The best Italian restaurants in London are places that we keep going back to. Often laidback, low-key, with menus packed with comforting classics, these aren’t restaurants that you tick off once, never to return. Rather, you find your favourites and return time after time: for dates, birthdays, anniversaries, Tuesday nights. After all, London’s Italian food scene has come a long way since the first Pizza Express opened in Soho in the ’60s. These days, you’ll find regional Roman dishes, nose-to-tail cooking, brilliant lunch deals and even a Michelin star. Buon Appetito.
The best Italian restaurants in London at a glanceFor Michelin-starred cooking: LucaFor an affordable supper: PadellaFor regional dishes: LupaFor date night: Trullo
What are the best affordable Italian restaurants in London?
There are lots of super-affordable suppers to be had at Italian restaurants in London. At Padella (in Borough Market and Shoreditch), you can order a simple pasta with chilli and garlic for £9.50, while the Padella Negroni is a very reasonable £8.50. Pizza at Ciao Bella in Bloomsbury starts from £12. At Pastaio in Soho, pasta dishes start at £9.50 (but do run all the way up to £19.50 for pastas with pork or beef ragu).
Are there any Michelin-starred Italian restaurants in London?
Yes! Luca, an Italian restaurant in Clerkenwell, won a Michelin star in 2023. The menu is overseen by executive chef Rob Chambers, and offers an a la carte menu with the option of a £75pp wine pairing.
