Christoff.ai

Emilia's Crafted Pasta

restaurants•
London
London

Emilia's Crafted Pasta

12 George Street, London E14 9QG, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked into Canary Wharf's modern dockside development on George Street, Emilia's Crafted Pasta transforms the simple act of making fresh pasta into daily theatre. With marble counters showcasing chefs crafting everything from lamb ravioli to truffled cacio e pepe, this bustling Italian trattoria offers something increasingly rare in London's financial district: genuine culinary spectacle at prices that won't bankrupt your lunch budget.

Emilia's Crafted Pasta: Canary Wharf's Open Kitchen Theatre

Where pasta-making becomes performance art with dockside views

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step inside, Emilia's strikes that elusive balance between rustic charm and modern sophistication. Terracotta walls provide warmth against the sleek Canary Wharf backdrop, while Iroko furniture and hand-painted tiles create an authentically Italian feel that doesn't feel forced or theme-park artificial. The open kitchen serves as the restaurant's beating heart, with marble counters offering front-row seats to the pasta-making action. It's genuinely captivating watching chefs work their magic on dishes like salmon carbonara. The rustic-chic aesthetic extends to thoughtful touches like a table bocce game area, adding an element of competitive fun that elevates this beyond your typical business lunch spot. Outdoor seating capitalizes on those coveted dockside views, creating an almost Mediterranean atmosphere in the heart of London's financial district. The space manages to feel both intimate and bustling simultaneously, with conversation flowing easily despite the energetic vibe.

Food & Drink

The commitment to fresh handmade pasta daily isn't just marketing speak – it's the foundation of everything Emilia's does well. Watching chefs craft lamb ravioli and truffled cacio e pepe at those marble counters provides reassurance that you're getting the real deal. The menu spans from traditional offerings to creative interpretations like salmon carbonara, with pasta dishes priced between £12-14. Antipasti options include burrata, heritage tomato salad, and salumi selections that properly set the stage for the main event. The tiramisu and chocolate salami provide fitting finales to the Italian experience. However, there's an important caveat that potential diners should know: portions tend to run small for the price point, with some leaving feeling less than fully satisfied. The full bar complements the food with Italian wines and cocktails, though specific details about the wine selection aren't readily available.

Service & Experience

While specific details about service quality aren't extensively documented, the restaurant's design around the open kitchen concept suggests a focus on engagement and transparency. The availability of pasta-making classes indicates staff knowledgeable enough to teach techniques, which typically translates to competent service during regular dining. The business-lunch-friendly atmosphere suggests efficient service capable of accommodating the time constraints of Canary Wharf's working crowd. Takeaway and delivery options demonstrate operational flexibility, though the current 'closed' status raises questions about consistency. The fact that this is part of a five-location London operation suggests established service standards, though individual location performance can vary.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Based on the insider intelligence, 5:30pm represents the sweet spot for the full Emilia's experience, offering prime pasta-making views from the counter seats. The business-lunch-friendly atmosphere suggests strong midday service, while the date-night appeal indicates evening visits work well for more leisurely dining. However, note that the venue is currently showing as closed, so checking current operating status is essential before planning a visit.

What to Focus On

The truffled cacio e pepe appears to be the signature dish that sells out regularly, making it the obvious first choice. The lamb ravioli showcases the kitchen's handmade pasta skills beautifully. For starters, the burrata provides a classic foundation, while the heritage tomato salad offers something lighter. The tiramisu remains the traditional finish, though the chocolate salami provides an intriguing alternative for the adventurous.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Secure counter seats for the best pasta-making theatre – the marble counter spots offer unparalleled views of the culinary action. The truffle cacio e pepe sells out frequently, so order it early in your meal or risk disappointment. Given the smaller portion sizes, consider ordering antipasti to ensure you leave satisfied, especially if you're dining after a long day in Canary Wharf.

The Final Verdict

Emilia's Crafted Pasta succeeds in creating something genuinely special in Canary Wharf's often sterile dining landscape. The open kitchen concept provides real entertainment value, while the rustic-chic atmosphere offers welcome warmth in the financial district. The commitment to fresh, handmade pasta daily is evident and appreciated. However, the smaller portion sizes at £12-14 price points may leave some diners wanting more substance for their money. The dockside location and thoughtful design elements like the bocce area show attention to creating a complete experience rather than just another pasta joint. Currently showing as closed, which raises questions about operational stability, but when functioning, this represents solid value for the area.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Business professionals seeking quality lunch spots in Canary WharfCouples looking for affordable date night options with genuine atmosphereFood enthusiasts who appreciate watching skilled chefs at work

Quick Details

1

Emilia's Crafted Pasta

⭐️ Open kitchen
⭐️ Dockside views
🌾 Rustic chic
💰 Affordable luxury

Open kitchen theatrics take center stage as chefs hand-craft lamb ravioli and truffled cacio e pepe at marble counters while diners watch from terracotta-walled dining rooms overlooking Canary Wharf's dockside development. The rustic-chic space features Iroko furniture, hand-painted tiles, and a table bocce game area that adds competitive fun to date nights and business lunches alike. Fresh pasta arrives daily, transformed into £12-14 dishes that showcase both affordability and authenticity in London's priciest district. The outdoor seating provides dock views that make every meal feel special, while the intimate atmosphere works equally well for romantic dinners and professional meetings. Start with burrata and heritage tomato salad before diving into the pasta theater, then finish with tiramisu that justifies the Italian pedigree.

What's Great

✓ Hand-crafted pasta theater provides entertainment with every meal

✓ Dockside outdoor seating offers water views perfect for any occasion

Keep in Mind

× Portions run small for £12-14 pasta dishes, leaving some diners wanting more

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book counter seats at 5:30pm for prime pasta-making views and order the truffle cacio e pepe before it sells out

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Currently closed"
📍12 George Street, London E14 9QG, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7247 7477
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Emilia's Crafted Pasta has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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