Nothing beats Italian cuisine from the country itself – from the ristorantes of Rome, the osterias of Milan, the pizzerias of Naples and everywhere in between. But while we here at Plum Guide eagerly await the right time to visit again, here’s our guide to the best Italian restaurants that London has to offer. Italy, they'll never top you but they can try to make you proud.
Padella
Will there be a queue? Yes. Will the queue be worth it? 100% yes. Padella is to London’s pasta scene what the Queen is to London’s Royal Family – the reign of it. You’ll want to try the whole menu, so we’d recommend visiting with a big group or a big appetite. Or both to be on the safe side.
Menu highlights
Everything. But if we have to choose, the cacio e pepe is a plate of dreams.
Plate of cacio e pepe at Padella @foodfeels
Crackle & Glaze, Plum Guide home in Bermondsey, London
Gloria
Coming from the acclaimed Parisian restaurant group, Big Mamma, this loud, proud Capri-inspired eatery landed in Shoreditch last summer and has been creating a stir ever since. The restaurant sits across two flamboyantly-designed floors, offering a taste of Italy wherever you look. And that’s before you’ve even glanced at the menu…
Menu highlights
La Gran Carbonara, which is literally served in a wheel of cheese and the ‘incomparable’ lemon pie (their words, not ours).
La Gran Carbonara at Big Mamma @bigmamma.uk
Shoreditch Treehouse, Plum Guide home in London
Lina Stores
We’re not sure what’s more iconic – the Lina Stores pasta or the Lina Stores mint-coloured signage. Either way, it’s an icon of Italian produce and without doubt one of the best Italian restaurants in London. Although it may be small, their Soho restaurant is a buzzing space with a menu bursting with flavour. It’s also just a short walk away from their original Brewer Street delicatessen if you fancy cooking up some of their comfort food from the comfort of your own home instead.
Menu highlights
Get the slow-roasted pork belly sandwich to whet the appetite and follow with the oxtail pappardelle. (Sorry, herbivores.)
Dishes at Lina Stores @linastores
King of Soho, Plum Guide home in London
Ciao Bella
This neighbourhood eatery might be one of the lesser known on our list of the best Italian restaurants in London, but to in-the-know locals, it’s a firm favourite. The warm Italian atmosphere spills out onto the outdoor terrace tables whatever the day, whatever the weather. Go on a Friday evening when their piano player really brings la dolce vita.
Menu highlights
The pear and gorgonzola pizza. Every. Time.
A table set at Ciao Bella @_samhillman
Russell the Great, Plum Guide home in London
Trullo
If you’re in the heart of Highbury, then pay a visit to Trullo, also known as Padella’s older sister. It’s a more grown up setting and the menu follows suit. Look around and you'll see happy, relaxed fellow diners (in London, could this be real?) because for the length of one's meal at Trullo, it’s nigh on impossible not to be. A firm favourite on our list of the best Italian restaurants in London.
Menu highlights
Their offering is seasonal so trust in the expertise of your waiter to advise on the day’s best plates. Whatever you decide though, you can’t go wrong proving precisely why this is one of the best Italian restaurants in London.
Main course at Trullo @guan_chua
Bocca di Lupo
Looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion? Whether it’s a big birthday or just the end of a long week, then book a table at Bocca di Lupo. It’s won many an award since opening its doors in 2008 and has since become somewhat of a classic amongst London’s Italian eateries.
Menu highlights
There's a B.Y.O. Truffle menu. Get involved.
Truffle pasta @boccadilupo / @frankcereda
Flour & Grape
A charmingly decorated restaurant along Bermondsey High Street which is just the right balance between casual and quality. Flour & Grape serves fresh pastas and small plates within a convivial atmosphere. You might have to wait for a table (yes, another Padella-type situation we’re afraid), but there’s a cocktail bar downstairs where you can grab a drink and gear up for your feast.
Menu highlights
The burrata to start (how original of us), the sausage and fennel pasta as a main and if you’re going to twist our arm, the tiramisu gelato for dessert too.
Pasta and antipasti at Flour & Grape @mondomulia
Right, that's it from us – we're off to order our truffle pasta and 'nduja pizza from Gloria. Yes, that's right...a number of these restaurants are offering takeaway, delivery or DIY home kits at the moment, so be sure to check their websites to find out more.
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