Friday, 25 October, marks World Pasta Day 2024
World Pasta Day, celebrated every 25th of October, isn’t just about indulging in our favorite pasta dishes; it’s a global tribute to pasta’s rich cultural heritage and its role in cuisines worldwide. Founded in 1995 by the World Pasta Congress, this day highlights pasta’s versatility, its nutritional value, and its role as a staple food that transcends cultural boundaries. From Italy to every corner of the world, pasta has become a beloved comfort food, symbolizing warmth, connection, and tradition across generations.
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta, especially when paired with the right sauce, and the perfect glass of wine. Whether you’re a fan of rich, creamy carbonara or a simple, rustic pomodoro, World Pasta Day is the perfect excuse to indulge. If you’re planning a day out in the city, complement your gourmet pasta experience with the best brunch spots in London. To celebrate, we’ve rounded up the city’s top ten spots serving up delicious pasta that’ll have you twirling your fork!
The Best Pasta Restaurants in London
La Tagliata
Combine fine dining with family recipes and seasonal ingredients and you have La Tagliata. A sophisticated restaurant which encourages taking your time over each course, the pasta menu features well-loved classics like tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and truffle oil and linguine with fresh crab, chilli and garlic. Bellissimo.
Pasta dishes from £13.50
11 Sandy’s Row, London E1 7HW,
Padella
If you’ve ever ventured to London Bridge around 5pm, you’ll have noticed Padella; the unassuming pastaria at the edge of Borough market often has queues 20 people plus deep – and for good reason. Their fresh pasta dishes are affordable, authentic, and most importantly, delicious. The simple pici cacio & pepe and the rich pappardelle with beef shin ragu are dishes not to be missed.
Pasta dishes from £9.5
6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ, Padella Menu
Ave Mario
Unless you have been living under a rock for the past several years, Londoners will be familiar with both Gloria and Circolo Popolare – both of which you will have inevitably seen on your Instagram feed at some point. And rightly so, as they serve one of the best pasta in London. The brains behind the two restaurants, Big Mamma Group, have recently opened their third installment with Ave Mario – complete with zebra-striped walls, red seating booths and neon bathrooms (move over Sketch, there’s a new insta bathroom in town). We urge guests to try the IL TIGRAMISÙ, a decadent portion of their famous ‘not so classic’ tiramisu that will leave you running to the gym for the next week – but it’s so worth it.
15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QG, Ave Mario Menu
Tavolino Bar & Kitchen
Sitting directly overlooking the river at London bridge is neighbourhood Italian, Tavolino. On a sunny day, punters can sit outside and soak up the sun, whilst imagining they are sunning themselves in Positano. With a focus on fresh produce, menu highlights include Sicilian red prawn bucatini with pistachio and Burrata, heritage tomato, cucumber, capers and pickled shallot – truffle fans will rejoice at the option to add ‘summer truffle’ to any dish. The cocktail menu is strong, featuring the summer staple ‘Watermelon Blush’ with Colonel Fox gin, watermelon, lemon, egg white and their signature Espresso martini – a strong contender for our favourite espresso martini in London.
2 More London Pl, London SE1 2DB, Tavolina Bar & Kitchen Menu
Pastaio
Pastaio’s delicious fresh pasta dishes include green spinach spaghetti, crucsco chilli, rocket puree & breadcrumbs and eight-hour beef & porcini bolognese tagliatelle. Speedy service at modest prices, energetic playlists, and bright, modern interiors. Pastaio has a seasonally changing menu with the freshest ingredients included in their sharing plates along with the finest selection of their vegan wines and prosecco slushies.
19 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BN, Pastaio Menu
Bancone
At Bancone, meaning ‘counter’ in Italian, guests have the choice of sitting at the dining bar to watch the chefs in action in the open plan kitchen, all whilst sampling exceptional pasta creations. Not only does Bancone have an electric atmosphere, but it is surprisingly affordable. Dishes on the menu include silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and confit egg yolk, and bucatini with brown shrimp and seaweed butter.
Pasta dishes from £9
Arch 213, 18 Stoney St, London SE1 9AD, Bancone Menu
Pasta Evangelists
To celebrate World Pasta Day, Pasta Evangelists are going to be handing out 500 portions of free pasta in a nationwide giveaway in 25 locations across the country.
200 portions of pasta will be available at each location from 3-4pm, served fresh on a first come first served basis, with dishes including some of the best pasta in London, their Wild Mushroom Sauce and Beef Shin Ragu. The full list of locations can be found here. While there’s no need to sign up, it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowd and be the lucky 200 in your area! Find more about the World Pasta Day giveaway or visit your closest location.
14 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4BX, Pasta Evangelists Menu
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
For World Pasta Day 2024, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta will be giving away 5000 packets of their brand new pasta products. To claim your free pasta, dine with them on the 25th of October and get a free goodie bag that comes with a packet of their premium pasta. You can also find their team outside selected tube stations handing out special goodie bags. To claim the free premium pasta, you can visit any of their four London locations.
PS. Their Pappardelle with 4-hour slow-cooked béchamel bolognese is a classic.
215 Baker St, London NW1 6XE, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta Menu
The Italian Greyhound
To get your handmade pasta cravings attended to, dine at The Italian Greyhound in Marylebone, serving the best Italian drinking and dining experience. They’re happily “hound-friendly” and have one of the best Italian menus that features seasonal British produce. Experience an Italian summer afternoon with sun-kissed terrace and pay homage to the baracos of Italy. Their standout options include the Chicken Milanese and Pistachio Tiramisu.
62 Seymour St, London W1H 5BN, The Italian Greyhound Menu
Lina Stores
The instagrammable restaurant with a no frills menu has locations in both King’s Cross and Soho. Doubling up as a delicatessen, the focus on fresh ingredients is clear from the get go – and the quality of the food is evident from the first bite. The interiors look like something out of the pages of a vintage magazine, with guests being drawn in by the pistachio green colour scheme and ambient lighting. Head down for a stellar breakfast menu (alongside a super strong espresso, of course), and our top pick from the menu – the Tagliolini al Tartufo e Parmigiano.
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