The best Italian restaurants in London

London has been on a bit of a Roman holiday lately, with the cuisine of Italy's capital making waves on the city's restaurant scene. One such welcome addition is the Agrodolce Italian restaurant in Fitzrovia, serving traditional dishes from Rome and the surrounding areas – hand-rolled pasta, crispy pinsas, big scoops of tiramisu, the works. The restaurant features a striking interior with opulent touches that make it a hit with big groups and more intimate affairs alike.

When the conversation turns to the best Italian restaurants in London, 40 Dean Street is almost always in the running. Over more than 15 years, it's built a loyal following with its traditional Italian cooking, serving autnetic pastas, pizzas, and more. Inside, a pretty interior with deep-blue walls and playful touches like neon lights and statues sets a casual tone, while in summer the pavement tables are some of the hottest tickets in town.

Italian restaurant Osteria by Bocconcino in Covent Garden offers a lively and stylish setting with playful ocean-inspired design and plenty of flair, continuing the Bocconcino Group's deft touch for elegant dining spaces. The menu celebrates regional Italian dishes – rich pastas and risottos, expertly grilled meats and fish, freshly prepared tuna tartare, and more. With creative cocktails, themed brunches, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, it's a memorable spot for Italian food in London.

Peckham's Artusi is a chic local restaurant that serves sophisticated Italian food. This welcoming venue uses seasonal produce and locally-sourced ingredients, offering weekly-changing menus and an international wine list. Larger groups can sample a special sharing menu whilst seated at the eye-catching kitchen table in this crisp, modern venue.

Theo Randall at the InterContinental offers an exquisite Italian fine dining experience with the chef's upscale rustic dishes made from high-quality ingredients. The restaurant provides a sophisticated setting, serving fresh and vibrant food with elegant presentation. Alongside the delicious cuisine, Theo Randall often hosts masterclasses and other special events, and he's around during most services.

For a taste of Italy that goes beyond what you already know, diners visit Osteria Tufo. This is an authentic local restaurant with a menu that's strictly pizza-free. The menu changes regularly but includes dishes like bruschetta and homemade pasta. You can also explore a sophisticated wine list focusing on bottles from Southern Italy.

The newest addition to the 40 Dean Street family at the time of writing, 27 Old Compton Street exudes the same confidence as its established sibling while carving out its own identity. As Soho's latest late-night pasta spot, it embraces Italy's tavola calda concept – good food, made fresh and served fast. Expect handmade pasta, rich sauces, nostalgic artwork, and easy-going charm.

The Italian Greyhound is a neighbourhood bar and dining room in Marylebone, just moments from Marble Arch, serving a delicious menu of modern Italian dishes. It's contemporary and stylish, decorated with neutral, earthy tones and sleek oak tables. The ingredients used here champion sustainable and quality producers and growers and are used to craft a menu that changes often to allow for seasonality and supply. Highlights include dishes like creamy burrata, arancini, cacio e pepe with truffle, and much more. Cocktails are also a hit here, with inventive creations made with high-quality spirits. 

Luca is an award-winning destination for modern Italian cooking in a sophisticated atmosphere. The focus is on seasonal ingredients from Britain and Italy, using traditional methods with a contemporary twist. Private dining menus are also available and you can book the elegant outdoor terrace for private events.

These restaurants share a few distinguishing characteristics that make each new Big Mamma opening the talk of the town. When it comes to the decor, the attention to detail is impeccable, with the interiors of these trattorias boasting overwhelming, beautiful displays of glamourous kitsch. Next up is the food, an authentic cross-section of Italian classics. And finally, each has its own decadent signature dessert to tie things off, from giant ice cream cakes to chocolate fondants and more.

Enjoy Michelin-starred Italian dining with riverside views at The River Café. Expect menus that change daily and are packed with Mediterranean flavours and ingredients sourced from around Britain. There’s a warm and welcoming ambience and an idyllic setting at this well-established icon on the restaurant scene.

Trullo is an icon in North London for classic Italian dining. Sample a traditional menu that includes pasta made just before service, dishes from the grill including vegetarian options, and classic desserts. The wine list changes regularly. Private hire is also available at this airy contemporary restaurant.

Enjoy Italian food with unparalleled views of Tower Bridge at Tavolino Bar & Kitchen. The menu focuses on classic flavours and favourite Italian dishes. Have a quick pizza or pasta or linger over six traditional courses. The bar is important here too, with cocktails and Italian wines, including lesser-known varieties, being served.

The internationally renowned Antinori winemakers have extended their restaurant group, Cantinetta Antinori, to an upscale location in Belgravia. The restaurant, which spans three floors and features an outdoor terrace and private dining room, serves Tuscan-inspired cuisine throughout the day, including signature dishes such as Florentine T-bone steak, thyme guinea fowl, Tuscan tomato and bread soup, and tableside tiramisu. Additionally, the restaurant boasts a noteworthy wine list and regular live jazz performances.

At Emilia's Crafted Pasta you'll discover a warm welcome and heaps of pasta. Inspired by travels around the Emilia Romagna region, there are options like creamy walnut sauce, bolognaise, and pesto. Pastas and sauces are freshly prepared every day and you can choose from a brief list of Italian wines and beers.

Family-run restaurant Lamezia in Holloway serves up authentic pizza and pasta, plus main courses. The bread, pizza dough and pasta are all made on the premises every day. This welcoming local eatery also has a concise wine and cocktail menu, and caters for the youngest diners too with their kids' menu.

Pasta lovers flock to Padella, whether the original Borough Market location or its younger sibling in Shoreditch. These contemporary pasta bars serve freshly made pasta with a choice of sauces and fillings, as well as a selected range of drinks. There are no bookings taken at the Borough Market branch and only a few at  the Shoreditch one, so be prepared to wait.

Established in 1945, Franco's is one of London's oldest Italian restaurants. It's a classic and traditional space with a light feel. There are outdoor tables as well as a private dining room. Choose à la carte dishes or set menus with options like octopus carpaccio, burrata, pasta, and veal cutlet. Cocktails and wines are also served here.

Bloomsbury trattoria Ciao Bella opened in 1983 and has been serving classic Italian dishes to hungry Londoners ever since. Try out the pizza or antipasti, or work your way through several traditional Italian courses. You can also enjoy Italian and international wines, with many options available by the glass.

Sorella is a stylish local restaurant in Clapham serving sophisticated Italian cuisine in a modern setting. Menus are seasonal and stick to the traditional Italian format. There's also a set menu served for lunch each week and an Italian wine list. Sorella's focaccia and pasta are freshly-made on the premises too.

Bocca di Lupo has won awards for its authentic food, highlighting dishes from across Italy. There's an extensive choice of antipasti, as well as pasta and meat dishes. Finish your meal with an Italian dessert or coffee. You can also opt for private dining in this intimate, stripped-back venue.

Vasco & Piero's Pavilion Italian Restaurant has been open in Soho since 1971 and continues to draw a crowd with its rich heritage and classic Umbrian cuisine. A mix of small and large plates are served and the menu changes twice a day. For special meals, enjoy private dining in The Glass Room.

The Casa Tua restaurants offer all-day Italian dining in a cosy setting. Experience traditional food and warm hospitality in these intimate spaces, which serve brunch, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and light dishes. You can also choose from a number of Italian wines and signature cocktails.

At Mele e Pere you can discover authentic recipes and London's largest range of vermouth in a warm and welcoming trattoria. Expect meat, fish, and classic pasta dishes, with lunch and pre-theatre menus available. Mele e Pere also hosts supper club evenings so you can dive even deeper into regional Italian cuisine. There's also a pair of sibling restaurants at different locations, Gotto Trattoria and Alba Trattoria.

At Manteca you can enjoy a simple Italian-inspired menu with handmade pasta and an emphasis on whole animal butchery. Meat, fish, and vegetarian choices are all available, including house-cured meats and house-made ricotta cheese. You can also sample a diverse cocktail and wine list, including English and Welsh wines.

La Mia Mamma's unique concept involves real Italian mothers taking over the kitchen and sharing authentic recipes from home. In this comfortable setting you can try out real regional cooking from Italy with dishes that change with every chef. There's a regular main menu too and special menus for larger groups.

Marcella is a relaxed Deptford restaurant that serves a regularly-changing menu of Italian food made from fresh, seasonal produce. Diners can expect classic cuisine combined with British influences in dishes like pheasant tagliatelle and deep-fried smoked potatoes. There's also a completely Italian wine list to choose from.

Opened in 1998, Pizzeria Pappagone continues to be one of London's most popular destinations for a pizza fix. This humble North London restaurant serves a range of wood-fired pizzas, plus pasta and meat and fish. There's also a lengthy wine list to choose from that focuses on Italian bottles.

Como Garden brings a slice of Lake Como to Kensington, combining the most popular dishes from all regions of Italy. Feast on decadent plates of Italian classics, like black truffle and 24-month parmesan tagliolini served at your table out of a giant wheel of cheese. There's also a range of wood-fired pizza, meat and seafood alongside a refined cocktail menu. The setting is romantic and atmospheric, perfect for a date night or catching up with friends. Sit beneath fairy-lit trees that drape over your table, surrounded by dim lighting and ivy-clad walls.

Since 1967, Il Portico has been bringing regional Italian food to London, with a menu heavily influenced by the Emilia Romagna region. Expect classic Italian dishes, many of which are made with ingredients sourced from the family farm in Kent. There's also a varied list of Italian wines and classic cocktails.

Lardo is an on-trend pizza place that's well-known for its unique disco ball pizza oven. The seasonal menu is simple and offers a range of pizzas, including vegetarian choices. Savour a meal indoors or outside with a glass of wine or signature cocktail.

Brutto is a homely and laid-back restaurant with low lighting, music, and friendly service. The menu follows the traditional Italian format and is updated regularly. Plant-based dishes are also included. The bar at Brutto is open throughout the day, serving classic cocktails to start or end your meal.

Modern and relaxed Italian restaurant Legare is situated next to the Thames and serves regularly-changing seasonal menus. Here you can expect to find classic Italian flavours, freshly-made pasta, and raw items like oysters and carpaccio. The wine list focuses on natural wines and vintages sourced from small Italian producers.

Murano from leading chef Angela Hartnett serves Michelin-starred Italian cuisine. The set lunch and à la carte menus feature dishes like gnocchi, risotto, and burrata. You can complete your meal with a choice from the global wine list. Murano is an upscale destination that also offers private dining and chef's table experiences.

Inspired by Venetian bacaro bars, Ombra in Hackney captures the essence of socialising over small plates and wine in an intimate setting. Their changing assortment of seasonal dishes includes things like burrata, courgette flowers, and cold roast pork, with an emphasis on pasta. The extensive collection of Mediterranean wines provides the perfect accompaniment, and there's a canalside terrace for al fresco lounging as well.

Flour & Grape offers casual Italian dining in a modern and relaxed setting in Bermondsey. Surrounded by exposed brick and plush leather seating, you can sample dishes like ravioli, spaghetti carbonara and monkfish linguine. Choose from the Italian wine list and make a visit to the cosy downstairs basement bar.

Norma is a sophisticated Italian eatery that knows that sometimes, pleasure can come from something as simple as pouring good olive oil over a piece of freshly baked focaccia. With an intimate, dim setting spread across three floors, including a private dining room, Norma serves filling, flavourful Sicilian dishes with Moorish influences. Standouts include crunchy spaghettini fritters, ricotta-stuffed courgette flowers, and hearty crab linguini.

The Noci restaurants serve a diverse and modern menu that focuses on regional Italian flavours. Try classic and innovative pasta dishes or take your pick from small plates like burrata, arancini, and salads. The contemporary restaurants also offer diners a wine list of exclusively Italian bottles.

Bancone is a stylish modern restaurant that focuses on freshly-made pasta. The simple menu here includes antipasti and desserts. Try out dishes like cacio e pepe or courgette ravioli alongside a signature cocktail. There's also a curated wine list that includes rare vintages. You can book private dining at Bancone too.

At Campania & Jones you can sample traditional Southern Italian cuisine in a rustic and warm venue. There's a simple à la carte menu plus a set menu that includes four courses and an aperitivo. Choose from antipasti, meat, fish and pasta, and pair your food with a Southern Italian wine.

Originally launched as a deli (hence the name), the Lina Stores restaurants know all about sourcing and putting quality Italian produce and ingredients to good use. The main focus is on fresh handmade pasta, generously slathered in various sauces, grated parmesan, truffle shavings, and other goodness. Classic Italian desserts such as panna cotta and cannoli are available as well, along with fine wines.

Seafood lovers head to Baccalà, a modern Italian restaurant in Bermondsey. Specialising in seafood, you'll find menus full of seasonal ingredients. Sample dishes like roasted octopus or linguine with sea urchin, accompanied by a choice from the lengthy Italian wine list. You can also buy a bottle of wine to take home.

Maremma is named after part of Tuscany and brings Londoners food and wine from the region. There's pasta freshly-made on the premises and meat and fish cooked on a charcoal grill. The seasonal menus also include vegetarian dishes and you can choose from classic cocktails and lesser-known Italian wines.

For authentic Italian food and a luxurious, stylish setting, there’s Bocconcino. Set across two floors, the restaurant offers attentive service and a menu that includes pasta, pizza, risotto, and grilled dishes. There’s also a lively weekend brunch with DJs. Innovative signature cocktails and a varied wine selection are available from the bar.

At Polpo you can sample Venetian-style sharing plates and regional Italian cuisine in a stylish modern setting. Dishes include mini pizzas, croquettes, and arancini, plus salads and main courses. There's also an Italian wine and cocktail list to choose from. A private space downstairs at the Soho branch is a popular setting for private dining and events.

Returning to London from Rome, where he's built a tidy little restaurant settlement, acclaimed chef Arcangelo Dandini can be found at Garum, a stylish eatery with exposed brick walls and white tablecloths. The Bayswater trattoria offers a menu steeped in authenticity, with Roman dishes such as veal liver with onions alla Giudia accompanied by a selection of classic pasta plates and other tantalising delicacies. Twists on classic bittersweet cocktails are whipped up at the bar, with fine wines available as well.

At Giuseppe's, the restaurant takes full advantage of its location near Borough Market, utilising the freshest ingredients sourced just across the road to create delectable dishes. Their menu is inspired by recipes from various regions of Italy, carefully prepared to align with the seasons. However, Giuseppe's has much more to offer than just their exceptional cuisine – the ambiance at this family-run trattoria is cosy and welcoming. On the weekends, the restaurant stays open late into the night.

Kensington's Da Mario is a beloved Italian restaurant with a surprisingly famous fanbase, especially considering the affordable prices – icons such as Princess Diana, Madonna, and Eric Clapton have all dines here, as evidenced from the restaurant's wall of fame. The food includes antipasti, refreshing salads, and an extensive selection of pasta dishes and pizzas, all with a hefty helping of lively ambiance and warm service.

An expression of Michelin-starred chef Phil Howard's lifelong love of pasta, the stylish Notto Pasta Bar keeps the menu as simple and minimalist as the decor surrounding the open kitchen. Choose from an assortment of fresh pasta dishes, with seasonally derived sauces such as an autumnal Bolognese with mushrooms and chestnuts, and complete your meal with a glass of wine or a cocktail.

Lizzie's Cucina is a cherished neighbourhood spot with a warm, inviting ambience. This Italian eatery, led by a chef from Sicily, offers a range of traditional Italian cuisine, from seafood starters to various pastas and entrees like tagliata beef rib-eye and baked sea bass. A special Italian caviar menu is also available. Guests can either bring their own wine for a corkage charge or select from the restaurant's comprehensive collection of Italian vintages.

A contemporary coastal Italian restaurant, Sparrow Italia flew to London from Los Angeles, where it serves classic Mediterranean comfort food, adding creative twists with the help of fresh ingredients and carefully sourced produce. Expect menu items such as pizza with crispy turkey bacon, egg and rocket, or pasta with pistachio pesto.

Daphne's offers Italian class and sophistication in a space adorned with Murano glass chandeliers and modern European art. The eatery has been wining and dining upmarket crowds since it was founded by Richard Burton's agent in the 1960s. The seasonal menu offers rustic Italian dishes like veal Milanese and pasta. Pair your meal with a house cocktail or a bottle from the international wine list.