London’s Italian scene is one of the city’s most irresistible, from Michelin-starred dining rooms to neighbourhood trattorias. Whether you’re craving hand-rolled pasta, rich ragù, Neapolitan pizza, or inventive modern takes on classic dishes, these restaurants showcase the very best of Italian cuisine in the capital. Below are 15 outstanding Italian restaurants in London with links straight to their sites so you can explore menus and book your table.

Top 5 Italian Restaurants in London - Editor’s Choice

No.	Restaurant	Location	Best For
1	EDITOR'S CHOICE Luca	Clerkenwell	Modern Michelin-starred Italian with seasonal British produce
2	The River Café	Hammersmith	Iconic riverside dining & refined regional Italian cooking
3	Padella	Borough Market	Famous handmade pasta at accessible prices
4	Trullo	Highbury	Rustic Italian dishes & exceptional seasonal pasta
5	Manteca	Shoreditch	Bold, creative Italian flavours in a lively setting

Top 10 Best Italian Restaurants in London

1. Murano – Mayfair

Set in the heart of Mayfair, Murano is one of London’s most acclaimed Italian fine-dining destinations. Chef Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred restaurant combines refined technique with deep Italian heritage, creating dishes that are elegantly composed yet unmistakably rooted in tradition.

The menu often features seasonal ingredients transformed into elegant pasta, seafood, and meat courses with flair and precision. Signature dishes might include delicately balanced pasta that celebrate form and flavour or beautifully plated takes on osso buco and risotto.

Murano’s intimate, stylish interior is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or when you want to experience Italian cuisine elevated to its highest expression in London. Service here is polished and attentive, and the wine list is carefully curated to complement every course, making it an essential stop for food lovers seeking sophisticated Italian fare in the city.

Website: https://www.muranolondon.com

2. Trullo – Highbury & Islington

A perennial favourite since it opened in 2010, Trullo has become one of London’s definitive Italian restaurants thanks to its celebration of fresh, seasonal produce and beautiful handmade pasta. Located in Highbury & Islington, Trullo offers a daily-changing menu that reflects the best of British ingredients with Italian technique. The pasta here, rolled in-house each day, is the star, with dishes like pappardelle in slow-cooked ragù or squid ink pasta paired with seafood that brim with flavour and sophistication.

The restaurant’s open kitchen, where chefs handcraft pasta and grill charred meats over embers, adds warmth and theatre to the dining experience. Guests also praise the welcoming, unpretentious service and buzzing atmosphere that feels both relaxed and refined. Trullo’s dedication to seasonality and craftsmanship makes it a must-visit for anyone who considers pasta an art form.

Website: https://trullorestaurant.com

3. Padella – Borough Market & Shoreditch

Padella has become a London institution for pasta lovers, known for its incredibly fresh, hand-rolled pasta and vibrant, lively atmosphere. Situated near Borough Market and in Shoreditch, this unpretentious yet compelling spot draws foodies from near and far, often with queues out the door. The daily short menu focuses on pasta that’s made the old-fashioned way: simple, excellent flour and water, shaped and cooked to al dente perfection. Dishes like pici cacio e pepe or tagliatelle with slow-cooked beef shin ragu are intensely flavorful and built around quality ingredients.

Despite its popularity and bustling vibe, Padella remains thoroughly approachable, offering superb food at excellent value. The staff work with speed and warmth to turn tables quickly, making waiting in line worth it for many diners. Whether you’re craving quick pasta perfection or want an engaging culinary experience, Padella delivers year after year.

Website: https://www.padella.co

4. Bocca di Lupo – Soho

Bocca di Lupo is a Soho classic that continues to captivate diners with its regional Italian cuisine and exceptional wine list. Each dish on the menu is clearly marked with its Italian region of origin, offering a mini culinary tour of Italy from north to south.

The menu changes with the seasons and often highlights lesser-known Italian specialties alongside familiar favorites, all expertly executed. Bocca di Lupo earned wide acclaim after its debut and has held prestigious awards, including a Michelin Guide “Bib Gourmand” and recognition for its wine list.

The bustling dining room blends casual energy with refined flavour profiles, making this a favourite for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Guests appreciate the thoughtful service, the menu’s storytelling through regional identity, and the balanced approach to tradition and contemporary technique. Whether you’re sampling antipasti or diving into a slow-simmered ragù, Bocca di Lupo delivers depth and authenticity.

Website: http://www.boccadilupo.com

5. Osteria Angelina – Spitalfields

East London’s Osteria Angelina merges Italian culinary tradition with creative flair, offering a refreshing twist on classic Italian dishes. Located in a converted warehouse space near Spitalfields, this restaurant combines elegant yet relaxed design with a menu that highlights fresh pasta and inventive pairings.

Signature dishes might include truffle tortelloni with rich sauces or unique pasta shapes paired with innovative ingredients inspired by Italian and even Japanese influences. The glass-walled kitchen offers a glimpse into the chefs at work, emphasizing craftsmanship and precision.

With its airy interior, soaring ceilings, and bold flavour combinations, Osteria Angelina appeals to diners looking for something beyond the expected Italian restaurant menu. Whether planning a casual dinner or a special night out, this spot delivers memorable food in a setting that feels modern and convivial.

Website: http://angelina.london

6. Casa Tua Camden – Camden

In vibrant Camden, Casa Tua brings the warmth and comfort of a Southern Italian home to London. Founded by Giuseppe Miggiano, an Italian native from Puglia, the restaurant’s name literally means “your house,” reflecting its focus on welcoming hospitality and homestyle cooking. The menu features timeless Italian classics, from perfectly balanced pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas and hearty mains — all inspired by Mediterranean flavours and age-old family recipes.

The décor and atmosphere convey a sense of rustic charm, making it feel like an inviting neighbourhood trattoria rather than a formal dining room. Casa Tua has earned accolades including Good Food Awards and local praise for its authentic approach to Italian cuisine. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a cosy dinner, or a celebratory meal, this Camden favourite delivers robust flavours and an experience rooted in the heart of Italian culinary tradition.

Website: http://www.casatualondon.com

7. Flour & Grape – Bermondsey

Flour & Grape stands out in London’s Italian dining scene for its passionate focus on fresh pasta and well-curated wine. Hidden in Bermondsey, this restaurant bursts with character, the kitchen crafts pasta daily, often visible from the dining room, showcasing techniques and textures that elevate humble ingredients into memorable plates. Here, precision and rhythm sets the tone: silky strands of hand-rolled pasta paired with rich sauces, seasonal vegetables, and thoughtfully chosen wines that amplify each course.

The restaurant’s lively, intimate environment makes it ideal for relaxed dinners, celebrations, or culinary exploration with friends. Its commitment to classic Italian technique with a contemporary edge places Flour & Grape on many of London’s best Italian lists, and fans of the place praise the energetic service and bold flavour profiles equally. A visit here feels like discovering a hidden pocket of Italy in south London.

Website: https://flourandgrape.com

8. Luca – Clerkenwell

Luca is a refined Italian restaurant that merges contemporary style with classic technique. Known for its elegant interiors and beautifully constructed dishes, Luca represents Italian cuisine at its more polished end while maintaining deep respect for tradition.

The menu often features seasonal ingredients, creative pasta shapes, and rich sauces, making it ideal for special occasions or refined dinner dates. Dishes here reflect a thoughtful balance between regional inspiration and modern execution, and the wine list complements the flavours with careful pairing options. Diners often highlight Luca’s welcoming service and the depth of flavour in dishes like lobster spaghetti or farm-fresh vegetable pastas, positioning it as a standout option in London’s high-end Italian scene.

While not as longstanding as some trattorias, its polished atmosphere and inventive approach make it a compelling destination for food lovers seeking Italian excellence in the capital.

Website: https://www.thelucarestaurant.co.uk

9. Campania & Jones – East London

Campania & Jones brings the rustic charm of Southern Italy to East London. This cosy neighbourhood trattoria is beloved for its approachable menu, seasonal produce, and dishes that feel like they’re from a family kitchen. Handmade pasta, gnudi, and vibrant antipasti are complemented by a thoughtful wine list — each bottle chosen to enhance the depth of flavour on the plate.

Set near Columbia Road, this restaurant’s warm service and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for a leisurely lunch or relaxed dinner with loved ones. Its dedication to comfort and authentic regional cooking places it among London’s most beloved neighbourhood Italian restaurants.

Website: https://campaniaandjones.com/

10. Cacio & Pepe – Pimlico

Cacio & Pepe is a cosy, beloved Italian spot in Pimlico where simplicity and authenticity rule. Named after its signature dish, tagliolini cacio e pepe, prepared with high-quality cheese and cracked black pepper over silky handmade pasta, this neighbourhood favourite celebrates the beauty of Italian fundamentals done well. The restaurant’s founders bring a passion for Italy’s Mediterranean traditions, focusing on seasonal dishes made with fresh ingredients and professional, accurate service.

Here you’ll find an approachable yet refined menu that pairs classic pasta with antipasti, seafood, and mains that reflect Italian comfort and sophistication. The ambience is intimate, with a relaxed bar area and a warm downstairs dining room perfect for date nights or celebratory dinners with friends. Cacio & Pepe’s reputation for quality Italian fare, welcoming atmosphere, and great wine list make it an excellent pick for visitors and locals alike who want a genuine Italian meal without fuss but with real flavour.

Website: http://www.cacioepepe.co.uk

Top 15 Best Italian Restaurants in London

11. Luce e Limoni – Chancery Lane

Luce e Limoni brings the rich culinary heritage of Sicily to Central London. Nestled near Chancery Lane, this long-standing Italian-Sicilian restaurant combines classic Italian hospitality with bold, flavour-driven dishes that highlight the island’s history. Sicily’s culinary identity is shaped by a tapestry of Mediterranean influences, and at Luce e Limoni, that story is told through dishes like scenically presented antipasti, vibrant pasta, and fresh seafood made with care and attentiveness.

The restaurant’s warm, inviting interior provides a relaxed yet elegant backdrop for dinner with family or a special meal with friends. Diners often praise the attentive service and the way traditional Sicilian techniques are woven into every plate, from carefully seasoned sauces to desserts that showcase the region’s appreciation for bold sweetness. Luce e Limoni remains one of London’s best places to taste authentic Italian and Sicilian cuisine rooted in heritage and passion, ahead of fleeting trends.

Website: https://www.luceelimoni.com

12. Sale e Pepe – Knightsbridge

Sale e Pepe is one of London’s long-loved Italian institutions, serving classic Italian cuisine with a warm spirit of hospitality in Knightsbridge for decades. Established in 1974, this celebrated restaurant has welcomed generations of diners, locals, visitors, and notable guests alike, offering a menu that blends authentic Italian flavours with contemporary touches.

The menu at Sale e Pepe emphasises well-executed, seasonal dishes rooted in tradition: house-made pastas, perfectly grilled meats, and fresh seafood prepared with finesse. A generous wine list complements the cuisine, while the interior’s classic Italian design creates an atmosphere suited to dinners with friends, family celebrations, or elegant nights out. Its location near Harrods and Harvey Nichols makes it ideal for combining fine dining with a day of stylish London exploration. Whether you come for timeless dishes like rich risottos or lighter seasonal fare, Sale e Pepe maintains a balance between heritage and modern dining, a testament to its decades-long presence in the city’s gastronomy scene.

Website: https://www.saleepepe.co.uk/

13. Mezzogiorno – Trafalgar Square

Mezzogiorno is one of London’s most exciting recent Italian openings, rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Calabria. Located inside the luxury Corinthia London, it reflects the heritage of chef Francesco Mazzei, celebrated for his refined approach and deep cultural ties to Southern Italian cuisine. Guests at Mezzogiorno can expect dishes that are soulful, thoughtful, and deeply personal, from classic family recipes handed down through generations to elevated plates that reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients.

The restaurant’s interior, designed with warm terracotta and natural tones, combines architectural history and modern comfort, creating a welcoming atmosphere that complements the rich textures on the plate. Signature elements include dishes inspired by authentic regional cooking, such as cheese-stuffed meatballs, vibrant antipasti, and traditional desserts like pistachio cake, all served with a curated wine list that highlights Italy’s distinct vineyards. Mezzogiorno reimagines familiar comforts with high-end finesse, making it essential for food lovers seeking Italian dining beyond the ordinary.

Website: https://www.corinthia.com/restaurants-and-bars/mezzogiorno/

14. Manteca – Shoreditch

Manteca is a lively Italian restaurant in Shoreditch that blends rooted Italian tradition with creative, boundary-pushing flavours. Known for bold, flavour-driven dishes that often incorporate Italian ingredients with international twists, this spot is ideal for diners who love innovation alongside classic technique.

The menu ranges from rich, nduja-infused seafood to house-made pastas and seasonal plates that celebrate the best produce available. The atmosphere is energetic and modern,perfect for meals with friends, informal dates, or relaxed dinners with a twist. Thoughtful wine pairings and a thoughtfully curated cocktail list round out the experience, creating a dynamic complement to Manteca’s cuisine.

Whether you’re diving into richly spiced pasta or sampling lighter antipasti that highlight fresh vegetables, the restaurant’s confident approach to Italian food makes it an intriguing choice in London’s diverse dining landscape. Its commitment to both quality and creativity makes it stand out among the capital’s Italian offerings.

Website: https://mantecarestaurant.co.uk

15. Legare – Bermondsey

Legare is a welcoming Italian restaurant in Bermondsey that strikes a compelling balance between casual neighbourhood charm and refined regional cooking. The menu reflects deep Italian roots with seasonal touches, wood-fired focaccias, delicate pasta, and beautifully composed mains that lean into local produce and Italian technique.

The setting is relaxed yet stylish, with warm interiors and attentive service that make it a great choice for date nights, family dinners, or laid-back lunches with friends. Legare’s culinary philosophy revolves around celebrating simplicity and depth of flavour; dishes are crafted to highlight the natural quality of each ingredient without unnecessary complexity. The wine list is thoughtfully selected to pair with a range of courses, from bold reds to crisp whites, and the atmosphere feels both familiar and elevated. Legare proves that Italian dining in London doesn’t need to be formal to be memorable, it just needs heart, flavour, and authenticity.

Website: https://legarelondon.com/

Conclusion

London’s Italian food scene is far more than just pizza and pasta, it’s a celebration of regional traditions, seasonal British produce, and chefs who honour heritage while adding modern creativity. From refined Michelin-starred dining rooms to cosy neighbourhood trattorias, the city offers Italian restaurants for every mood, occasion, and budget.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a long lunch with friends, or a special celebration, these Italian restaurants prove why London remains one of the best cities in the world to eat Italian food outside of Italy itself. Expect silky handmade pasta, expertly curated wine lists, warm hospitality, and menus rooted in simplicity and quality ingredients.

If you love discovering memorable dining experiences, this guide is just the beginning, London’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving, and Italian cuisine continues to be one of its most exciting culinary stories.

FAQs

1. What are the best Italian restaurants in London for a special occasion?

For elegant celebrations, restaurants like Luca, The River Café, and Sale e Pepe offer refined atmospheres, exceptional service, and beautifully executed Italian dishes.

2. Where can I find authentic pasta in London?

If you’re searching for handmade pasta and regional Italian cooking, Padella, Trullo, and Legare are standout choices.

3. Are there any Michelin-starred Italian restaurants in London?

Yes — London is home to several Michelin-recognised Italian restaurants, including Luca and The River Café, known for combining Italian culinary traditions with top-tier seasonal ingredients. Discover more fine dining spots in our Michelin Star Restaurants in London Guide.

4. What are the best casual Italian restaurants in London?

For relaxed, informal dining with fantastic food, try Manteca, Padella, or Cacio & Pepe.

5. Where can I go for Italian food in London with a great atmosphere?

Atmosphere plays a huge role in Italian dining. Gloria, Circolo Popolare, and Trullo are known for lively interiors and vibrant energy. You might also like our guide to Best Date Night Restaurants in London for more ambience-focused picks.