London's best Italian restaurants: local insider guide 2025

This TikTok-famous spot has earned its viral status through sheer Italian glamour. The sun-soaked terraces transport you straight to the Amalfi Coast, while inside, the post-war Italian décor creates an atmosphere that screams dolce vita. Their signature Black Truffle Risotto showcases why this place commands premium prices , each grain perfectly al dente, perfumed with genuine Périgord truffle. The Carpaccio di Tonno arrives as thin as silk, while their Burrata al Tartufo practically melts on contact. Service flows with Italian charm, and the wine list reads like a love letter to Italian viticulture. The Knightsbridge location means you're paying for the postcode, but the quality justifies the splurge. Multiple locations across London ensure you can capture that Instagram-worthy moment wherever you are. This isn't just dinner , it's a full sensory experience that explains why Italian hospitality has conquered the world.

Christoff's Tip:

Book terrace seating for golden hour vibes and definitely try their Black Truffle Risotto

Stepping into Dolce feels like discovering a hidden corner of Rome in South Kensington. The marble tables catch the warm romantic lighting perfectly, while the open kitchen concept adds theater to every meal. Their handmade pasta program runs daily , watch chefs roll fresh sheets for their signature truffle pasta, a dish that locals guard jealously. The wood-fired margherita pizzas emerge with perfect leopard-spotted crusts, simple but flawless. Their osso buco melts off the bone, paired with creamy risotto that soaks up every drop of the rich sauce. The wine list spans Italy's regions with bottles ranging from accessible to investment-worthy, with staff who actually know their Barolos from their Brunellos. Service can slow during peak times, but this creates space for proper Italian-style lingering. The sophisticated atmosphere works equally well for business lunches and intimate dinners, making it a reliable choice in an area full of tourist traps.

Christoff's Tip:

Book 6:30pm slot for optimal lighting and try the truffle pasta before the dinner rush hits

Hidden on Hackney's Morning Lane, Dalla captures everything magical about Italian dining in just 20 covers. The candlelit room buzzes with energy despite its tiny size , vintage Italian chairs, Gio Ponti mirrors, and Stilnovo lights create a cinematic 1970s backstreet trattoria atmosphere. Their daily handmade pasta changes weekly, showcasing regional Italian recipes like trofie with pistachio pesto that tastes like Sicily in a bowl. The carbonara arrives properly silky, while their gnocchi practically floats on the plate. Raw beef with lardo and truffle showcases their commitment to quality ingredients, and the tiramisu provides the perfect sweet ending. Italian wines flow alongside perfect negronis and spritzes. The tightly packed tables mean you'll overhear conversations in three languages, adding to the authentic trattoria energy. Critics consistently call this the best pasta in London, and after one bite of their handmade creations, you'll understand why. This is Italian dining as it should be , intimate, passionate, and utterly delicious.

Christoff's Tip:

Book exactly 2 weeks ahead for 7pm slot, then arrive 15 mins early to snag bar negroni while you wait

This massive Italian emporium near Liverpool Street redefines the dining experience by combining three restaurants with a 6,000-product marketplace. The scale is overwhelming in the best way , wood-fired pizzas with 50-hour leavened dough, handmade pasta stations, fresh seafood counters, and artisanal gelato all under one roof. Their bottomless pizza Fridays at £20 represent incredible value in the financial district, while the £9.90 lunch specials attract City workers who know quality when they taste it. The terrace provides respite from the bustling interior, perfect for aperitivo hour with views over Bishopsgate. Beyond dining, cooking classes and wine tastings add educational value to your visit. The marketplace lets you take the experience home , 2,000+ Italian wine labels, fresh pasta, artisanal cheeses, and specialty items flown in weekly. Service can struggle with the crowds, and the 12.5% service charge stings on already premium prices, but the sheer variety and quality of offerings make this a destination rather than just a restaurant.

Christoff's Tip:

Hit 5:30pm for Thursday live music at Central Bar with Aperol spritzes before the main dinner rush

GALA brings the passion of Puglia to Fulham Road with a unique twist that sets it apart from London's Italian crowd. Their focus on aphrodisiac ingredients creates conversation-starting dishes that look as good as they taste , perfect for the Instagram-savvy young crowd that flocks here. Chef Aaron Rutigliano's Cucina Pugliese showcases Italy's heel region through contemporary presentations that honor tradition while embracing innovation. The pizza arrives with perfect char and creative toppings, while their pasta dishes incorporate unexpected ingredients that somehow work beautifully together. The comprehensive dietary options including vegan and gluten-free choices make this one of London's most inclusive Italian restaurants. Their Travelers' Choice award and #419 ranking out of 21,808 London restaurants speaks to consistent quality that keeps diners returning. The trendy atmosphere and quality ingredients philosophy of "You Are What You Eat" creates an experience that's both Instagram-worthy and genuinely delicious. Currently operating limited Sunday hours makes planning essential, but the unique approach to Italian cuisine makes the effort worthwhile.

Christoff's Tip:

Check their WhatsApp for Sunday bookings since they're running limited hours - worth the planning for those aphrodisiac vibes

This Highbury Park gem captures the soul of Roman comfort food in an intimate neighborhood setting that feels like discovering a local secret. Their Roman-style artichokes showcase traditional Italian techniques , each leaf perfectly tender, seasoned with herbs that transport you straight to the Eternal City. The stuffed courgette flowers arrive light as air, while their lamb cutlets and porchetta demonstrate why Roman cuisine has sustained generations. The cozy atmosphere with relaxed neighborhood vibes makes this perfect for both casual dinners and romantic dates without the premium pricing of central London. Their Silver Award from SquareMeal validates what locals already know , this is serious Italian cooking without the pretension. The friendly, efficient team provides quick, attentive service that enhances rather than intrudes on the experience. Professional reviews consistently praise the authentic Roman cuisine and inviting ambiance, making this a reliable choice for genuine Italian comfort food. The intimate space means advance booking is essential, especially for weekend dinners when North London food lovers converge on this hidden treasure.

Christoff's Tip:

Their Roman-style artichokes are legendary - book ahead for weekend dinner slots

This Chelsea deli-restaurant hybrid brings authentic Sicilian charm to King's Road through weekly fresh deliveries from Italy that ensure genuine imported specialties. The bright, modern interior with rustic touches creates an atmosphere that balances Sicilian authenticity with London sophistication. Their signature lasagna emerges from the kitchen with perfect layers, while the Sicilian caponata bursts with Mediterranean flavors that speak of sunny island kitchens. The fresh pesto Genovese coats handmade pasta with vibrant green intensity, and their artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards showcase Italy's finest producers. The flexible dining format works perfectly , counter service for quick bites, casual tables for lingering over coffee and pastries, or same-day delivery across London for home enjoyment. The gourmet market aspect lets you browse shelves of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and organic wines while waiting for your meal. Premium pricing reflects the quality of imported specialties and Chelsea location, but the authentic ingredients and family-friendly atmosphere justify the investment for special occasions or when you need to impress Italian food lovers.

Christoff's Tip:

Hit the counter at 11am for fresh lasagna before lunch rush - grab a window seat for prime King's Road people watching

Since 1979, Sicilian brothers have been hand-making ravioli and building custom sandwiches at this authentic Holloway gem that serves as a true community hub. Their crab, lemon, and saffron ravioli represents four decades of pasta-making expertise , each parcel perfectly sealed, the filling bright with Mediterranean flavors. The pumpkin ravioli showcases seasonal cooking, while their arancini and cannoli transport you straight to Palermo's markets. The Italian deli stocks over 50 wines alongside cured meats, fresh pasta, and authentic cheeses that locals depend on for home cooking. Saturday brings homemade specials and the busiest crowds as the community gathers for this weekly tradition. The warm family atmosphere and personal service create connections that keep customers returning for decades. While primarily takeaway-focused with limited seating, the authentic experience and artisanal products justify the premium pricing. Some note pricing inconsistencies and pressure selling, but the genuine Sicilian hospitality and quality ingredients maintain this as a Kentish Town area favorite. The occasional live music adds to the community hub atmosphere that makes this more than just a restaurant.

Christoff's Tip:

Roll up at 11am on weekdays to avoid the Saturday rush and secure your custom sandwich build

This Michelin-starred Clerkenwell destination elevates Italian cuisine through innovative "Britalian" cooking that marries Italian techniques with British seasonal ingredients. The 1950s Italy-inspired interior spanning multiple spaces creates theatrical dining experiences, from the main room's sage and marble elegance to the Garden Room's retractable roof that opens to London skies. Their hand-rolled agnolotti cacio e pepe represents pasta perfection, while the Hereford beef tartare and Scottish halibut showcase how British ingredients can shine through Italian preparation. The famous Parmesan Fries have achieved cult status among food lovers who understand that simplicity executed perfectly creates magic. Michelin describes the cooking as "high quality" with ratings consistently hitting 4.5/5 for both food and service that reviewers call "20/10." The wood-fired and dry-aging techniques add depth to every dish, while the special hum and energy of the dining room creates atmosphere that matches the exceptional food. The Express Lunch menu provides more accessible entry to this level of cooking, though the full experience requires investment in both time and money that serious food lovers consider worthwhile.

Christoff's Tip:

Book the Garden Room at 7pm Tuesday-Thursday for optimal lighting and try the agnolotti cacio e pepe

From 1944 Soho delicatessen roots, this Shoreditch outpost channels old-school Italian charm through fresh handmade pasta and premium Italian ingredients that honor eight decades of tradition. The £5 spritz happy hour from 3-5pm daily offers exceptional value in East London, especially when paired with their terrace seating that captures afternoon light perfectly. Their handmade pasta showcases traditional techniques , each strand al dente, sauces that cling without overwhelming, flavors that speak of authentic Italian suppliers. The vibrant, bustling atmosphere creates energy perfect for weekday evening dining when City workers and locals mingle over shared appreciation for genuine Italian flavors. The close-knit table layout generates a lively, informal environment where conversations flow as freely as the wine. Their commitment to dietary inclusivity through vegan, halal, and gluten-free options ensures everyone can experience the "travelling back to Italy" sensation that defines great Italian dining. Professional service caters to dietary needs while maintaining the authentic experience that has sustained this brand for nearly a century.

Christoff's Tip:

Hit the 3-5pm spritz happy hour at terrace - perfect social energy boost

Housed in a Grade II listed former London Shipping Exchange, this grand 180-cover destination transforms Italian dining into architectural theater. The light-filled historic hall with contemporary Italian touches creates a sense of occasion that few restaurants can match, while the 44-seat all-weather terrace provides City refuge with Italian flair. Their signature tableside salt-crusted wild seabass service delivers Instagram-worthy drama , the whole fish emerges from its salt shell with theatrical flourish, perfectly moist and seasoned. The house-made campanelle bell-shaped pasta gives the restaurant its name and showcases why fresh pasta makes such a difference. Their 45-day dry-aged truffle rib-eye represents serious Italian cooking applied to premium British beef, while classic dishes like parmigiana and fresh calamari honor tradition. Operating from dawn to dusk, the space transforms from relaxed coffee hub to buzzy dinner destination serving the City crowd. The wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and extensive global wine list ensure something for every palate, while vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options accommodate all dietary needs in this grand setting.

Christoff's Tip:

Arrive for 7:30am breakfast to experience the space before the City rush begins