London’s Great Italian Restaurants

Italian cuisine is a universal favourite of many. Simple flavours with seasonal selections, possibly one of the most amazing cuisines in the world. The Italians proudly scatter London with absolutely amazing restaurants. While some cuisines can be patchy, excellent Italian is in abundance, and here are our favourite Italian restaurants in London.

Murano by Angela Hartnett

Murano is a Michelin-starred restaurant run by celebrity chef Angela Hartnett. Although surprisingly understated, Murano is elegant, from the decor to the food. Even though it might be a pricey establishment and hard to get a reservation, it is definitely worth the wait. Unlike other continental restaurants, vegetarians will be especially pleased with the variety here.

Our Favourite: Crab ravioli  Address: 20 Queen Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5PP

Phone: 0207 495 1127  Website: www.muranolondon.com/  Nearest tube station: Green Park

Polpo

One of the few restaurants on this list which is light on the pocket, Polpo has a real old-school feel attached to it – all exposed brick, cool and laid-back atmosphere. It’s ideal to head to on a Friday night with a group of mates, as the dishes are starter-sized. Polpo has received the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand for the last six consecutive years.

Our Favourite: Gorgonzola and walnut crostini

Locations: Covent Garden, Soho, Notting Hill, Farringdon, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Smithfield  Website: www.polpo.co.uk/

L’Anima by Francesco Mazzei

This slick, minimalist venue is frequented by corporates and bankers, but its food is too delicious to care. Even the fiercest of critics have praised this award-winning restaurant. Head chef Francesco Mazzei produces the finest of contemporary Italian cuisine that bursts with flavour and is presented beautifully. Such perfection obviously comes at a price, so it’s best to visit here on a special occasion.

Our Favourite: Rabbit stew  Address: 1 Snowden Street, London EC2A 2DQ

Phone: 0207 422 7000  Website: www.lanima.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Liverpool Street

Locanda Locatelli

This Michelin-star restaurant has a predictably long waiting list for reservations. A favourite among London’s celebrities, its hip postcode and gorgeous surroundings make it a natural choice for the rich and famous.

The food is sinful good too! With top chef Giorgio Locatelli at the helm, it’s hardly surprising. Although the prices are steep, you will return fully satisfied. Last time I went to LL, so did Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin and Madonna, so there!

Our Favourite: Ox tongue with salsa verde  Address: Hyatt Regency London The Churchill, 8 Seymour Street, Marble Arch, London W1H 7JZ

Phone: 0207 935 9088   Website: www.locandalocatelli.com/  Nearest tube station: Marble Arch

Caravaggio

Occupying the imposing premises of what was once a bank, Caravaggio is the most serious Italian restaurant in London. A firm favourite with the movers and shakers, many of whom are regular customers, this Italian restaurant pays homage to a key Renaissance genius of the same name. It offers superb modern Italian cuisine in elegant art-deco surroundings.

Our Favourite: Risotto with langoustine and spring onion

Address: 107-112 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 4AF  Phone: 0207 626 6206

Website: www.etruscarestaurants.com/caravaggio  Nearest tube station: Aldgate

Bocca di Lupo

One of the newer restaurants on this list, Bocca di Lupo specialises in Italian tapas from over 20 regions. This restaurant has won several awards and accolades for its stripped-down, honest regional Italian cuisine. Despite the buzzy feel and glamorous surroundings, Bocca di Lupo is essentially a humble trattoria at heart.

Our Favourite: Homemade cotechino sausages

Address: 12 Archer Street, Soho, London W1D 7BB

Phone: 0207 734 2223  Website: boccadilupo.com/  Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus

Quattro Passi

From Campania to Dover Street, Quattro Passi brings fresh, authentic flavours of southern Italy to central London. The seasonally inspired menu from two-Michelin starred chef Antonio Mellino is prepared with the finest produce sourced from Italy. Quattro Pasi is defined by the quality and freshness of the ingredients.

Our Favourite: Guazzetto style sea bass

Address:  34 Dover Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4NG

Phone: 0203 096 1444  Website: www.quattropassi.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Green Park

Panino Giusto

After three years of serving Milanese customers, Panino Giusto has finally given Londoners a taste of real Italian paninos. They use the highest-quality Italian ingredients, case-in-point the 24-month aged Parma ham and their own truffle oil, made with white truffles from Alba. You can expect expertly crafted paninos unlike the ones usually seen in London. Their menu also features starters, meats, and salads, as well as a good selection of organic wines produced in limited quantities.

Our Favourite: Tartufo Panini  Address:  1-3 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LF

Phone: 0207 283 0057  Website: www.paninogiusto.com/uk/  Nearest tube station: Bank

The River Café

The River Café has done a lot to change the face of British gastronomy and introduce Italian tastes to London’s middle class, and then to the rest of Britain through the six cookbooks the two founders, Rose and Ruth, wrote. The food is a lesson in simplicity, and the bright well-appointed room offers fabulous views of the River Thames. Spot a Rolling Stone or two if you’re lucky.

Our Favourite: Capesante in Padella

Address: Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9HA

Phone: 0207 386 4200  Website: rivercafe.co.uk  Nearest tube station: Hammersmith

Enoteca Turi

One of the finest Italian restaurants in London, Enoteca Turi specialises in authentic regional cuisine, using traditional ingredients that are in season and at their best. It is also the place to experience some of the finest Italian wines in London. Classified as ‘modern Italian’, the food reads ‘simply delicious’ to regulars.

Our Favourite: Roast turbot with potato, artichokes and olives.

Address: 87 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8PH

Phone: 0207 730 3663  Website: www.enotecaturi.com  Nearest tube station: Sloane Square

Lardo

Lardo, with its retro-industrial look, refers to the cured pig fat of Tuscany. This Hackney restaurant serves brunch, lunch, dinner, desserts and wine in a fantastically styled abode. On the menu is ‘Eggs in purgatory’, which must be tried for the name alone. Another divine dish on the menu is their smoked swordfish with a dressing of lemon, olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs.

Our Favourite: Papardelle with wild boar and pancetta ragu

Address: 197-201 Richmond Road, Hackney, London E8 3NJ

Phone: 0208 985 2683  Website: www.lardo.co.uk/

Nearest train station: Dalston

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