Guide to Italian restaurants in Shoreditch

Padella is one of the most famous pasta restaurants in London. It first started in London Bridge, where it would have consistent queues of people hoping to nab a table. It wasn't long before they expanded to Phipp Street in Shoreditch, into a slightly bigger space. They serve a classic menu of pasta which is all handmade in front of the window, alongside a short menu of small plates, drinks and desserts. It's trendy, cheap and perfect for a solo venture or group meal.

Gloria is one of Mama Shelter's ventures; in fact, it's the oldest. They proudly serve a menu of authentic Italian dishes with ingredients hailing straight from small producers in Italy. They're most famous for their carbonara served in a giant wheel of pecorino cheese (yes, really), and their gigantic lemon meringue pie that'll have you gasping as it's put on the table in front of you. They're also known for their wild, slightly outlandish decor, which always makes for a nice grid pic. 

Popolo is your one-stop shop for a casual midweek dinner with old pals consisting of mostly pasta and delicious small plates. But it's not all carbs here; they serve a menu that's a little out of the ordinary, like grilled octopus topped with a dollop of aubergine puree, alongside a bunch of seasonal dishes. Obviously, it oozes trendiness since it's located in the edgy area of Shoreditch. Inside, it's smart and sleek with plenty of seating, dominated by bar seats where you can ogle onto the street and watch the wild shenanigans of Shoreditch unfold right in front of your eyes.

Since launching in 2008, Bottega Prelibato has established itself as a number-one spot for those looking to enjoy authentic Italian fare in Shoreditch. Though the food is the main draw, they also boast a lively atmosphere that gets people coming back for more. The menu mainly focuses on seasonal dishes, like gooey burrata and homemade pappardelle doused in a rich mushroom sauce. They also have an adjoining deli which sells artisanal cured meats, organic veggies and snacks and a local art gallery that showcases work by established and emerging Hackney artists.

This laid-back Italian restaurant tucked down Whitecross Street serves a mouthwatering menu of tasty Italian classics and carefully-picked wines. Although it's not the fanciest Italian joint in East London, it's casual and contemporary and makes for an easy and pleasant lunch or dinner spot. The menu includes dishes like vodka-marinated squid served with tartare sauce and a variety of antipasti, including smoked salmon with prawn and avocado on a bed of salad with Marie Rose sauce. 

This Brick Lane Italian restaurant specialises in authentic Italian dishes, specifically pizza, pasta, risotto, etc. They also have a breakfast menu chock with all the favourites, like a hearty full English and omelettes, and a separate main menu with burgers, steaks and more. It's a casual spot, so there's no need to dress to impress.

It's all about southern Italian dishes at The Rossopomodoro in Hoxton, with a focus on dishes from Naples made with local Neapolitan produce. You can expect traditional local cuisine with a contemporary twist, like bottomless pizza made with 24-hour matured dough, salt and pepper calamari and deep-fried carbonara pizza.

If you're after simple Italian fare, check out Manteca on Curtain Road. Enjoy dishes like hand-rolled pasta and whole-animal butchery like duck liver parfait, ricotta cheese made in-house and spicy pigtail ragu. There's an equally impressive cocktail and wine list, chock full of English and Welsh wines

This stylish Shoreditch spot is a Pastificio and deli by day and an Italian trattoria and wine bar by evening. They specialise in seasonal pasta dishes, like tortellini with ricotta and asparagus and cardinals with potato and peas. As you'd expect from somewhere in Shoreditch, it's a trendy spot; think funky hanging lights and rustic wooden floor.

Officina 00 is the ultimate East London pasta spot where you can gorge on pasta to your heart's content or learn how to make it at one of their pasta-making masterclasses. It's small but stylish, with a true East London feel, featuring wooden chairs, industrial-style steel and stylish hanging lights. They use traditional recipes to craft a simple menu of fresh pasta dishes, such as pistachio pesto or short-rib ragu. They also have a wine menu chock with Italian bottles from Italy, including sparkling, red, white and rosé.

We couldn't write a guide to Italian spots in Shoreditch without including Eataly, the epicentre of Italian goods in London. You could easily while away an entire day in here, exploring every part of the store, from its gelateria and mozzarella-making room to the Italian restaurant and giant wine floor chock full of bottles from all over the country. Regular classes and events also take place here, including authentic hands-on Italian cooking classes and wine tastings.

You'll feel like you've stepped straight into a traditional South Italian trattoria as soon as you step foot in Campania & Jones on Ezra Street. This quaint spot is just as much about the decor as the food; the atmosphere is warm and friendly, complemented by a cottagecore style. The menu is simple but delicious, including Southern Italian highlights such as tortellini with wild mushroom and ricotta and aged ribeye.