The best Italian restaurants in the City

Featuring lofty ceilings, Art Deco decor, and a marble-topped bar—with Luciano Pavarotti presiding over its grand opening—Caravaggio clearly demonstrates its dedication to fine Italian dining in the City. Honouring Italy's great artists, the restaurant offers classic dishes from across the country, paired with a diverse wine selection from global vineyards. With a two- or three-course set menu available, it's a popular spot for Square Mile professionals to enjoy a meal.

The menu at the City branch of the acclaimed Italian restaurant group centres on traditional Italian ingredients and freshly made pasta, offering dishes like stracciatella ravioli, pappardelle, and tagliolini, all generously complemented with a variety of sauces, parmesan, truffles, and more. Lina Stores at the Bloomberg Arcade features an open-plan design spread across two floors, including areas for private dining, making it an ideal spot whether you're grabbing a quick bite or hosting a larger gathering.

Nestled in the heart of the City near Smithfield Market, Apulia is a charming Italian restaurant offering an authentic taste of Puglia in a chic, modern environment. The menu features all the beloved Italian classics, including starters like bruschetta and burrata, alongside a selection of pasta, risotto, and pizzas with both red and white sauces. Guests can also enjoy a variety of cocktails and wines sourced from different regions across Italy.

Piazza Italiana on Threadneedle Street celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine with traditional recipes from various regions and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Located in a Grade II-listed building, the Italian restaurant exudes sophistication and charm, perfectly matching the refined menu. Expect a varied assortment of upscale Italian fare complemented by bellinis, Aperol spritzes, fine wines, and other drinks. Bottomless brunch is served here too, and there's a kids' menu for little ones as well.

Situated next to Liverpool Street Station, this vast food hall has established itself as the go-to for all things Italian. With a mix of Italian restaurants and a wide selection of retailers, you can enjoy a delicious meal and then shop for your favourite ingredients to recreate the flavours at home. Alternatively, grab an assortment of gourmet products for an Italian lunch or snack on the go. The venue also hosts regular classes, workshops, and other events.

For a quick and affordable Italian lunch in the City, one of Bread & Truffle's freshly-baked focaccia sarnies is hard to beat. Filled with premium Italian ingredients, their sandwiches span a variety of flavourful options, for example the Twisted Caprese with ricotta and mozzarella, or the Bread and Carbonara with crispy bacon and truffle pecorino. You can even pre-order online for easy collection at the Monument branch.

If a hearty serving of lasagne is your go-to pasta dish, then Lasagneria Italiana at the Royal Exchange is a must-visit. The menu boasts an impressive 21 varieties of gourmet lasagne, including seven vegetarian options. Whether you fancy the traditional Bolognese, a spinach variation, or even one with smoked salmon, there's a flavour to suit every palate. Can't decide? Opt for a trio of lasagnes to sample a few different flavours.

Terra Rossa offers a taste of Southern Italy with its authentic and welcoming atmosphere. This cosy neighbourhood restaurant serves classic dishes such as bruschetta, pasta, and pizza, with a dedicated children's menu available. The drinks selection features both Italian and international wines, along with Italian beers, including options on tap, making it an ideal spot to unwind.

A pair of friends turned their passion for handmade pasta into a career with Al Dente, sharing their traditional recipes and the rich heritage of artisanal pasta. In their cosy, light-filled restaurant, you can enjoy classic pasta dishes in a range of shapes and sauces, accompanied by a Negroni or a glass of wine. They also offer freshly-made pasta to take away, complete with their homemade sauces and a guide on how to cook your meal to perfection at home.

Located at The Ned, the City branch of Cecconi's is the place to go for tasty Italian food served in an elegant setting that welcomes businessmen and more casual patrons alike. The all-day menu is packed with upmarket takes on traditional Italian fare and accompanied by an extensive Italian wine list and classic cocktails. The relaxed restaurant with a chill vibe and modern decor also regularly hosts live music.

Rucoletta, a family-owned Italian restaurant in the heart of the City, features an extensive menu of genuine Italian fare. Ideal for sharing, the lunch and dinner options include everything from carpaccio and tartare starters to steak and fillet mains, homemade pasta, and traditional desserts, with a tasting menu also on offer. The atrium dining room is bright and inviting, with white tablecloths and artwork adorning the walls.

Manicomio is a stylish Italian restaurant with large windows overlooking the City, offering a bright and elegant dining experience. The venue spans three floors, including a relaxed café for coffee and pastries, a deli section, and a refined dining area. You'll find high-end Italian dishes like lobster linguine and black truffle pasta on the menu, alongside an extensive wine list and cocktails. Breakfast options and takeaway are also available.

Cento Alla Torre is a Venetian-style cicchetti bar in the City, located just a short walk from the Tower of London. This chic, retro-inspired venue offers a variety of small and medium-sized Italian dishes, along with a traditional three-course set menu. There's also an à la carte breakfast menu featuring classic options that cater to British tastes, all complemented by a selection of drinks, including cocktails.

Bolton's Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Italian fine dining in the City for over three decades. Known for its wide selection of authentic Italian dishes crafted with top-quality ingredients, the restaurant boasts a cosy and inviting atmosphere. It also offers a private space for business lunches, parties, and events, and its wine list showcases a diverse range of Italian vintages, thanks to long-standing partnerships with regional producers.

Mangio Pasta & Bottega is a small pasta shop in the City, featuring a rotating selection of gourmet stuffed pasta dishes. You can dine in, grab a takeaway, or stock up on pasta to prepare at home. The pastificio is led by a creative chef who mastered his skills first in his nonna's kitchen and later at some of Italy's finest restaurants. Mangio also serves paninis, seasonal salads, and other light bites, making it a popular spot for the City's busy workers.