Best Italian Restaurants in London Right Now

Marcella

Deptford is one of London’s thriving neighborhoods, with a robust and ever-growing dining scene in Deptford Market Yard (located right outside the station) and a short wander to the nearby High Street will reveal one of the original restaurant gems.

Marcella, opened in 2017, instantly became a local favourite that has never ceased to be anything other than perennially booked and talked about. The recipe for its ongoing success is seemingly simple: seasonal, ever-changing Italian dishes which are both authentic and beautifully unfussy. Every day the chalkboard menu will reveal a new item, whether it be a classic Pasta Puttanesca or Pork loin with Roscoff onion. I’m a huge fan of fresh pasta so I always order from this side of the menu.

A must to begin is a classic Negroni cocktail, some of the homemade bread and a side of Giardiniera – which is the perfect ‘Marcella’ start.

I’m a fan of their homemade ice cream so if you spy this on the menu, leave a little room.

This restaurant is always top of the list, but then I guess I’m a little biased; I’m a local to the area and have been visiting since the restaurant first opened.

Ciao Bella

The beloved Ciao Bella in the heart of Bloomsbury is one of London’s oldest and most consistently reliable trattorias. Here, you can always expect classic Italian comfort food with generosity and Italian flair at its heart.

Opening back in 1983 the philosophy was always about bringing a touch of ‘La Dolce Vita’ and this is also reflected in the charming prints and photos of old Hollywood stars dotted around the restaurant, such as the luminous Sophia Loren. Visit in the summer months and you feel you have stepped inside an Italian film…via Holborn, of course.

If you can nab a seat on the pavement terrace, this is always the best seat in the house. I always then begin lunch (or dinner) with a glass of Rose or a Limoncello Spritz. The ‘Limoncello’ option takes you off to warmer climes instantly.

Venture through the extensive menu and you’ll find classic Insalata Caprese salad, Bruschetta with tomato and garlic, wood-fired pizza and pasta-a-plenty. This is wholesome Italian food done well.

I’m a creature of habit and never venture far from the Penne all’ Amatriciana and a side of Zucchine fritte. The pasta portions are famously big, so if you want to try a couple of dishes opt for a half portion of pasta and mix and match.

The Tiramisus here is a must.

Martino’s

If you’re after a spot of glamour, there’s no better place in London than Martino’s. It’s Italian fare with a side of people watching…and occasional celeb spotting.

On entering, you’re greeted by the ‘scent’ from one of their own branded candles – this is date night territory for sure.

I’ve visited for both lunch and dinner, and I’m still wowed by the place – it’s all low-lit, candlelight, and deeply sexy.

I think the restaurant is best experienced at their stunning bar, which really is the focal point of the restaurant. The staff are brilliant and cocktails are most definitely their forte, so take a seat while they fix you one of the best Martinis in London.  

Next, a plate of the Gnocco Fritto e Salumi which is a generous plate of fried dough, mortadella, salami toscano, parma ham, parmigiano and giardiniera. This is a delicious option if you fancy a few ‘picky bits’ to pair with cocktails.

Of course, the primi and secondi will no doubt tempt, and that’s not including the excellent pizzas; try the Lasagne Verde all Bolognese and the Fritti Martini, and a side of the Zucchini Fritti.

If I lived closer to Martino’s my bank balance would be perilously low but my goodness it would be worth it.

Noci

Casual, Italian dining made perfect for weekday lunches and chilled weekend brunches. Noci hits the spot when it comes to finding a reliable spot around London. The menu is filled with those classic dishes you might be craving…and why wouldn’t you – the classics are the best.

To start, the Arancini with Cobble Lane ‘Nduja and parsley aioli is a delicious crisp fritter and it happens to match perfectly with the creaminess of the Bruschetta and courgettes. 

Now for the pasta, and the simplicity of Aglio e Olio with its crispy garlic and Aleppo chilli is a delight, and even more so with the price tag of £10 for a bowl. For something a little richer and indulgent, the Beef shin and Chianti ragu with rosemary and shallot crumb is always a favourite.

Every pasta dish can also be made as a non-gluten option.

In addition, I would also recommend Noci for a cheaper lunch around London. Between Monday-Friday (12pm-5.30pm) you can choose a drink, focaccia and a main dish for £18.50.

Luca

Italian food is often a casual affair, yet occasionally you’ll come across a restaurant that feels a touch more elevated than the rest – this is Luca.

Luca offers finessed Italian dining in chic surroundings, replete with its own conservatory, pasta-making room, and its own branded candle. You could conclude that the aesthetic has jumped straight from the pages of Architectural Digest, however the ‘looks’ aside, this is a restaurant where the food is taken seriously; achieving a much-coveted Michelin star in 2023.

The menu is a beautifully inventive selection of modern Italian cooking with a focus on seasonality. One of the best ways to experience the food is the Chef’s Menu which is a five-course experience, personally chosen by the chefs.

I’m too much of foodie control freak and always have my eye on what is new, as well as the old favourites. For example, no order at Luca can be without an order of the Parmesan Fries – in fact, make that two portions! I then like to move onto something fresh and light such as a starter of the Crudo of Cornish sea bream, and a salad of Ligurian bulls heart tomatoes, grilled peaches and stracciatella.

The pasta is up there with some of the best in London, so if you have a table of friends order several dishes to get a real taste of the menu: Agnolotti of spiced duck and hazelnuts, Rigatoni with pork sausage, anchovy and mint and Casoncelli of sweet peas and girolles.

The secondi is a must and if you have room, and the Smoked Hereford beef ribeye with San Marzano tomatoes is a meat-lover’s dream dish.

Osteria Romana

For lovers of traditional Roman cuisine, Osteria Romana brings a slice of the ‘eternal city’ to the exclusive enclave of Knightsbridge. This is one London’s most intimate Italian restaurants which feel like stepping into one of London’s undiscovered culinary secrets.

This is a restaurant which focuses on authenticity with many of the ingredients imported directly from Italy. Many of the dishes have been passed down through generations, and I’m convinced it’s the closest you can get to Rome without jumping on the next flight.

For all the recommendations I make, the Gnocco alla Romana is my forever pick at this restaurant. This is traditional Roman style Gnocci with a rich and creamy Pecorino cheese and the sheer indulgence of Black Truffle sauce. It is simply exquisite.

And ‘when in Rome’ as the saying goes, the Cacio e Pepe is a must order, and perfectly done with a Pecorino cheese sauce and plenty of black pepper.

The secondi of Slow cooked Beef Oxtail in a Vaccinara sauce is a rich, tangy delight. It’s braised for hours with tomatoes and white wine and is served with toasted bread to mop up the plentiful sauce.

A dessert is a must and although the Tiramisu is a standout, consider the Pear Ricotta Tart with Pistachio ice cream – you won’t be disappointed.

Lina Stores

London’s most famous Italian delicatessen – since 1944 – is one of Soho’s adored culinary destinations. The popularity launched their first restaurant on nearby Greek Street in 2018, and quickly became the blueprint for further restaurants around the city…and beyond.

The charming Greek Street location is all bar seating and feels like a communal experience. Of course, if you’re dining with a big group I would suggest one of the larger restaurants such as Marylebone.

The menu is focused on the best seasonal produce from independent suppliers, ensuring quality is at the heart of every dish.

Start with the fried seasonal vegetables which comes with a rich garlic aioli, and the sea salt and rosemary focaccia is a must – especially for catching any leftover sauce from the pasta dishes.

If you’re after a lighter pasta dish – ideal for lunch – the linguine with crab, Amalfi lemon, and chilli is the perfect choice. Or, if you’re craving something richer the Pappardelle with slow cooked veal and bone marrow ragu is bound to hit the spot.

Also, don’t forget to visit their original delicatessen site on Brewer Street. Famously loved by locals and foodies around for world for their packed-to-the-brim store of culinary treasures, from fresh pasta, meat and cheese antipasti, cupboard staples, and exquisite confectionary.

Brutto

Unfussy, Florentine fare and £5 Negronis at this much-beloved trattoria is almost a rite of passage in foodie circles.

Opened in 2021 by the late, great restaurateur Russell Norman it hit the ground running immediately. Incidentally, I was there on opening day with the wonderful Richard Vines who I miss dearly. I fondly recall Russell serving us – with the dishes still on the menu today.

It’s a very special restaurant and what makes it is the love that was brought into the space from day one. Here, the food is hearty, plentiful but never fussy.

Start with the Deep-fried dough ball cuddles with prosciutto and stracchino which, in essence, is a decadent crispy, oozy sandwich. If more carbs are needed – and why not – the Anchovies with cold butter and St John sourdough is a stellar choice.

The Rabbit Pappardelle and the Penne Vodka are two dishes I return to again and again, and the excellent Roast beef and small roasted potatoes is a reigning favourite and perfect for sharing after the pasta course.

It’s never not ‘the place to be’ so a booking is advisable, however they are incredibly accommodating, so walk-ins are always welcome.

Da Mario

This family-run Kensington restaurant has been a part of the fabric of this affluent community since 1967. They became famous for their Neapolitan-style thin crust pizzas which, at the time, were virtually unheard of. This simple, rustic fare attracted a wave of celebrity patrons as well as members of the Royal family.

Famously, it was one of Princess Diana’s favourite restaurants, and she would bring the young princes for pizza, safely away from the prying lense of the paparazzi. You’ll even spot a lovely tribute to Princess Diana on the outer stairs that lead up to the restaurant, so do look out for it.

As this restaurant became most famous for its pizza, I would recommend their classic Margherita, made with San Marzano tomatoes, as well as the Melanzane All Parmigiana which is rich, oozy with plenty of cheese. Pair with a classic Spritz and you have the perfect ‘Da Mario’ experience.

Bocca di Lupo

You can explore all the regions of Italy in one sitting at this Soho classic. Oh, how I love Bocca di Lupo. It’s the kind of place where you can spot something on the menu you’ve never tried before – always keeping regulars and foodie fans alike on their ‘culinary’ toes.

The menu is beautifully explained with a mention of each region next to the dish. To start, a little plate of fritti is the perfect way to whet the appetite; the Buffalo mozzarella bocconici and Tomato, mozzarella and rice croquette (suppli) are always the first port of call.

I also like to sample a few of the pasta dishes (each from a different region) as you can customise the size, choosing either a regular or larger plate. Currently, you can find Salt cod ravioli with salsa cruda from the region of Liguria, or perhaps the Pappardelle with parmesan beef stracotto from Tuscany might take your fancy.

I would also suggest one of their delicious ‘pot and pan’ offerings such as the Courgettes with sauteed garlic, chili and parsley, as well as the warming Borlotti beans with tomato and basil.

A beautiful dessert menu awaits and if you notice the Rum baba with strawberry, almonds and crema…well, it goes without saying.