From classic trattorias to contemporary pasta specialists, we’ve rounded up our favourite Italian restaurants in London
By Helen Brown
Italian restaurants in London: Our pick of the best
Mele e pere
This subterranean Soho trattoria was set up by three brothers to bring a taste of the fabulous family-run places of their childhood in northern Italy to the capital. The place has a constant buzz, even on weeknights, and is just as idyllic for a glass of vermouth at the bar after work as it is for a sit down Italian feast. Menu highlights include the artichoke and truffle oil bruschetta and the wild mushroom risotto.
Lina Stores
Lina Stores is a culinary institute having served top notch Italian produce, fresh pasta and sandwiches every day from its deli spot in Soho since 1944, as well as restaurant food from its Greek Street sister site. To celebrate 75 years in the business, the iconic delicatessen is set to open a third site in King’s Cross, this one bringing restaurant and deli together under one roof. Expect stand-out pasta dishes as well as an intimate aperitivo bar and excellent Italian wine list.
Berto
The team behind neighbourhood pizzeria Zia Lucia has brought more flavours of Italy to north London with the launch of Berto. This authentic, artisanal pasta restaurant serves a selection of traditional, wholemeal and gluten-free pasta, hand-crafted onsite daily. Try the fettuccine with butternut squash velouté and sun-dried tomatoes.
Gloria
If you’ve got Instagram you’ll know Gloria. The vine-clad, larger-than-life Italian hotspot has been making headlines for its decadent interiors but the menu itself is just as exciting. Let your taste buds take you from Emilia-Romagna to Puglia with its explosive menu that mixes old classics with amazing products from small Italian producers – plus a few fun twists from Chef Filippo.
Cafe Murano
Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred Italian eatery, Murano dishes up exceptional fare from the northern region. The spin-off Murano cafes offer a more relaxed affair but with just as much culinary flare. Carefully-sourced produce and bold flavours guarantee a memorable meal. Don’t leave without trying the classic risotto Milanese.
Like this? Check out our pick of the capital’s best pasta restaurants.
