London may be famous for fish and chips, but Italian cuisine has long held a special place in the city’s eclectic food scene. While jetting off to Italy to dine under the Tuscan sun might sound tempting, most London-based Italian gems offer an experience so authentic that you might find yourself saying, “Grazie!” without even thinking.
London’s Italian restaurant scene is as rich and varied as Italy itself. You’ll find everything from rustic, old-school trattorias to trendy, new-wave spots serving small plates. These restaurants have an abundance of culinary treasures: fresh antipasto, steaming bowls of risotto, hearty ragù, and boozy tiramisu. Here are the best Italian restaurants in London;
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Manteca, Shoreditch
Located in Shoreditch, Manteca is one of the finest Italian restaurants you’ll ever come across in London. Its rise to stardom has been a tried and tested experiment, popping up across London before finally claiming this spot in the East End. Born from the creative minds of Chris Leach and David Carter, Manteca balances a laid-back yet stylish vibe with a menu that hits all the right notes.
Within its minimalist, cool interiors, you’ll find diners swooning over the likes of spicy ‘nduja-steamed mussels and the beautifully indulgent brown crab cacio e pepe. With each plate of creamy ricotta topped with courgette and chili, Manteca proves it’s not just a trendy spot but a Shoreditch staple for anyone serious about Italian food. It’s a table worth snagging for a taste of the London-Italian culinary magic.
Flour & Grape, Bermondsey
Dining at Flour & Grape is an Italian-inspired experience that’s so much more than just pasta and wine, though both are highly recommended. Please do not skip their ingenious small plates. The usual olives are juicy and flavorful, but the real surprise is the bruschetta. Their dish features no tomatoes, just a lavish spread of warm lardo, topped with walnuts and honey.
The roasted pumpkin on creamy ricotta is another must-try. It’s served with pomegranate and pumpkin seeds. For a culinary experiment, try their smoked eel with beetroot and horseradish. This dish offers a smoky, earthy twist. As for the pasta, it’s crafted fresh in-house daily, and you have eight varieties to choose from.
Pro tip: skip dessert and double up on pasta – the calamarata with squid, white wine, chili, and pistachio is a standout that begs for an encore.
Trullo, Islington
Dining at Trullo in Islington feels like stepping into an intimate Italian trattoria. You’ll be mesmerized by its bentwood chairs, crisp white-linen tablecloths, and net curtains that lend a cozy, old-school vibe. Since its opening in 2010, this beloved North London restaurant has drawn in locals and foodies alike.
Their menu changes every day to offer diners a unique experience every time they visit. You’ll find a mouthwatering selection of dishes that celebrate the best of Italian cuisine. We recommend you try their antipasti. They serve this in two forms; crispy bruschetta topped with briny anchovy paste or rich, velvety burrata.
You can also indulge charcoal-grilled mains such as the Black Hampshire pork chop with bright, tangy salsa rossa. But the true stars here are the primi—handmade pasta dishes that never fail to impress, especially the iconic pici cacio e pepe, which has become a must-order for regulars.
Campania & Jones, East London
Tucked away on a charming cobblestone corner just off Columbia Road, Campania & Jones is the kind of cozy, rustic hideaway that East Londoners adore. Inside, you’re greeted by exposed brick walls, wicker lampshades, a wood-burning fire, and hanging dried flowers that give it a warm, timeless feel.
Each dish is served on handmade ceramics, adding a personal touch to an already delightful setting. The menu features a mix of traditional and contemporary Southern Italian dishes, changing daily to reflect what’s fresh and in season.
However, you can always count on a few comforting constants like the rich pappardelle ragu, buttery gnudi dumplings with sage, and Hackney wild bread doused in olive oil to start. Their dessert menu is also surprisingly astounding. Leave room for the homemade tiramisu — creamy, boozy, and the perfect way to end the meal.
Legare, Bermondsey
A few years back, Legare was London’s best-kept secret. It isn’t that anymore and the numbers trully show. Inside, you’re greeted by a cozy restaurant with a bustling open kitchen overlooking a simple yet chic dining room. Guests are seated at wooden tables illuminated by candlelight, creating a relaxed atmosphere that invites diners to truly settle in for the evening.
The dishes here are a celebration of simplicity, where high-quality ingredients shine. For instance, the stracciatella with roasted radicchio and mellow hazelnuts. This dish pairs creamy, gooey cheese with soft chicory and fragrant thyme, all elevated by a drizzle of olive oil.
For those seeking something heartier, try the cuttlefish with white beans and devil’s mortar. It’s a spicy, British sausage reminiscent of Italy’s ’nduja—is a comforting, stew-like delight, where tender fish mingles with cooling pulses and fiery sausage. Of course, the pasta steals the show.
For a vegetarian option, the orecchiette holds its own with depth of flavor. Desserts are equally memorable, with the cannoli offering a blissful finish: crisp pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta and topped with pistachios. The wine list complements the menu perfectly. You’ll find bottles from small Italian producers committed to sustainable vineyard practices.
Sale e Pepe, Knightsbridge
Dining at Sale e Pepe in Knightsbridge is a scene straight from the Dolce Vita playbook. Since opening in 1974, this iconic spot has attracted a host of Italophile A-listers, from Priscilla Presley to Rod Stewart. Inspired by Milanese townhouses, the design features midnight blue walls, finely set tables beneath valuable art, and mirrors that make the cozy space feel both intimate and expansive.
From juicy prawns and herby tuna tartare to a luscious burrata with crispy bread, each dish set the stage for more indulgence. No Italian feast is complete without dessert, so we recommend the tiramisu. Wash down every bite with a shot of limoncello.
The Dover, Mayfair
Dining at The Dover in Mayfair is like stepping into a secret New York hideaway, where whispers of classic Italian fare mingle with an unmistakable Big Apple edge. There is no splashy launch for this place—no paparazzi, no star-studded arrivals. Instead, it quietly opens its doors, relying on word-of-mouth rather than fanfare.
Once inside, you’re drawn through a walkway lined with candlelit tables, past the bar, and into the heart of the main dining space. It’s encased in warm American Walnut and flickering Art Deco lamps, all meticulously designed. The bar snacks alone hint at the precision behind every dish.
Crispy zucchini and asparagus fritti, elegantly stacked, make a crunchy prelude, while truffle-topped quattro formaggi offers a rich, decadent bite. But the highlight of the meal is undoubtedly the chicken cordon bleu in pizzaiola sauce. This dish combines Italian comfort with a New York twist, alongside a generous bowl of spaghetti and meatballs.
The pasta here feels like a cozy escape, as if you’re unwinding at home far from Mayfair’s bustle. Dessert is a zesty slice of baked crème brûlée cheesecake with sour cherries, the perfect companion to a last sip of Sauvignon Blanc.
Conclusion
From timeless elegance to Shoreditch chic, London’s Italian dining scene has something to offer every pasta lover and pizza aficionado. These restaurants each bring a slice of Italy to the city, but with their own unique flair. Just be sure to make a reservation — a great Italian meal is worth a little planning, especially when it means escaping to Italy, if only for a few hours. Buon appetito!
