The Best Italian Restaurants in London
London isn’t short on great Italian restaurants, but it’s the ones doing things traditionally with that Italian simplicity that we’re drawn to - letting good ingredients and simple ideas shine.
This list isn’t about pizza and pasta joints. It’s a mix of places doing proper Italian cooking: think handmade pasta, grilled meats, seasonal sides and seafood dishes that are all about flavour from the primi course to dessert.
If you’re after our top picks for pasta read our best pasta restaurants in London here or for the best pizza in town check out our best pizza restaurants in London here.
Trullo
📍 Islington (St Paul's Road, N1 2LH)A North London favourite, Trullo is all about simple, seasonal dishes and proper Italian cooking. It’s one of those restaurants that feels like it’s been part of London forever. Since opening in 2010, it’s been serving up food with real care and attention. It’s earned its place in the MICHELIN Guide for good reason. The handmade pasta is as good as you'd hope (the beef shin ragu with pappardelle is their signature dish), and the charcoal grill adds real depth to their meat and fish dishes.
Downstairs in the wine cellar is where we sat – it’s got a mature, tucked-away feel that makes it perfect for a slower, more intimate dinner. It’s not flashy, but that’s part of the charm. Just good food, great service and a setting that doesn’t try too hard.
Founded by Tim Siadatan, the same mind behind Padella, Trullo offers a more grown-up version of that crowd-favourite pasta bar. If you’re into cooking, we’d recommend The Trullo Cookbook; it’s got that same balance of smart and relaxed, with recipes you'll actually want to cook.
Opening Hours:
Trullo Restaurant:
Lunch (Mon–Sun): 12:30–3pm
Dinner (Mon–Sat): 6–10:30pm
Dinner (Sun): 6–9:30pm
Trullo Bar:
Daily: 6pm–11:45pm
Manteca
📍 Shoreditch (Curtain Road, EC2A 3PT)A Bib Gourmand pick in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide, Manteca delivers bold, Italian-inspired cooking with a nose-to-tail approach. It does things differently and we’re big fans. It’s loud, confident and full of flavour. The salumi’s all cured in-house, pasta is hand-rolled each day, and they serve their own wood-fired breads.
The amari-focused cocktail list is worth a look, and the wine menu covers both natural and classic picks from across Italy, Europe and North America.
It’s co-founded by David Carter, who’s also behind Smokestak and the brilliant OMA (quite possibly our favourite London restaurant) in Borough Market. Manteca has that same attention to detail, but feels a bit more playful. If you’re in Shoreditch and hungry, this should be on your list.
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday Lunch 12–3pm | Dinner 5:30–11pm
Baccalà
📍 Bermodnsey (Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ)A short walk from London Bridge, Baccalà is a warm, independent restaurant on Bermondsey Street that puts Italian seafood front and centre. Run by two couples who are hands-on across the kitchen, wine list, and floor, the restaurant blends regional Italian flavours with a fresh, modern style.
Expect handmade pasta, fresh oysters, and standout small plates – all with Chef Moreno’s personal twist on tradition. The wine list is full of interesting Italian bottles, and if you want to book something different, consider their wine or olive oil tasting. It’s ideal for date nights or a relaxed catch-up with friends over great food and wine.
Opening Hours:
Restaurant:
Tuesday–Wednesday: 12–5pm / 6–9pm
Thursday–Saturday: 12–5pm / 6–9:30pm
Wine Shop:
Tuesday–Saturday: 11am–6pm
Legare
📍 Shad Thames (Cardamom Building, Shad Thames, SE1 2YR)
This Michelin Guide favourite sits quietly in Shad Thames, offering a short, seasonal menu that’s big on flavour and finesse. Legare focuses on fresh pasta and small plates, with everything guided by Italian traditions and made with top-quality British produce.
The vibe is relaxed and intimate, perfect for a laid-back evening where food takes centre stage. The wine list leans natural and sustainable, spotlighting small Italian producers.
📍 Cardamom Building, 31G Shad Thames, SE1 2YR
Opening Hours:
Monday: 6–10pm
Tuesday–Saturday: 12–3pm / 6–10pm
Sunday: 12–4pm
Read our full review of Legare here!
Also worth checking out…
The team behind Legare have a new wine bar, bottle shop and restaurant called Luna, tucked behind Tower Bridge on the cobbled streets of Shad Thames. We haven’t managed to visit it yet but they say to expect the same ethos and standard of food as their original restaurant.
Cafe Murano
📍 Bermondsey, Covent Garden & St James’s
Angela Hartnett’s Cafe Murano on Bermondsey Street is a relaxed but elegant spot with an open kitchen, counter seating, and a daily changing menu. You’ll find fresh pasta under 'Primi', alongside beautifully executed secondi like Osso Buco and Chicken Milanese.
Each location has a slightly different menu, but the attention to detail and Italian authenticity is consistent across the board. Don’t skip the wine list; it focuses on small producers with limited releases, and staff are always ready with a great pairing.
Opening Hours – Bermondsey:
Monday–Friday: 11:30am–3pm / 5–10:30pm
Saturday: 10am–10:30pm
Sunday: 10am–8pm
Note: Bermondsey Street is one of our favourite streets to eat in London – read more about it here!
LUCA
📍 Clerkenwell (St John Street, EC1M 4EH)A warm and stylish restaurant where British ingredients meet Italian technique, LUCA is the kind of place that feels special. There’s a beautiful terrace, a fireside dining room, and dishes that are full of comfort and craft.
Fresh pasta plays a key role, but there’s plenty more to explore – including aged beef, seafood and indulgent desserts. It's on the pricier side, but for a celebration, it’s worth every penny. Not forgetting it’s from Michelin-starred Chef Rob Chambers.
Opening Hours:
Monday–Saturday: Lunch 12–2pm | Dinner 6–10pm
Other Noteworthy Italian Restaurants
The River Cafe
📍 Hammersmith (Thames Wharf, W6 9HA)
Open since 1987, The River Cafe is one of London’s most iconic restaurants. With a Michelin star and a reputation that stretches beyond the capital, it’s often named by chefs as not just their favourite Italian spot, but their favourite restaurant in the city, full stop BUT for a special occasion.
It’s a place we’ve heard so much about, and we have no doubt the food is exceptional. The setting by the river is stunning and the pedigree of chefs who’ve trained here (inlcuding Jamie Oliver) speaks for itself. That said, the price point is undeniably high – likely influenced by its legendary status and celebrity clientele. As much as we’re happy to spend on good food, knowing how humble these dishes are in their traditional setting has made us pass for now.
It’s also quite a trek to get there from us in South East London, but we’re keeping it on our list for the right occasion. And when that day comes, we’ll be sure to share our thoughts.
For Pasta:
Flour and Grape (no-bookings, neighbourhood favourite)
Lina Stores (est. 1944, now with locations across London)
Bancone (sleek interiors, handmade pasta)
Read our full pasta restaurant recommendations list here
For Pizza:
Bon Vino Enoteca (Classic Neapolitan)
Alley Cats Pizza (NYC-style, thin and crispy)
Dough Hands (London-style thin base)
Theo’s (Modern Neapolitan)
Mamma Dough (Sourdough Neapolitan)
Bad Boy Pizza Society – see our New York Slice post
L'antica Pizzeria da Michele (Classic Neapolitan)
50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo (Classic Neapolitan)
Best Italian Restaurants in London Map
How to use our maps
Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place. Click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.