Eight Of The Best Italian Restaurants In London

The fourth – and most recent – launch from Italian restaurant group, Big Mamma, opened in January 2023 and has lived up to expectations. Described as a “villa of worldly pleasures” this restaurant is bringing lesser-known traditional ingredients such as white sturgeon caviar from Veneto or culatello (cured ham made from a pig’s hind legs) to the London dining scene. Served in an enchanting setting inspired by decadent Roman villas and spread across four floors, this trattoria in West London is a treat not only for the tastebuds but for the eyes, nose and ears, too.

There’s no better way to get to know a region than through its food, and Norma London is a culinary trip through the thrilling history of Sicily. This vibrant restaurant in Fitzrovia serves dishes inspired by Sicily’s Moorish roots such as chickpeas pannelle or braised lamb shack with gremolata. We also love the iconic pasta alla norma with an eggplant sauce, from which the restaurant takes its name.

This Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Marylebone is the chance to step into a rich family-food history. Chef Giorgio Locatelli’s namesake restaurant is a celebration of his love of food, inspired by his grandmother and traditional Italian hospitality. His menu features everything from pasta to fish and meat – as well as special vegan options including a grilled artichoke with mint, lemon, breadcrumbs, garlic oil, monk’s beard, and cherry tomato.

Exquisite traditional cuisine and a lavish atmosphere awaits you at Bardo St. James in Trafalgar Square. The delicious dishes you’ll find on the menu will take you on a tour of different Italian regions, from the Roman pinzas (a form of flatbread), to the Sicilian red prawn carpaccio or the typical Milanese breaded veal cutlet. The elegant yet intimate decor of the restaurants coupled with their live music completes this unforgettable culinary experience.

Lina Stores started 80 years ago as small neighbourhood deli in Soho founded by an Italian immigrant from Genoa. Today, they’re a legacy institution with multiple locations across London, serving fresh homemade delicacies. Each restaurant offers a unique experience ranging from their small and cosy pasta restaurant on Greek Street to the impressive Bloomberg Arcade restaurant and bar in the City. But each keeps the traditional quality of its products alive, alongside the conviviality with which they are served.

Founded by Elia Sebregondi and Enzo Mirto, this is the ultimate experience for pasta lovers. Officina 00 offers two restaurant locations with seasonal menus, both exploring traditional Italian flavours with a modern twist. To take the experience further, they offer authentic pasta-making workshops. From the in-house experience to your own home, this is an Italian culinary journey to remember.