Discovering London’s Delightful Italian Dining Scene
Ah, London! A city where the rain is as constant as that burning desire for extraordinary Italian cuisine. Whether you’re a London local or a wide-eyed tourist, the quest for the best Italian restaurants in this bustling metropolis is akin to a culinary treasure hunt. Fear not, for I am here to guide you through London’s twisty pasta streets, and potentially save you from a calzone catastrophe.
Pasta E Basta! – The Must-Visit Spots
The rolling mists of London may not quite emulate the Tuscan hills, but step into any of the fantastic Italian restaurants here, and you’ll soon forget the English weather outside. First up on our pasta pilgrimage is Trullo in Highbury. A cosy joint that’s a favourite with locals, Trullo serves some of the silkiest pasta dishes this side of Rome. Their tagliarini with brown crab and courgettes could make even the most discerning Italian nona weep tears of joy.
Venture a little further to Padella in Borough Market, an establishment famed for its legendary queues. Here, patience truly is a virtue, as the reward is some exquisitely hand-rolled pici cacio e pepe. It’s a dish so authentically Italian that you might briefly consider adopting a Mediterranean lifestyle, complete with a Vespa and a sizable collection of striped shirts.
Stone-Baked and Centre Stage
If pasta isn’t your dish of choice, fear not. London boasts a plethora of Italian restaurants specializing in sublime pizzas that would make any Neapolitan nod in approval. Franco Manca, with its numerous locations scattered throughout the city, offers sourdough pizzas that strike the perfect balance between chewy and crispy. Their margins are as thin as their delightful crusts, providing excellent value for money.
For a more upscale pizza experience, make your way to Pizzeria Mozza in Fitzrovia. This Californian import delivers a slice of L.A. sunshine to London, serving pizzas with gourmet toppings like squash blossoms and rich buffalo mozzarella. Every bite feels like a gentle embrace from a non-judgmental Italian grandmother—no calorie counting allowed here!
Romantic Dining That Even Casanova Would Approve
For those hoping to channel romantic vibes while indulging in some of Italy’s finest culinary exports, look no further than Cicchetti in Covent Garden. This delightful eatery offers classic Italian tapas-style platters in an elegant setting. You could quite feasibly impress a date by whispering sweet nothings over a shared plate of indulgent burrata without even breaking the bank.
Locanda Locatelli in Marylebone is another promising contender for the title of the city’s most romantic Italian restaurant. Run by noted chef Giorgio Locatelli, its Michelin star shines almost as brightly as the restaurant’s atmospheric candles. Here, locals and tourists alike can be seduced by dishes featuring black truffle and wild sea bass.
A Brief Intervania
Before you hustle off to book your Italian feast, it’s worth noting that while exploring these eateries, you might stumble upon some equally enticing attractions in London. It turns out that after a night of indulgence, you might just need a long stroll to burn off that pasta. How convenient!
Affordability Meets Authenticity
Finally, culinary wonders don’t always need to carry a hefty price tag. For those on a budget, Homeslice in Neal’s Yard dishes out pizzas by the slice or 20-inch behemoths ready to share. You won’t need to sell your soul for this soul food, with flavours that hit all the right notes.
Alternatively, head to Pizza Pilgrims, whose founders took a pilgrimage across Italy (hence the name), driving a van and eating pizza, all in the name of research. Their Leadenhall and Soho locations provide pizzas that are, arguably, worthy of sainthood, at prices so reasonable you’ll still have spare change for gelato.
And there you have it, a guide to some of the best Italian restaurants in London, served with a soft drizzle of humour. Whether your goal is to create spaghetti-inspired romance, engage in a truffle-laden indulgence, or simply find a pizza for your rumbling stomach, there’s an Italian restaurant in London ready to welcome you like family. Just remember, a fork is optional, and the diet starts tomorrow!