The best Italian restaurants in Shoreditch

Arriving in Shoreditch from France, Il Bambini Club puts a playful, opulent twist on the traditional Italian trattoria. Inside The Hoxton Hotel, the space features terracotta tones, ornate chandeliers, and velvet textures that make dinner feel like a special occasion. The menu is an ode to Italy with handmade pasta dishes like truffle fettuccine, wood-fired pizzas, and moreish dolci, all paired with a thoughtful Italian wine list. There's also a lively late-night energy, with DJs and cocktails that keep the spirit of la dolce vita going well past dinner.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.