The Best Pasta Restaurants in London
We’re very much obsessed with pasta. After travelling across Italy – from making Tortellini in Florence to tasting many a bolognese in Bologna and taking our fair share of pasta-making classes both there and here in London, we’ve developed a serious appreciation for the art of fresh pasta.
It’s become a regular feature in our home kitchen, but nothing beats the joy of sitting down to a fresh bowl of pasta at home or whilst catching up with friends in London.
You’ll have to go to Arezzo in Tuscany to get your hands on these
Here is our tried-and-tested list of the best pasta restaurants in London that deliver the comforting, soul-warming taste of Italy.
Flour & Grape
Padella
Lina Stores
Emelia’s
Gloria | Ave Mario | Jacuzzi | Carlotta | Circolo Popolare
Legare
Locanda del Melo
Cafe Murano
Luca
Flour & Grape – Bermondsey
This gem at the top of Bermondsey Street is our go-to. We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve beenand even though it’s become much more popular over the years, it’s still worth the queue (they don’t take bookings).
The menu is simple: just pasta for mains, but you’ll have eight thoughtful dishes to choose from. Each shape is paired with a sauce or slow-cooked meat that complements it perfectly. There are vegetarian and vegan options, plus gluten-free penne pasta available too.
They have a small dessert menu and their wine list is exclusively Italian, with plenty of bottles and by-the-glass options to match your meal.
‘Downstairs at Flour & Grape’
If there’s a wait, head to their downstairs bar for pre- or post-dinner drinks. It’s a stylish space offering cocktails, wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic options.
You can also join the virtual queue using the Dojo app – just remember, all members of your party need to be present when your table’s ready.
Our full review of Flour and Grape
📍 214 Bermondsey St, SE1 3TQ
🚇 Nearest stations: London Bridge, Bermondsey
Opening Hours:
Monday: 5:30–10pm
Tuesday–Friday: Lunch 12–3pm | Dinner 5:30–10pm
Weekends: Lunch 12–3:30pm | Dinner 5:30–10pm
Padella - Borough Market & Shoreditch
Known for its daily hand-rolled pasta, Padella quickly became a London favourite and the queues at their Borough Market site speak for themselves. With a menu inspired by the founders’ travels through Italy, dishes here are bold, rich, and incredibly satisfying. Expect a short but well-curated list of pasta classics like cacio e pepe, beef shin ragu, or nduja with ricotta.
This isn’t the place for a slow, lingering lunch – the fast-paced vibe and quick turnover make it more of a pasta pit-stop. For something more relaxed and refined, head to their sister restaurant, Trullo in Islington.
Queue: Use the Dojo app to join their virtual queue remotely and save yourself time.
📍 Borough Market: 6 Southwark Street, SE1 1TQ
📍 Shoreditch: 1 Phipp Street, EC2A 4PS
Borough Market Opening Hours:
Monday–Saturday Lunch: 11:30am–3:45pm
Monday–Wednesday Dinner: 5–10pm
Thursday–Saturday Dinner: 5–10:30pm
Sunday: Lunch 11:30am–3:45pm | Dinner 5–9pm
Lina Stores – Multiple Locations
Easily spotted by their mint and white shopfronts, Lina Stores is more than just a restaurant; it’s a slice of Italian history in London. What started as a Soho delicatessen in 1944 has grown into a collection of restaurants (9 in London and counting!) across the city – with the next set to open in Canary Wharf and with another in Manchester.
Pasta is handmade daily, using top-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers in Italy. Alongside the main dishes, you’ll find antipasti from their deli, traditional desserts, and secondi that round out the experience.
For a proper Italian night out, visit Bar Lina, their stylish cocktail bar tucked beneath the Brewer Street deli – expect reimagined Italian classics and delicious bar snacks.
📍 Find your nearest location (Brewer Street · Greek Street · Stable Street · Bloomberg Arcade · Marylebone Lane · Clapham · South Kensington · Shoreditch · Canary Wharf - coming soon)
(Check individual locations for restaurant hours)
Brewer Street Opening Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 10am–7pm
Sunday: 11am–6pm
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta – Various Locations
Inspired by Nonna-style cooking, Emilia’s keeps things simple but delicious: quality ingredients, handmade pasta, and rich, comforting sauces. They focus on pairing pasta shapes with the right textures and flavours, always served al dente – just like in Italy.
They’ve got four London restaurants with a new one opening soon on Victoria Street, offering both indoor and al fresco dining. If you’re gluten-free, their Wood Wharf branch has options for you too.
Our favourite location? St Katharine Docks – it’s set right on the water, and on a sunny day, it really feels like you’ve been whisked away from the city chaos. Order a glass of wine, tuck into a bowl of pasta, and soak up the atmosphere by the docks.
📍 Unit C3 Ivory House, St. Katharine Docks, E1W 1AT
(Check their website for all their locations - Aldgate · Baker Street · Canary Wharf · St. Katharine’s Docks)
St. Katharine Dock’s Opening Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 12:00–9:30pm
Friday & Saturday: 12:00–10:00pm
… And If You Want More Than Just Pasta
While the spots above are all about pasta, sometimes you're after a place where you can have the best of both worlds: a silky plate of fettuccine and maybe a pizza, a secondi, or a slice of show-stopping tiramisu.
Whether your mate's not as pasta-obsessed as you (we forgive them) or you're just in the mood for something more varied, here are the top restaurants in London that serve exceptional fresh pasta alongside other Italian favourites.
Big Mamma Group Restaurants – Various Locations
If you’re after a dining experience that’s as extra as it is excellent, Big Mamma Group’s London outposts are what you’re looking for. Think over-the-top interiors, cocktail menus longer than your arm, and dishes that are as photogenic as they are flavour-packed.
Their restaurants: Gloria (Shoreditch), Ave Mario (Covent Garden), Jacuzzi (Kensington), Carlotta (Marylebone), and Circolo Popolare (Fitzrovia); serve showy, delicious plates that go big on drama and taste. Expect fresh pasta, Roman-style pizza, generous antipasti, and desserts that you certainly need to leave room for (don’t miss the tower of meringue-topped lemon pie).
Ideal for birthdays, date nights or special occasions.
📍 Find a location and book here
Legare – Bermondsey
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
Fine Foods – Locanda del Melo
A true local gem, this family-run spot on Long Lane blends rustic charm with serious Italian quality. At the front, there’s a deli with panini, coffee, and Italian produce; further in, the restaurant serves traditional plates with a focus on handmade pasta and regional favourites.
It’s no-frills, no-fuss.. just honest, hearty Italian food in a cosy setting. And yes, the pasta is absolutely worth a visit.
📍 218 Long Lane, SE1 4QB
Opening Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8am–10pm
Saturday: 8:30am–10pm
Sunday: 12–9pm
Cafe Murano – Bermondsey, Covent Garden & St James’s
Angela Hartnett’s Cafe Murano on Bermondsey Street (one of our favourite streets to eat in London - read more about it here) 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.
📍 184 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ
Opening Hours – Bermondsey:
Monday–Friday: 11:30am–3pm / 5–10:30pm
Saturday: 10am–10:30pm
Sunday: 10am–8pm
LUCA – Clerkenwell
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.
📍 88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH
Opening Hours:
Monday–Saturday: Lunch 12–2pm | Dinner 6–10pm
Best Pasta in London Map
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