Guide to Italian restaurants in Notting Hill

Head to The Oak for wood-fired pizza and Italian-style small plates in a cosy setting. Hints of classic pub architecture and style are all over this place, which has an upstairs cocktail bar as well as the main dining room. Try dishes like arancini, garlic bread, and pizza to share or go for sophisticated dishes like beef carpaccio, pasta, and risotto. The wine list is mainly Italian but also includes bottles from other regions.

Discover real Neapolitan cooking at Cinquecento. You'll see elaborate details everywhere in the space from the wall tiles to the menu covers. Start with bruschetta or lasagne fritta before trying pizza, including fried pizza, or gnocchi and pasta dishes. Top the meal off with wine and aperitifs. These restaurants also offer private dining.

Try the cuisine of Rome at Arancina Pizzeria. This colourful place has a casual vibe and a comfy rustic interior. Individual Roman-style pizzas are available as well as larger ones for sharing, served with a range of toppings. You can also get arancini and Italian beers, wines, and spirits at this laid-back dining destination.

Essenza serves Italian cuisine prepared with fine ingredients. The restaurant space is cosy and intimate with earthy tones, leather banquettes, and candlelight. Families and large groups are welcome here. You'll find lots of popular dishes on the menu like calamari, meat and seafood, pasta, and indulgent desserts. Complement your meal here with wine, prosecco, or champagne.

Grab some authentic Neapolitan pizza at Farina Pizzeria Napoletana. This popular local place serves fresh food in a cosy and contemporary environment. It's a fuss-free destination for classic recipes. Whilst pizza is a speciality, other options on the menu include antipasti and salads. Vegan pizza and kids' meals are served too.

Open since 1992, local restaurant Osteria Basilico is a cosy place for Italian cooking. Vibrant dishes are served in a rustic setting and you can also buy Italian olive oil here. On the menu you'll see classic recipes like bruschetta, caprese salad, pasta dishes, and chargrilled meat and fish. Italian wines are available to complete the experience here.

At Ci Tua you can discover recipes from Rome. The exterior is a vibrant shade of red whilst the interior has a classic look. Accessible traditional dishes are on the menu at this restaurant - think polpette, calamari, Roman-style pizza, and pasta dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe. Cocktails and Italian wines are also served here.

Renowned restaurant La Mia Mamma offers diners a unique experience of regional Italian cooking. This lively and jovial spot brings real mothers over from Italy to prepare their favourite dishes. Every new chef brings with her a whole new menu of authentic recipes but you can also choose from the classic à la carte menu.

Unassuming local restaurant Saporitalia is located in Portobello Road. Flowers line the facade and you'll find a charming space once you step inside. Quality Italian dishes are served here like bruschetta, fresh buffalo mozzarella, pasta, pizza, and panuozzo sandwiches. There are also sweet desserts and an extensive choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Going by the name, you might think Portobello Ristorante Pizzeria only offers pizza. Diners certainly get plenty of pizza choices but there's much more on the menu. This rustic restaurant has stone walls and intricate tiles for a strong Mediterranean feel. Try antipasti like zucchini fritti, penne arrabbiata or spaghetti vongole, meat and seafood, or of course, one of the pizzas served here.

Opened in 1995, De Amicis is a family-run favourite for traditional Italian food in Notting Hill. The space is compact and looks classic with crisp white tablecloths. On the menu you'll see antipasti, steak, pizza, and pasta dishes with a variety of different sauces like carbonara or pesto. There's also an entirely Italian wine list to go with the food.

Refuel at bustling Portobello Market with something to eat at Portobello Garden Arcade Italian Restaurant. This hidden market restaurant is picturesque and rustic with sky lights and hanging baskets. It's a top spot for casual dining with a menu of antipasti, pizza and pasta, salads and sandwiches, and desserts. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available here.

Check out Da Maria for authentic Italian cooking. This affordable family-run restaurant has a traditional feel and an easygoing atmosphere, and has already gained plenty of attention. Browse the menu of generous Italian dishes like arancini, pizza, pasta, and Italian sausages. Complete the meal with Neapolitan craft beer or a pick from the concise wine list.

The dining room at Brasseria has an airy feel and a timeless appearance, with smart wood panelling. In this space you can try authentic Italian dishes. Food is served all day, including breakfast and brunch. The main menu features salads, pizza, pasta, and meat and fish dishes. Wines from Italy, France, and Spain are available to complement the food. Dogs are welcome at this restaurant. 

Mediterraneo has an eye-catching blue exterior and is filled with warm earthy colours inside. This rustic spot serves authentic Italian cooking and also sells Italian olive oil. Try dishes like bruschetta, burrata, pasta, and meat and seafood here. Meals for children are also available and the restaurant does takeaways too.

You might think Neapolitan cuisine is all about pizza but Osteria Napoletana shows there's more to it than that. This lively Italian restaurant offers authentic food from Naples but pizza isn't on the menu. Explore the traditional Italian courses starting with antipasti like baby octopus before going for pasta and then dishes like veal or sausages. The dining space is cosy and full of rich colour.