There are some Italian restaurants across the capital that simply make you want to shout ‘Mamma mia, that was amazing.’ Below you will find a selection of recommendations from the London Food Review; hopefully with something for mosts tastes and wallets.
Zucca - 184, Bermondsey Street. London. SE1 3TQ.
0207 378 6809
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This London Bridge Italian was received overwhelmingly positive plaudits since its launch. Classic Italian food cooked in an expert manner. The food is not out to dazzle, however the clean and simple flavours do all of the talking. A great addition to London’s restaurant scene – at these prices no wonder it is always packed.
Franco Manca - Unit 4, Market Row, London. SW9 8LD.
0207 738 3021
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It may be surprising that the restaurant heralded as producing the finest pizzas in the UK is found split between two sides of a thoroughfare in Brixton Market – but you will just have to get used to it. 6 pizzas to choose from, choose red or white wine and that’s it; all you have to do then is devour the stunning blistered pizza dough with toppings to delight the taste buds.
Daphne’s -112, Draycott Avenue, London. SW3 3AE.
0207 589 4257
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This South Kensington based restaurant serves some of the most elegant Italian food that you will find in the capital. The onus is on freshness and seasonality and this comes through in the great food. The dining room and service is fantastic; providing the perfect place to sit down for a fantastic meal.
Antipasto & Pasta - 511, Battersea Park Rd, London. SW11 3BW.
0207 223 9765
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This unassuming family run restaurant has always been a favourite with the locals. Honest Italian food served at honest prices. You would struggle to find a warmer welcome in London – that is probably why people keep going back again and again. Usually heaving, this really is a gem. Look out for the 50% off offer for over half of the week, including weekends.
Locanda Locatelli - 8, Seymour Street, London. W1H 7JZ.
0207 935 9088
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This Mayfair Italian remains Giorgio Locatelli’s flagship and continues to draw a huge crowd. In these opulent surroundings you are treated to first class service; that is only the start however has the food is divine. The only real downside to this restaurant is the difficulty in getting a table – clearly everyone wants a piece of the action.
Trullo - 300 – 301, St. Paul’s Road, London. N1 2LH.
0207 226 2733
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This Italian restaurant, a stone’s throw from Highbury & Islington tube has wowed the critics and diners alike since its launch. The exquisitely simple menu at extremely reasonable prices seems to tick the right boxes for most people. It gets very busy, which is certainly well deserved. A great addition to what north London has to offer and one that is certainly worth a go.
Polpo - 41, Beak Street, Soho, London. W1F 9SB.
0207 734 4479
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This Italian bacaro has been exceptionally popular since its relatively recent opening. Its refusal to accept bookings for evening service mean that there are almost always queues reaching out of the door. The small sharing plates at reasonable prices allow you to have a beautiful selection from the menu. With good service and pleasant surroundings there are surely few places that are better suited to catching up with friends over some great food and wine. Simply a gem.
River Café - Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, London. W6 9HA.
0207 386 4200
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One of London’s most celebrated restaurants and even a fire couldn’t stop it in its tracks. The River Café serves some of the simplest dishes you will find, however they are executed to perfection. The prices aren’t for the feint hearted; however you certainly get something special for the money. One of West London’s finest eateries; go there and you will receive a lesson in how Italian food should taste.
Caraffini - 61 – 63, Lower Sloane Street, London. SW1 8DH.
0207 259 0235
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A Sloane Square stalwart that seems to have been around forever. Some would say that it is getting a little dated, however for us that is very much part of its charm. In a world where the trendy up and comers often dominate; this tranquil Italian plods on; cracking out great Italian food to the hungry masses. Rarely will you have a poor dish here – where reliable and relaxed are the watch words then Caraffini excels.
Bocca di Lupo - 12, Archer Street, London. W1D 7BB.
0207 734 2223
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Nestled in the heart of Soho you can find a realtively new addition to the London restaurant scene - but it is certainly a positive addition. The menu is largely rustic Italian, with the onus on ordering a little bit of everything to share with the table. It isn't cheap however the food is stunningly fresh and simply delicious; the wine list is also well worth a read.