When it comes to Italian cuisine, Central London is a treasure trove of authentic flavors and innovative dining experiences. From rustic trattorias serving time-honored recipes to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy, the city offers a rich array of Italian venues that bring the spirit of Italy right to your plate. Whether you're craving a perfectly al dente pasta, a wood-fired pizza, or a sophisticated take on Tuscan classics, these top 10 Italian restaurants in Central London are guaranteed to transport your taste buds to Italy’s sun-soaked shores.
1. Luca, Clerkenwell
Elegant yet unpretentious, Luca fuses the best of British ingredients with traditional Italian recipes, creating a menu that feels both contemporary and comforting. The beautiful dining room, with its warm lighting and mid-century design, is the perfect setting for dishes like potato gnocchi with girolles and Hereford beef carpaccio with truffle mayonnaise. Luca’s signature pastas, all made in-house, are a must-try, especially the spaghettini with prawns, mussels, and clams—a fresh and vibrant take on the coastal flavours of Italy.
Location: 88 St John St, Clerkenwell
Best for: Modern Italian dining with British influences.
Don’t miss: The Tuscan beef fillet with salsa verde and wild rocket
2. Bocca di Lupo, Soho
A Soho institution since 2008, Bocca di Lupo is a celebration of regional Italian cuisine, with a menu that travels from Lombardy to Sicily and everywhere in between. The open kitchen offers a view into the culinary action, where chefs prepare small and large plates designed to be shared. Standout dishes include the pappardelle with wild boar ragù and the fried artichokes alla giudia, a nod to Rome’s Jewish quarter. The rustic charm and lively atmosphere make this the perfect spot for a casual yet refined Italian feast.
Location: 12 Archer St, Soho
Best for: Regional Italian dishes in a buzzy, intimate setting.
Don’t miss: The gnocchi with duck and fontina—a comforting classic.
3. Gloria, Shoreditch
A vibrant, neon-lit slice of 1970s Capri in the heart of Shoreditch, Gloria is the place to go if you’re looking for Italian food with flair. This larger-than-life trattoria offers massive portions of Italian comfort food, from their signature 10-layer lasagne to the Instagram-famous carbonara served in a wheel of pecorino. The atmosphere is unapologetically extravagant, making it a great venue for celebrations or a lively night out. And let’s not forget the Tiramisu XXL, a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is indulgent.
Location: 54-56 Great Eastern St, Shoreditch.
Best for: Over-the-top Italian comfort food with a side of fun.
Don’t miss: The truffle-topped pizza, an indulgent crowd-pleaser.
4. Murano, Mayfair
For those looking for a Michelin-starred experience, Murano by Angela Hartnett is a refined yet approachable take on Italian cuisine. The menu is rooted in classic Italian flavors but features a modern twist, with dishes that focus on seasonal British produce. Highlights include the risotto with crab and Amalfi lemon and the veal chop with girolles and anchovy butter. Murano’s understated elegance and impeccable service make it ideal for special occasions or a sophisticated evening out.
Location: 20 Queen St, Mayfair
Best for: Michelin-starred dining with a focus on seasonal, modern Italian dishes.
Don’t miss: The agnolotti stuffed with buffalo ricotta and herbs—simple yet sublime.
5. Padella, Borough Market
Padella may be known for its long queues, but the wait is always worth it. Specializing in fresh, hand-rolled pasta, Padella offers a concise menu of pastas made from scratch each day. The pappardelle with eight-hour Dexter beef shin ragù is a standout, with the perfect balance of rich meat sauce and al dente pasta. The minimalist decor lets the food take center stage, and the restaurant’s location by Borough Market makes it a great stop after a day of exploring the market’s many food stalls.
Location: 6 Southwark St, Borough Market
Best for: Fresh, affordable pasta made daily.
Don’t miss: The silky tagliarini with Dorset crab and chilli.
6. Sartoria, Mayfair
Located on the corner of Savile Row, Sartoria offers an elegant Italian dining experience with a dash of Mayfair sophistication. The restaurant is led by renowned chef Francesco Mazzei, who brings his southern Italian roots to the table. Specializing in dishes from Calabria and other southern regions, Mazzei’s menu features highlights like spaghetti with lobster and nduja, and veal Milanese. Sartoria’s terrace is a fantastic spot for alfresco dining, especially during the warmer months, where you can sip on an Aperol Spritz while enjoying the best of southern Italian cuisine.
Best for: Stylish Italian dining in the heart of Mayfair.
Don’t miss: The cavatelli with Calabrian sausage, pecorino, and wild fennel.
7. Locanda Locatelli, Marylebone
Michelin-starred and beloved by the culinary elite, Locanda Locatelli is the epitome of fine Italian dining in London. Helmed by chef Giorgio Locatelli, this Marylebone restaurant is renowned for its attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. The menu is a love letter to Italian ingredients, from the homemade burrata with rocket pesto to the tagliolini with white truffle. The stylish, understated setting makes it a popular choice for those looking to indulge in Italian flavors with impeccable service.
Location: 8 Seymour St, Marylebone
Best for: Elegant dining with a Michelin-starred touch.
Don’t miss: The decadent truffle pasta, a seasonal favourite.
8. Ciao Bella, Bloomsbury
For a more laid-back, old-school Italian experience, Ciao Bella has been a Bloomsbury favorite for decades. Known for its lively atmosphere and generous portions, this classic trattoria offers everything from saltimbocca alla romana to hearty plates of penne arrabbiata. The bustling energy and affordable prices make it a beloved spot for locals, students, and tourists alike. With live piano music and a menu full of comfort food classics, Ciao Bella is the kind of place that feels like a home away from home.
Location: 86-90 Lamb’s Conduit St, Bloomsbury
Best for: A lively, casual night out with friends.
Don’t miss: The spaghetti vongole, brimming with fresh clams and garlic.
9. Circolo Popolare, Fitzrovia
With its opulent decor and theatrical dining experience, Circolo Popolare is anything but ordinary. This Italian restaurant in Fitzrovia, from the team behind Gloria, offers a dazzling space filled with fairy lights, hanging plants, and walls lined with thousands of bottles of spirits. The menu is all about Sicilian comfort food, from truffle-packed pizzas to the jaw-dropping carbonara flambéed tableside. The portions are generous, and the vibe is fun and energetic, making Circolo Popolare perfect for both date nights and group celebrations.
Location: 40-41 Rathbone Pl, Fitzrovia
Best for: A show-stopping Italian feast in a party atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The lemon meringue pie, an Instagram-worthy masterpiece.
10. Bancone, Covent Garden
Known for its handmade pasta and stylish interiors, Bancone is a Covent Garden gem that serves some of the best pasta in the city. The restaurant’s signature silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and confit egg yolk is an absolute must-try—delicate, velvety pasta sheets paired with a rich, creamy sauce. The casual-chic atmosphere, combined with an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, makes Bancone a favorite for both quick pasta fixes and leisurely dinners.
Location: 39 William IV St, Covent Garden
Best for: Fresh, handmade pasta in a modern setting.
Don’t miss: The pork ragu pappardelle, a perfect winter warmer.