata to start, White lasagna and lamb ragu for the main event, and tiramisu for dessert, obviously.
From the outside, 108 Baker Street looks like another swanky West End hotel. But step through the warmly-lit cocktail lounge, and you'll find Kitchen at Holmes, an all-day restaurant with an open kitchen and a mouthwatering à la carte selection. Head Chef Stefano Motta’s menu champions seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired favourites, and we were all too happy to indulge in some Italian classics. Go all in with creamy burrata and crab croquettes, or keep it light by starting with octopus or zucchini fritti. We recommend ordering a pasta dish each and sharing. Our top picks? The Macherroncini (lamb ragu) and White lasagna.
If you enjoy dining al fresco, Kitchen at Holmes’ Alpine Escape is a must-visit. Offering warming cocktails and Alpine-inspired bites — from Porcini Mushrooms Vol-Au-Vents with a Comte béchamel to Mont Blanc to share — a catch-up on this cosy outdoor terrace is the perfect way to end the year.
ALBA
Where to find them: Knightsbridge, London
We order: Alba Tagliatelle with black truffle and butter sauce
Tucked just moments from Harrods, Alba in Knightsbridge is a stunning celebration of Italian cuisine and design that transports you straight to the Amalfi Coast. The decor is gorgeous - think citrus trees, Venetian floors, and striking artwork that echoes the charm of southern Italy. Fresh fish is beautifully displayed, and the open kitchen lets you watch the chefs at work, adding a sense of theatre to the dining experience. The food is equally impressive: the truffle tagliatelle is just perfect and the Margherita pizza starter with their homemade datterini sauce was a standout - the sauce was so sweet and flavourful, it lingered in the best way. And make sure you save room for the dessert. You MUST get the Ferrero Rocher 'Grand Gelato' which is prepared right in front of you. You will not be disappointed.
Cafe Murano
Where to find them: Three locations - Covent Garden, St James and Bermondsey
We order: The pumpkin tortelli is not to be missed
When it comes to Italian food, no one does it quite like Angela Hartnett. The Michelin-starred chef and co-host of the Dish from Waitrose podcast, opened Cafe Murano in 2013 after the success of the Murano restaurant. It's laidback inside and the staff are some of the friendliest in London. The restaurant's ethos is about simple food cooked really well, and let's just say we'd advise you turn up hungry, as there's cicchetti, antipasti, the pasta course and then the secondi course to get through. Oh and make sure to save room for dessert. Particular highlights for us included the prince pumpkin tortelli with sage butter & amaretti, the Cornish hake, borlotti bean & pancetta stew and the poached plum, meringue & vanilla cream. Just go and thank us later.
64 Old Compton Street
Where to find them: 64 Old Compton Street
Nearest tube station: Leicester Square
We order: Linguine with tiger prawns, courgettes, garlic, chillies, white wine
When in Soho, you need to head to 64 Old Compton Street, which is ideal for a quick pre-threatre meal or a post-work catchup with friends. Get a bunch of starters to share, we opt for the wild mushrooms, truffle, smoked mozzarella arancini and the bruschetta. Then it's onto the pasta, which really is the main event here, and is made freshly every morning at the restaurant. You can't leave without trying the linguine with tiger prawns, courgettes, garlic, chillies, white whine and the spinach ravioli with ricotta & mushrooms, butter & sage. Simply unmatched.
Il Bambini
Where to find them: 81 Great Eastern Street
Nearest tube station: Old Street
We order: The aubergine parmigiana, truffle pasta and the chocolate mousse with salted caramel sauce (hot tip: ask to keep the sauce on the side, rather than all poured over in one go)
Nestled in the heart of a Hoxton Hotel (shorthand for 'effortlessly cool London vibes'), this Italian is a fun, deeply aesthetic space to while away a couple of hours gossiping, fuelled by delicious carbs. Name a better way to spend a night? We'll wait...
The pizza is skippable but the aubergine parmigiana was packed full of flavour, the truffle pasta was a big hit with our table and the dessert options more than hit the spot – along with the chocolate mousse (so good), we were all over the bombini di bambini (mini doughnuts filled with custard, ripe for dunking in a chocolate sauce).
As for the drink options, Il Bambini boasts a nice mix of alcohol-free cocktails, boozy bevs and carafes of wine to help soak up the carbs. Yum!
Macellaio RC
Where to find them: 38-40 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE (also venues in South Kensington and Soho)
Nearest tube station: Farringdon
We order: Steak, of course (and tiramisu!)
Meat lovers rejoice. Specifically, beef lovers. This renowned Italian steakhouse specialises in fine Italian cuts, which are presented butcher-style as you enter this beautiful brick restaurant. Start with toast topped with lardo and honey - the most addictive bite-size snack - followed by their raw beef offerings of carpaccio and battuta albese, both equally delicious. You can interrupt your meaty meal with homemade pesto Gnocchi (TDF!) but save room for their ‘From the Counter’ steaks, including cuts such as Costata ribeye and Fiorentina T-bone. FYI, they also host a monthly Tiramisu Masterclass, and after having it for dessert on our last visit we're dying to learn their secrets.
Sale e Pepe
Where to find them: 9-15 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0HD
Nearest tube station: Knightsbridge
We order: Linguine All’ Aragosta and THE best margarita, ‘Smokey Cadillac Margarita’
Sale e Pepe is a chic Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Known for its glamorous clientele, the menu reflects authentic Italian family-style dining with sharable classics like Vitello Milanese and Salt Baked Seabass. We started with Burrata and Gamberi Scottati, followed by Linguine all’Aragosta and Tagliata di Manzo. Desserts, including table side served Tiramisu and Ricotta Cheesecake, were incredible. Sale e Pepe exudes timeless Italian elegance, offering a true taste of la dolce vita - ending the night with a cheeky limoncello, of course!
Manteca, Shoreditch
Where to find them: 49-51 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT
Nearest tube station: Old Street
We order: You can't go to Manteca and not order the n'duja mussels
Manteca constantly pops up on our FYPs as one of the best Italian restaurants in London, and for good reason too. The restaurant specialises in nose to tail cooked meats and hand rolled pasta. We're of course, all about the pasta, which includes offerings such as pappardelle with beef shin ragu and malloreddus with blue fin tuna bolognese. You also need to check out their cocktail menu, which is full of incredible creations like the grandpa daiquri and the pea fizz.
Campania and Jones
Where to find them: 23 Ezra St, London E2 7RH
Nearest tube station: Hoxton
We order: Whatever you do, don't leave without having a portion of gnudi
Ok, so this is the plan: after a morning spent wandering around Columbia Flower Market, you're heading to Campania and Jones, for the longest and most delicious Sunday lunch. The restaurant focuses on dishes from the south of Italy, with fresh pasta made daily, that you can also buy to make at home. Make sure to order some gndui (gnocchi style dumplings made with ricotta), a variety of pastas and the 28 day aged ribeye.
Padella, Shoreditch
Where to find them: 1 Phipp St, London EC2A 4PS
Nearest tube station: Shoreditch High Street
We order: The fettuccine with Cobble Lane nduja, lemon and mascarpone every single time
There are two Padella locations in London, the original is in Borough Market, but we prefer the one in Shoreditch - it's bigger, brighter and there's more chance of grabbing a table too. Padella specialises in pasta dishes with a limited but incredible menu, including dishes like the pici cacio e pepe and the tagliarini with Dorset crab, chilli and lemon.
Forty Dean Street
Where to find them: 40 Dean Street, London W1D 4PX
Nearest tube station: Leicester Square
We order: Spaghetti vongole followed by the pistachio tiramisu
A family run restaurant, headed up by Nima Safaei Forty Dean Street is the ideal place for a long Italian lunch in the sun. Make sure to grab one of the tables outside and settle in for a feast, and be sure to try at least one of the restaurant's pastas which are their specialties and made fresh daily, we'd recommend the spaghetti vongole. The staff are warm and friendly and the portion sizes are decent too, and make sure to leave space for dessert - the pistachio tiramisu and the profiteroles are particular highlights.
Sparrow Italia, Mayfair
Where to find them: 1-3 Avery Row, London W1K 4AJ
Nearest tube station: Bond Street
We order: The Cacio e Pepe
Sparrow Italia offers a culinary escape to the heart of Italy. The restaurant oozes authenticity with sexy ambiance and warm, welcoming staff, and the quality of the ingredients are evident from the first bite. Whether you go for spicy rigatoni or a classic puttanesca, you're bound to walk away feeling full and satisfied.
Trullo, Highbury and Islington
Where to find them: 300-302 St Paul's Rd, London N1 2LH
Nearest tube station: Highbury & Islington
We order: Pappardelle with beef shin ragu
This Italian haven beckons thanks to the chefs skilfully crafting fresh pasta, visible through the restaurants window. A daily-evolving menu promises a new experience with every visit.
Keep an eye out for the beef shin ragu and the lemon tart. While dinner reservations are recommended for a guaranteed spot, lunch is often a great idea as walk-ins are warmly accepted.
Como Garden, Kensington
Where to find them: 37-45 Kensington High St, London W8 5ED
Nearest tube station: High Street Kensington
We order: The wild mushroom risotto
If you're after an authentic Italian feel, you have to head to Como Garden. With a tapas-style menu stuffed full of classics like rich aubergine parmigiana, truffle arancini and creamy taglioni, as well as signature cocktails like a refreshing Fizz Gin, you'll be absolutely spoiled for choice.
If you've got space for dessert (that's what your second dessert stomach is for!), the tiramisu is a must, washed down with a nice glass of red wine, of course.
Napoli On The Road, Chiswick
Where to find them: 9A Devonshire Rd, Chiswick, London W4 2EU
Nearest tube station: Turnham Green
We order: Garlic bread, caprese salad and marinara pizza
An Italian gem in Chiswick that has taken Instagram by a storm, thanks to its pizzas. Beyond the viral sensation, their menu showcases dishes offerings like tiramisu and truffle bruschetta. The atmosphere is a blend of cosiness and intimacy, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable Italian experience. Despite its popularity, Napoli on the Road is super affordable, ensuring a wallet-friendly feast and a warm and friendly service.
Bancone, various locations
Where to find them: Covent Garden, Soho, Borough Yards (the Covent Garden restaurant is the original and the best)
We order: The silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and confit egg yolk followed by a praline cannoli
For cosy and intimate vibes - and amazing pasta - look no further than Bancone. Their stripped back, simplistic menu is packed full of flavour, with fresh pasta made every day on site. You have to try the silk handkerchiefs, walnut butter, confit egg yolk - a delicious, smooth bowl of thick pasta ribbons that melt in your mouth.
Bocca Di Lupo, Soho
Where to find them: 12 Archer St, London W1D 7BB
Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus
We order: Don't leave without trying the grilled seafood pic 'n' mix with gremolata
For an authentic Italian dining experience made up of big and small plates, Bocca Di Lupo is your place (they also offer the perfect pre-theatre menu, too.) The menu is updated regularly (sometimes twice a day) to ensure everything is as fresh and seasonal as possible, while the restaurant is light and airy. Expect a mixture of pasta and risottos, as well as meat and fish from the grill, as well as fresh salads full of texture and flavour on the side.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Dusty Baxter-Wright is an award-winning journalist and the Entertainment and Lifestyle Director at Cosmopolitan, having previously worked at Sugarscape. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work covering pop culture, careers, interiors and travel, and oversees the site’s Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. As a journalist for the best part of a decade, she has interviewed everyone from Louis Theroux and Channing Tatum to Margot Robbie and Ncuti Gatwa, while she has also spoken on Times Radio and BBC Radio. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram here.
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
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