There is literally nothing that a good bowl of pasta can’t fix. From creamy tagliatelle to saucy penne with lashings of cheese, there are so many incredible pasta restaurants in London for you to enjoy that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a nonna’s kitchen in Italy.
Whether you’re after a quick meal for your office lunchtimes or a fancy dining experience for your next night out, we’ve got you covered. With a variety of price points, dietary requirements and dishes, here are some of London’s best pasta restaurants. Thank us later!
San Carlo
Where: Knightsbridge
Located right next door to Harrods, this elegant Italian restaurant is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of shopping in Knightsbridge. With a romantic and modern interior, the restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features delicious pasta dishes like Ravioli Porcini and Mafaldine con Ragú di Manzo (beef Ragú). Plus, they have eight restaurants across London, so you’re never too far from a cosy and hearty Italian meal.
Pastaio
Where: Soho
Situated in the heart of Soho, Pastaio is a pasta-lovers dream with handmade, fresh pasta made with seasonal produce and top-quality ingredients.
Dishes start at just £12 and there are vegan and gluten free options for everyone to tuck into, as well as delicious desserts and drinks.
Alba
Where: Knightsbridge
This stunning restaurant opposite Harrods is the perfect, luxurious spot for a bougie evening out or date night. The Amalfi coast-inspired spot features staples like fresh fish, Italian pastas and refreshing drinks that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean coastline, complete with attentive service. Plus, we're still thinking about their gelato and tiramisu!
The Italian Greyhound
Where: Marble Arch
Just a stones throw away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street is this charming Italian restaurant that offer fresh, seasonal pasta dishes that we just couldn't get enough of. There was cheese-stuffed gnocchi, need we say more?
Their ever-changing menu features highlights like Cacio e Pepe ravioli complimented with truffle as well as arancini, burrata, focaccia and many other Italian staples. Plus, their selection of desserts and drinks? To die for, with the Amarena cherry burnt cheesecake being the star of the show!
Sale e Pepe
Where: Knightsbridge
This intimate spot nestled in the beautiful streets of Knightsbridge offers hearty, flavourful food alongside warm and welcoming hospitality, transporting you straight to the Mediterranean.
Sale e Pepe opened back in 1974 and is a bit of an iconic hotspot for celebrity guests. It's no wonder why, with dreamy dishes with a variety of options, hearty portions (we're still thinking about the mushroom risotto) and stunning interiors. We'd recommend this spot for a cosy date night or intimate gathering, which just has to end with a portion of Italian-style tiramisu.
Al Dente
Where: Fitzrovia, Angel, South Kensington, Monument
If you're after fresh yet affordable pasta made with fresh ingredients, you have to try Al Dente. Kick things off with a light bruschetta, complimented by their small but mighty arancini balls, before diving head first into a warm and hearty bowl of pasta.
Their special is a spinach and mushroom ravioli, topped with a truffle and parmesan fondue, while you have to try the gnocchi alla Sorrentina - a tomatoey dish that will give you the ultimate Instagrammable cheese pull.
Pasta e Pizza at Eataly
Where: Liverpool Street
Nestled near Liverpool Street station you'll find the ultimate Italian delight, Eataly. A combination of restaurants and bars, marketplaces and events. At one of their offerings, aptly named Pasta e Pizza, you'll find perfectly cooked traditional pasta, served al dente, with a focus on simple and traditional dishes.
We're talking pork cheek guanciale, tagliatelle bolognese mushroom tonnarelli. What's not to love?
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
Where: Aldgate, Canary Wharf and St Katharine Docks
With three locations across east London, Emilia’s is one of London’s most loved pasta spots. Their pasta is freshly made every morning and they value simplicity and natural ingredients, just like an Italian nonna.
Dishes start at £10 and their desserts are to die for – especially the special pistachio cheesecake!
Circolo Popolare
Where: Soho
This is hands down one of London’s most Instagrammable restaurants. This Soho spot is run by the Big Mamma group, who also own Gloria and Ave Mario, and is known for its stunning interior, truffle pasta and incredible desserts.
Make sure to book ahead with this one because you need to see the size of their lemon pie to believe it!
Padella
Where: Shoreditch and Borough Market
With queues often out of the door at both their Shoreditch and Borough Market branches, we can see why Padella is so popular.
This restaurant offers a curated, seasonal menu including their iconic pappardelle and cacio e pepe, and their small plates start at just £9 – yes, really!
P.S., they don't take bookings for their smaller, Borough Market location but do for their Shoreditch branch.
Lina Stores
Where: Brewer Street, Greek Street, Stable Street, Bloomberg Arcade, Marylebone Lane, Clapham, South Kensington
If the retro, mint green interior isn’t enough to tempt you then the affordable dishes and variety of options might be it. Plus, no one can resist a sweet cannoli.
They have not one but four restaurants for you to choose from in Soho’s Greek Street, King’s Cross, Marylebone and City of London and also have delicatessen’s for you to buy all your Italian food favourites.
Bancone
Where: Covent Garden and Soho
If you want a fine dining experience at an unbelievably affordable price point, then Bancone is the pasta restaurant for you.
With two locations in Covent Garden and Soho, this spot is best known for its silk handkerchief pasta topped with confit egg yolk (which is just £11, BTW!) as well as its signature starters and drinks.
Daroco
Where: Soho
This trendy spot has made its way from Paris to the streets of Soho, and it's a fine-dining experience that will leave you wanting more (seriously, can I order an extra helping of that chocolate mousse?).
Serving fresh, al dente pasta, a selection of gourmet pizzas and mouthwatering desserts, you'll come for the carbs and stay for the stunning interiors that are perfect for romantic, dimly lit dinner with your other half or loved ones.
Cicchetti
Where: Knightsbridge
Experience 'la dolce vita' at Cicchetti in Knightsbridge, with mouth-watering small plates that are made for sharing. Think tapas, but Italian!
The beautiful interiors, incredible service and tasty food makes this a dining experience like no other for the next time you're in Knightsbridge. Plus, their selection of desserts are seriously to die for. We're still thinking about their gelato!
Norma
Where: Fitzrovia
Tucked away from the bustle of Oxford Street is this Sicilian-inspired restaurant with stunning interiors, great service and even better food.
With intricate small plates that are perfect for sharing and packed full of flavour, we recommend this spot for your next date night or special occasion.
You just have to get their fluffy focaccia and pistachio tiramisu, too. You won't regret it!
Furvah Shah is Acting Entertainment Booker for ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. She secures interviews with your favourite celebrities and covers everything from TV and films to music and books. Furvah has previously written for The Independent, BBC, Refinery29 and Amaliah and she is super passionate about highlighting diverse talent and projects, having interviewed the likes of Jenna Ortega, Charithra Chandran, Ambika Mod and more. She graduated with a First in BA Media and Communications from Goldsmiths University and is an NCTJ-qualified journalist. In her free time, you can find her at an arts or culture event, eating Middle Eastern or Asian food, searching for modest fashion inspiration on Pinterest or cuddling with her cat. You can follow Furvah on X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
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