The best Italian restaurants in Soho

Ask anyone for their favourite Italian restaurants in Soho, and 40 Dean Street will definitely make their list. It's been around since 2010,  even surviving a fire, and serving authentic, comforting Italian food to countless guests over the years. It features a pretty vintage interior with blue walls and plush seating, with decorative touches like neon signs and statues adding to its charm. In summer, people-watching at one of the pavement tables is one of the hottest tickets in town.

An authentic, family-owned Italian eatery in bustling Soho, 64 Old Compton Street aims to offer reasonably priced Italian fare crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's deep-blue ambiance draws inspiration from New York's famed Studio 54 and features antique decor. Sample traditional Italian favourites like pasta, stone-baked pizzas, risottos, and more, complemented by timeless Italian cocktails and unique creations.

Currently the youngest of 40 Dean Street's Soho sibling, 27 Old Compton Street carries itself with the assurance of its elder while offering a different dining experience. As Soho's latest open pasta bar, the Italian restaurant draws on the tavola calda tradition of serving quality food in a speedy manner. It all revolves around freshly-made pasta and rich sauces, served in an old-school setting with intimate lighting, vintage prints, and warm hospitality.

Old-school restaurant Vasco & Piero's Pavilion Restaurant is based in the heart of Soho. It pays homage to the Italian region of Umbria, with original art on the walls and a traditional menu. It's bright and modest and the menu changes twice a day, promising diners fresh flavours and exciting authentic food.

Mele e Pere is an independent and family-run trattoria with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Here you can try authentic recipes prepared with top quality British ingredients including polenta chips, fresh pasta, and pizzas. Added to that, the restaurant has London's biggest selection of vermouth. It also runs regular events and supper clubs.

Family-run bar and restaurant Fadiga specialises in cuisine from the Emilia-Romagna region and Bologna in particular. Begin a meal with antipasti before trying freshly-made pasta like pappardelle with mushrooms. The bar serves cocktails and Italian wines. Enjoy it all in a homey space that's rustic yet still clean and minimalist. 

Try regional Italian cuisine with the Venetian-style sharing plates at Polpo. The restaurant is modern and also has a private dining space. It's ideal for a sociable meal with dishes like croquettes, arancini, and miniature pizzas. Salads and meat and fish recipes are also available here. Cocktails and Italian wines are served.

In Greek Street you'll find Lina Stores, a renowned destination for pasta. This affordable eatery has a big reputation and a cosy ambience. This place is well-known for its handmade pasta, including gluten-free options, but also serves antipasti and desserts. Wine and cocktails are available here as well.

L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele is the award-winning outpost of one of the most famous pizzerias in Naples. The restaurant is full of dramatic style and also has outdoor tables. It's a modern menu of pasta, grilled dishes, and a considerable selection of pizzas. There's a concise wine list but the bar also mixes up classic and signature cocktails. 

Get some authentic Neapolitan pizza at modern eatery Pizza Pilgrims. The restaurant's ingredients are sourced from Italy for genuine flavours. There are two locations in Soho, with the Carnaby branch also having outdoor seating, whilst the Dean Street branch has a foosball table. The varied selection of pizza toppings mean there's something to suit every taste.

Bancone serves a simple Italian menu of fresh pasta, antipasti, and desserts. The restaurant has a modern look and there are private dining facilities. Try out recipes like cacio e pepe or courgette ravioli, washed down with signature cocktails and a well-curated wine list that includes some rare vintages.

Amalfi Ristorante will transport you to the Italian coast with its authentic menu and stylish surroundings featuring bursts of colour, tiled walls, and foliage. On the menu you'll find lots of Italian favourite like burrata, stone-baked pizza, pasta, and risotto. There's a menu for children too and the restaurant also offers private dining and bottomless brunch.

Rudy's Pizza Napoletana brings Neapolitan pizza by way of Manchester to London's diners. This laid-back contemporary restaurant puts a twist on an old favourite. Dough is freshly-made each day and cooked in blistering heat for just 60 seconds. A varied range of topping combos are on offer and you can add extras if you like.

Family-run restaurant Il Cucciolo offers diners a warm welcome and a menu of traditional Italian cuisine. There's a friendly atmosphere here. The menu is comprehensive, featuring starters like salads and calamari fritti, plus mains like pizza, pasta, risotto, and meat dishes. There's a full range of drinks to complement a meal here.

Macellaio RC brings Soho a steakhouse with a distinctive Italian touch. The venue is classic and sleek, adorned with crisp white tablecloths. Butchery is a passion here and steak is big on the menu. If that's not your thing, the alternatives include seafood and pasta dishes. You can bring your own alcohol here.

At Cinquecento you can try out authentic Neapolitan pizza in a decorative environment. There are intricate details everywhere from the tiled walls to the front of the menu. There are a range of starters to choose from plus plenty of pizzas, including fried pizza. Pasta and gnocchi are served too, and Italian wines and aperitifs top off the experience.

Spanish and Italian restaurant Dehesa specialises in tapas and charcuterie. It's buzzy and spacious with plenty of outdoor tables. Simple menus that change with the seasons are served here. The tapas options include Italian influences like mushroom and truffle raviolini and Italian meats and cheeses are served too. There's a curated choice of wines on offer here.

Award-winning Bocca di Lupo is stripped-back and intimate. The menu features regional highlights from across Italy, including antipasti, seafood, and pasta dishes. You can sit at the counter to watch the chefs at work or organise private dining. This place also has a lengthy wine list of Italian bottles to choose from.

Accessible Italian food is served all day at Cecconi's Pizza Bar. This versatile restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere. A range of menus are available – all day dining, late-night, and set menus offer tempting dishes at any time of day. Complete the meal with something from the Italian wine list or concise cocktail selection.

La Porchetta Pollo Bar serves hearty portions of classic Italian dishes. The atmosphere here is informal and cosy. Start with antipasti like deep-fried mozzarella and rosemary focaccia. Then there are wide variety of pasta dishes and pizzas available here, including vegan pizzas. Aperitifs, beer, and wine are available too.

Family-run restaurant Il Conte is understated and classic, with checked tablecloths and a bustling atmosphere. You can expect friendly service and a traditional Italian menu. Try out generous portions of pasta, risotto, seafood, and pizza, with classic cocktails and Italian wine to wash it down. Outdoor seating is also available at this restaurant.

Dear Jackie, located within the luxurious five-star Broadwick Soho hotel, offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere adorned with lavish Murano lighting, red silk walls, plush seating, and opulent decor. This restaurant specialises in dinner service, featuring a menu centred on contemporary Italian cuisine, showcasing elevated pasta dishes like sheep's milk ricotta mezzaluna with Sicilian lemon and marjoram.

Located on Dean Street, Grasso offers a New York Italian-inspired menu that includes time-honoured dishes like Mom's spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parm, Caesar salad, and a vodka sauce pizza. This two-storey establishment features private dining spaces, a DJ booth, and a pair of bars, combining the warmth of traditional Italian hospitality with contemporary dining flair.