11 Best Italian Restaurants in London.

London may be hundreds of miles from Italy, but when it comes to food, the city knows how to do Italian dining exceptionally well.

From glamorous trattorias in Mayfair to cosy neighbourhood gems tucked away in Islington, there’s no shortage of incredible pasta, pizza, and spritzes to enjoy.

As someone who could happily eat Italian food every single day, I’ve tried more than my fair share of restaurants across the city.

These are my absolute favourites – the ones I keep going back to whenever I need my fix of handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a little slice of la dolce vita in London.

1. Cecconi’s, Mayfair

Cecconi’s is one of those effortlessly chic spots that never goes out of style.

With its dark wood, marble floors, and green leather banquettes, it oozes old-school glamour.

The menu is classic Italian done beautifully: cicchetti for sharing, silky handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and indulgent mains.

Whether you’re stopping in for a spritz and a plate of pasta at the bar or settling into a long dinner with friends, Cecconi’s is always buzzy, stylish, and reliably delicious.

2. Bocca di Lupo, Soho

Bocca di Lupo is one of Soho’s true gems, and one of my all-time favourite Italian restaurants in London.

The menu focuses on regional Italian cooking, with small and large plates perfect for sharing.

I love perching at the counter to watch the chefs in action, while working my way through dishes like silky burrata, hearty ragù, and seasonal vegetable plates.

The quality is exceptional, the atmosphere is lively, and it feels like a neighbourhood trattoria transplanted straight from Rome into the middle of Soho.

3. Chucs, Multiple Locations

For a taste of Riviera glamour, Chucs is the place to go.

It’s one of my favourite restaurants in London.

I go back to it again-and-again, and I even had my birthday dinner there last year with 10 of my closest friends!

Inspired by 1950s Amalfi Coast style, its chic interiors and polished service make it feel like a little holiday in the middle of London.

The menu is elegant but approachable, with fresh pastas, risottos, and beautifully grilled fish alongside lighter Mediterranean dishes. It’s stylish without being stuffy, and every location has that same sun-drenched, escapist vibe.

Perfect for when you’re craving a plate of linguine and a glass of rosé that transports you straight to Positano.

4. The Italian Greyhound, Marylebone

I adore The Italian Greyhound – it’s stylish, modern, and the food is consistently excellent.

The menu celebrates classic Italian comfort food with a chic twist: think fresh pizza straight from the oven, seasonal antipasti, and handmade pasta dishes that are as pretty as they are delicious.

The interiors are sleek but welcoming, making it the ideal spot for both a cosy date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. It’s one of those places that feels effortlessly cool without trying too hard.

5. Julie’s, Notting Hill

Julie’s has been a Notting Hill favourite for decades, and it’s easy to see why.

This gorgeous neighbourhood restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and interiors that feel eclectic yet elegant.

The menu leans Mediterranean with plenty of Italian influence — handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and seasonal dishes that are comforting and refined all at once.

It’s relaxed and chic in equal measure, and one of those places you instantly fall in love with. Jemima and I had a lovely time there earlier this year!

6. Daphne’s, Chelsea

Daphne’s is pure Italian elegance in the heart of Chelsea.

A local favourite since the 1960s, it’s glamorous without being flashy, with a dining room that feels timeless and a conservatory that’s especially beautiful in the summer.

The menu celebrates classic Italian cooking – think handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and beautifully simple seasonal dishes that let the ingredients shine.

It’s the kind of place that feels equally perfect for a chic weekday lunch or a celebratory dinner, and the service is always impeccable.

For me, Daphne’s captures that effortlessly stylish Italian spirit that makes dining out such a joy. It’s also dog-friendly, and Dylan had a delightful time when I took him back in the day.

7. Trullo, Highbury & Islington

Trullo is one of North London’s most beloved Italian restaurants, and for good reason.

It’s chic but unpretentious, with a daily-changing menu that celebrates seasonal British produce cooked the Italian way.

Handmade pasta is the star here (think tagliarini with crab, slow-cooked ragù, or buttery ravioli) but the wood-fired meats and fish are just as incredible.

The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, making it the kind of restaurant you could happily lose track of time in. It feels like a true neighbourhood gem, but with food that easily rivals London’s finest.

8. Padella, Borough Market & Shoreditch

If there’s one Italian restaurant that every Londoner has queued for, it’s Padella.

Known for its affordable, handmade pasta, it’s the ultimate spot for a quick, fuss-free, but utterly delicious meal.

The pappardelle with beef shin ragù has practically reached cult status, and rightly so! It’s rich, comforting, and perfect in its simplicity.

The Borough Market location is buzzy and atmospheric, while Shoreditch offers a bit more space. I’ve only been to the Borough location, but I’ve heard good things about Shoreditch too.

Either way, expect a queue… but trust me, it’s worth it.

9. Noci, Islington

Noci is one of my favourite recent discoveries, tucked away just off Upper Street in Islington.

I recently went with the girls for Ursula’s birthday, and we all fell in love with it.

It’s stylish and modern but still relaxed, with a menu that feels inventive without ever straying too far from tradition.

The pasta here is playful and seasonal – dishes like silk handkerchief pasta with walnut sauce or their famous brown butter cacio e pepe are the kind of plates you’ll be thinking about for days afterwards.

It’s reasonably priced too, which makes it perfect for a casual dinner with friends or an impromptu weeknight date.

10. Carlotta, Marylebone

Carlotta is one of London’s most glamorous new Italian openings.

Tucked away in Marylebone, it oozes old-school Italian-American charm with bold interiors, glossy red leather booths, and a menu that’s pure indulgence.

Expect towering plates of pasta, rich sauces, perfectly cooked veal, and desserts that are as theatrical as they are delicious.

It’s fun, a little decadent, and absolutely perfect for a lively dinner with friends when you want Italian food with a side of drama.

11. Polpo, Soho

I LOVE Polpo. I’ve been raving about it for about a decade now, and it still remains a go-to favourite.

Polpo has long been one of Soho’s most-loved Italian spots, bringing the flavours of a Venetian bàcaro (a traditional wine bar) to the heart of London.

The menu is all about small sharing plates – cicchetti, pizzette, meatballs, and beautifully simple pastas — perfect for grazing with friends over a carafe of wine or a spritz.

The atmosphere is lively and a little rustic, with exposed brick walls and candlelit tables that make it feel effortlessly cool.

It’s casual, fun, and one of those places that never disappoints, whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a long evening of sharing plates and cocktails.

London is Full of Amazing Italian Restaurants

Italian food in London is having a bit of a golden moment, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier about it.

Whether you want old-school glamour in Mayfair, cosy trattoria vibes in Soho, or a neighbourhood gem in Notting Hill, the city delivers in spades.

These restaurants are my personal favourites – the ones I recommend again and again, and the ones I find myself craving when only a bowl of pasta and a glass of red will do.

Buon appetito!

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