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London's Best Italian Restaurants: 17 Must-Try Spots for Pasta, Pizza, and Aperitivo Vibes

Updated: Jul 5

When it comes to Italian food, London knows how to deliver the goods. Whether you're craving a no-fuss bowl of handmade pappardelle, dreaming of rustic trattoria vibes, or hunting for a sleek date-night spot with a killer wine list, the city has it all. So if you're in the mood to mangia, swipe through our ultimate guide to the best Italian restaurants in London – curated to help you discover your next favourite dish, one forkful at a time.



A stylish interior of Padella - Borough & Shoreditch, featuring a long counter with wooden stools, a well-stocked bar shelf, and modern pendant lighting, creating a cozy dining atmosphere.

A cult favourite for good reason. Known for their iconic pici cacio e pepe and wallet-friendly pricing, Padella is London’s go-to for fast, fresh, handmade pasta that packs a punch. Expect queues—but trust us, it’s worth every minute.


The exterior of Dalla - Hackney, showcasing a vintage storefront with a sign, large windows, a bicycle parked outside, and a warm, inviting entrance.

Retro Milan vibes meet East London edge. Dalla’s small menu changes often, featuring nostalgic plates like lasagna verde and pistachio gelato. Add in vintage decor, vinyl playlists, and low lighting—it’s effortlessly cool.


This upscale stunner blends British produce with Italian soul. Handmade pastas, soft lighting, and a secret courtyard make Luca perfect for special occasions or moody date nights.


🍝 4. Artusi – Peckham & Soho

A minimalist gem with cult status. Artusi’s blackboard menu highlights seasonal pastas and well-sourced ingredients. It’s casual, unfussy, and beloved by local foodies for a reason.


A stylish interior of Bancone - Covent Garden, featuring hanging pendant lights and a modern counter setup.

Slick interiors, an open pasta counter, and silk handkerchiefs drenched in walnut butter. Bancone balances hype and hospitality, making it ideal for both date nights and midweek indulgence.


A plate of live pasta with mussels, calamari, and a rich sauce, elegantly served at Ciao Bella - Bloomsbury.

Live piano, loud laughter, and red-checkered tablecloths—Ciao Bella is a full Italian experience. The portions are generous, the service is old-school warm, and the vibe is pure family trattoria.


A spacious interior of Polentina - E2, featuring wooden tables, chairs, and pendant lighting, with a view of the dining area.

A hidden gem in East London serving modern twists on rustic Italian dishes. Expect warm sourdough, comforting ragu, and a laid-back vibe tucked inside an old factory. Perfect for casual dinner dates.


A cozy dining room at Senza Fondo - Shoreditch, with checkered tablecloths, a wood-fired oven, and tables set for a meal.

A TikTok fave that lives up to the hype. Famous for bottomless lasagna and all-you-can-sip Aperol brunches, this Shoreditch spot brings Italian-American energy with a party vibe.


A lively interior of Trullo - Highbury, showcasing wooden tables, chairs, and a modern yet warm dining atmosphere.

The older sibling to Padella, Trullo offers grown-up charm with heartwarming dishes. Think short rib pappardelle and grilled fish, paired with candlelit coziness and a killer wine list.


The elegant exterior of Murano - Mayfair, featuring a stylish storefront with large windows, outdoor seating, potted plants, and a sign above the entrance.

Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred hideaway mixes fine dining with Italian comfort. Expect elegance without fuss—flawless pasta, impeccable service, and plush interiors. Perfect for life’s big moments.


A vibrant street scene in front of Bar Italia - Soho, with a classic red car (number 61) parked outside the iconic cafe, and people walking by.

More than a café, it’s a Soho institution. Grab a quick espresso or linger with a cannoli at the counter. The neon sign and narrow interior scream old-school Italian cool.


A cozy interior of Leo's - Clapham, showcasing wooden walls, a clock, a sign with the restaurant's name, and warm lighting, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

A cosy, all-day spot where ricotta pancakes meet pasta alla vodka. Leo’s brings the warmth of a European café with a rotating seasonal menu and strong Negroni game.


A Knightsbridge classic with no shortage of flair. The veal Milanese is legendary, and so are the photos on the wall. Glam, theatrical, and unapologetically extra.


A colorful abstract painting on the wall, adding an artistic touch to the dining area at Sale e Pepe - Belgravia.

Serving loyal regulars since the ‘70s, this Belgravia staple is all about warmth, tradition, and generous bowls of pasta. You’ll leave feeling like family.


A luxurious interior of Cichetti - Piccadilly, showcasing a long bar with arched ceilings, stools, and an extensive wine and cocktail selection

Inspired by Venice’s small-plate tradition, Cicchetti delivers luxe bites with bustling ambiance. It’s where burrata, truffle pasta, and wine-fuelled catch-ups collide. 


The exterior of Brutto - Farringdon, featuring a charming storefront with a "Brutto" sign, outdoor seating with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, and a quiet street view.

Low lights, loud vibes, paper tablecloths, and £5 negronis. Brutto channels Florence in all the best ways—hearty, unfussy, and joyfully chaotic. Dogs welcome too.


A lively table scene at La Mia Mamma - Chelsea, with hands reaching for a variety of Italian dishes including pizza, salads, and desserts, served on colorful plates.

Your Italian nonna’s kitchen—if she rotated menus monthly by region. Real mammas do the cooking here, and every dish feels like a warm hug. Great for group dinners and midweek comfort.



🇮🇹 Dextr’s Tips for Italian Dining in London

  • Best handmade pasta? Padella and Trullo are unbeatable.

  • Date-night ready? Luca, Murano, and Dalla bring the charm.

  • On a budget? Ciao Bella, Brutto, and Artusi deliver serious value.

  • Want something authentic? Head to La Mia Mamma or Sale e Pepe for that Italian-family feel.



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