Foodies’ List for Italian Dining in London
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Craving a perfect plate of pasta or a slice of wood-fired pizza done right? London’s Italian restaurant scene is as rich and varied as the dishes themselves, from cosy neighbourhood trattorias to Michelin-starred marvels where every bite is a tribute to Italy’s culinary soul. Whether you’re after rustic Roman comfort food, refined Venetian seafood, or Neapolitan-style pizza that rivals what you’d find in Naples, the capital has it all. In this guide, we share ten of the best Italian restaurants in London—places where the pasta is always al dente, and the flavours are nothing short of delizioso.
Trullo
Located in Highbury, Trullo has been a local favourite since 2010, celebrated for its seasonal, Italian-inspired dishes and impeccable pasta. The restaurant’s pappardelle with slow-cooked beef shin ragù is a silky delight, while the charcoal grill offers standout dishes like whole Cornish mackerel with panzanella. The menu changes daily, reflecting the freshest ingredients, complemented by a comprehensive Italian wine list.
Trullo holds a strong Google rating of 4.5 from over 1,500 reviews and is a proud recipient of the 2024 Travellers’ Choice award on TripAdvisor. Its Instagram @trullo_restaurant boasts 60.3K followers, regularly sharing behind-the-scenes pasta making and seasonal specials.
Bocca di Lupo
A Soho institution since 2008, Bocca di Lupo is renowned for its regional Italian dishes and extensive wine list. The menu offers a tour of Italy’s diverse culinary landscape, with highlights like sea bream carpaccio and pappardelle with venison ragù. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, with knowledgeable staff guiding diners through the menu.
Bocca di Lupo holds a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand and won the Best Wine List award from Tatler in 2013. It has a Google rating of 4.6 from 3,000+ reviews, a 4.2 score on TripAdvisor and over 43.5K Instagram followers at @bocca_di_lupo, showcasing the different seasonal dishes and wine pairings.
Napoli on the Road
Nestled just off Chiswick High Street, Napoli on the Road is celebrated for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas crafted by Michele Pascarella, Pizza Maker of the Year 2023. The restaurant’s seasonal menu features classic and innovative pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven, alongside fresh starters and desserts. Its rustic yet contemporary setting, complete with an open kitchen and a central lemon tree, creates a warm, family-style atmosphere.
Napoli on the Road has won the Best Pizza in Europe 2024 award and holds a strong Google rating of 4.5 with over 1,300 reviews. It was also a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice winner, with a high 4.7 score and ranked in the top 10% of London’s Italian eateries. The Instagram account @napoli_ontheroad regularly posts to their 31.6K loyal following of pizza enthusiasts about their pizzaiolos’ craft.
Padella
Situated near Borough Market, Padella is famed for its hand-made pasta and casual, buzzy vibe. Despite its small size, it’s a hotspot for pasta lovers, with dishes like pici cacio e pepe and tagliatelle al ragu consistently praised. The restaurant is known for its excellent value and friendly service.
Padella enjoys a 4.5 rating on Google from more than 5,800 reviews and is often recommended for its no-reservations policy that encourages a lively queue. On TripAdvisor, Padella is scored at 4.3. Its Instagram @padella_pasta has over 142K followers, frequently sharing mouth-watering pasta shots and daily specials.
Babbo
Tucked away in St John’s Wood, Babbo offers refined yet comforting trattoria classics. The lobster spaghetti and grilled lamb chops are standout dishes, paired perfectly with crunchy potatoes al forno. The elegant yet relaxed setting makes it ideal for both special occasions and casual dinners.
Babbo holds a Google rating of 4.5 from 400+ reviews and a TripAdvisor score of 4.1. Its Instagram @babbo_restaurant has around 18.9K followers, featuring seasonal menus and cosy dining moments.
50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo
Hailing from Naples and opened in London in 2018, 50 Kalò is the brainchild of third-generation master pizzaiolo Ciro Salvo, renowned for his research into highly hydrated dough that results in light, airy, and easily digestible pizzas. The pizzeria’s Neapolitan-style pizzas feature soft, thin bases with perfectly blistered edges, topped with premium ingredients flown in from Campania.
50 Kalò holds a prestigious Gambero Rosso award as the best Italian pizzeria in London and was named Best Pizzeria in Europe by 50 Top Pizza. It boasts a Google rating of 4.5 from over 5,000 reviews and a TripAdvisor ranking within the top 5% of London restaurants. Its Instagram @50kalolondon often updates with mouth-watering pizza shots and behind-the-scenes dough mastery.
Sartoria
On Savile Row in Mayfair, Sartoria combines Italian regional cooking with a plush, stylish interior designed by David d’Almada. Chef Francesco Mazzei’s menu features southern Italian favourites like lasagne pastachina and lobster tagliolini, with an impressive wine cellar curated by sommelier Michael Simms.
Sartoria has a Google rating of 4.3 from 800+ reviews and a TripAdvisor score of 4.0. Not forgetting their loyal Instagram following of 22.1K at @sartoriarestaurant, where they highlight their signature dishes and elegant dining experience.
Manteca
In Shoreditch, Manteca is known for its small plates, fresh pasta, and nose-to-tail approach to Italian cooking. The amari-led cocktail list is a highlight, complementing the bold flavours of the food. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a popular spot for foodies.
Manteca holds a Google rating of 4.4 from 2,000+ reviews, 4.0 on TripAdvisor and has an Instagram following of 107K at @manteca_london, dropping creative dishes and cocktail features.
Café Murano
Angela Hartnett’s Covent Garden gem serves a modern take on classic Italian dishes such as Chicken Milanese and Osso Bucco Risotto. The intimate setting with leather banquettes and a marble bar creates a welcoming atmosphere for both casual and private dining.
Café Murano holds a Google rating of 4.2 from over 800 reviews and a 3.9 on TripAdvisor. They maintain an active Instagram presence @cafemurano with 30.2K followers, publishing seasonal specials and chef insights.
Luci
Located in Covent Garden, Luci offers a refined Italian dining experience under chef-patron Jacob Kenedy. The menu features dishes like stuffed courgette flowers and pappardelle with venison ragù, all crafted with respect for Italian tradition and seasonal ingredients.
Luci enjoys a Google rating of 4.2 and a TripAdvisor score of 3.3. With an Instagram following of 25.3K at @lucirestaurant, where they reveal their elegant plating and seasonal menus.
This selection showcases London’s rich and varied Italian culinary landscape, blending tradition with innovation and offering something for every Italian food lover.
