The best Italian restaurants in Central London

Osteria by Bocconcino puts a strong focus on fresh, sustainably sourced Italian cooking, from antipasti and salads to grilled meats, handmade pastas, and rich risottos. The elegant, ocean-themed interior at this Italian restaurant in Central London features hand-painted ceilings, sculpted chandeliers, and patterned fabrics, creating a setting that blends sophistication with breezy holiday charm – especially once the signature aperitivos kick in.

If you're in need of proper comfort food while out and about in the city, head to this recently launched Italian restaurant in Central London. Originating in Rome, Agrodolce serves food inspired by the Italian capital and the surrounding region in a striking setting with marble tabletops, chandeliers, and gilded mirrors. The pasta is handmade and doused in rich sauces, the pinsas are crisp and loaded with toppings, and the tiramisu is scooped onto your plate straight from the tray.

When it comes to Italian dining in Central London, 40 Dean Street is a name that comes up time and again. Open since 2010 and resilient enough to bounce back after a fire, it has long been serving authentic Italian dishes to regulars and new visitors alike. The inviting interior features vintage furnishings, deep-blue walls, plush seating, and quirky details, while in summer its outdoor tables are among the most coveted spots for soaking up the lively Soho atmosphere.

Novikov in Mayfair offers a three-in-one experience, starting with its downstairs Italian dining room, where rustic charm meets polished sophistication. Suede-panelled walls, a roaring wood-fired oven, and sparkling chandeliers create an atmosphere that's both warm and upscale. On the menu, you'll find handmade pasta with rich Wagyu bolognese, pizzas crowned with black truffle, and an array of fresh, delicately prepared seafood.

Central London Italian restaurant 64 Old Compton Street is the sibling of Soho mainstay 40 Dean Street, run by the same family and offering a similar if more concise menu of handmade pasta dishes in rich sauces, freshly baked pizzas, and other Italian classics. It more than makes up for any menu omissions with an ample cocktail offering. With quirky decor and stylish design choices, the restaurant setting recalls glamorous nights at NYC's Studio 54.

Acclaimed chef Theo Randall cut his teeth at London's renowned River Café for two decades before launching his eponymous restaurant at the luxurious Mayfair hotel. This is Italian fine dining at its finest, with the daily menus inspired by Randall's trips to Italy and served in a crisp neutral setting. Regional tasting menus provide deep dives into the cooking of different parts of Italy, while the regular à la carte and set menus offer a comprehensive overview of the country's cuisine.

The newest addition to the 40 Dean Street family at the time of writing, 27 Old Compton Street brings its own flair while retaining the confidence and charm of its older siblings. In accordance with Italy's tavola calda spirit – quality food served quick – this late-night pasta joint serves up plates of handmade pasta doused in rich sauces like cacio e pepe. The softly lit vintage decor and heartfelt hospitality add to the appeal of this Central London Italian restaurant.

Big Mamma Group's restaurants are known for their over-the-top aesthetic and attention to detail, and their Central London branches are no different. The Italian restaurants feature eye-catching decor, quirky touches like Italo-disco toilets, dozens of actual Italian waiters, and indulgent takes on classic Italian dishes, right up to the show-stopping signatures desserts that vary from location to location. They would border on caricature, were the food not so good.

This minimalist spot has earned plaudits for its genuine Italian fare, showcasing regional specialities from all over Italy. Accompanied by an impressive list of Italian wines, the food menu at Bocca di Lupo is updated daily. Choose from a changing assortment of antipasti, handmade pasta, and hearty meat options, reflecting the varied flavours and traditions of Italy and embracing seasonality throughout the year.

Murano is a legendary Italian restaurant in Central London. Run by acclaimed chef Angela Hartnett, it celebrates Italian cuisine through a British lens, putting the best of local produce to work in traditional family-style recipes. With a soothing, contemporary interior and a private room complete with an intimate chef's table experience, Murano knows how to make your meal special regardless of the occasion.

One of the best things about Italian cuisine is that even though it's built on similar foundations, it varies greatly from region to region. Sicilian cuisine is very much its own thing, and few places do arancini, swordfish pasta, and cannoli better than Norma. Spread across three floors, this Italian restaurant in Central London features an elegant ground-floor dining space and cosy rooms upstairs. Begin your meal by pouring obscene amounts of premium olive oil on fresh focaccia and go from there.

The Bocconcino restaurants view Italian dining as the pinnacle of pleasure and indulgence, serving everything from wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood to homemade pasta made with authentic Italian ingredients. These opulent Italian restaurants in Central London feature spacious dining areas, attentive service, and a hearty helping of la dolce vita, complete with live music and bottomless brunches. You can also book the private dining room for a more exclusive experience.

The fast-growing Lina Stores restaurants have their roots in a historic Brewer Street delicatessen. With a direct line to authentic Italian goods and produce, these Central London Italian restaurants serve up handmade pasta swimming in rich sauces and showered in parmesan. Other delicacies are available as well, along with aperitifs and fine Italian wines, all served in a modern, welcoming setting. True to their past, they also offer Italian products to buy for home. 

No expense was spared when designing this Central London Italian restaurant, from the incredible interiors telling ancient myths to the toga uniforms worn by the staff. Of course, these expenditures mean you won't be spared any expenses, either, but if you can afford it, this is the closest you'll get to dining with the Roman pantheon. Set menus can help alleviate the cost of this immersive Italian dining experience, too.

You might be surprised to learn that there's a very British person behind these very Italian pasta bars in Central London. Notto is Michelin-starred chef Phil Howard's expression of his lifelong love of pasta. Don't expect stiff-necked service and culinary frills here, however. These contemporary restaurants feature soothing minimalist interiors and a simple, concise menu of seasonal pasta dishes. It's all fresh and expertly prepared – top-level cooking without the fuss.

Celebrity chef Giancarlo Caldesi has based his UK operations in Marylebone. His flagship Italian restaurant in Central London showcases his commitment to carrying on the traditions of genuine Italian cuisine, from artisanal ingredients and seasonal produce to classic recipes and fine Italian wines. As a diabetic, Caldesi also makes sure there are plenty of enjoyable dishes everyone can enjoy.

Italian food isn't home just in Italy – there's a distinct version of Italian cuisine that evolved across the pond, among Italian immigrants in the US. It's this kind of Italian cooking you'll find at Grasso, a family-run Italian restaurant in Central London. Across two levels, including private dining rooms, a DJ booth, and two bars, you'll be served comforting dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs made according to the owner's mum's original recipe, chicken parm, vodka sauce pizza, and more.

Tom Cenci's career reads like a who's who (or where's where, for that matter) of modern dining, so you know you're in good hands at Mortimer House Kitchen. On the ground floor of a grand Art Deco building in Central London, complete with outdoor terrace, the renowned chef serves food throughout the day, championing simple yet flavourful Italian cooking and the best produce. Enjoy a leisurely meal with family and friends, or pop in for a quick meal.