Italian Restaurants in London

London’s Italian scene isn’t just about fancy restaurants in pricey neighborhoods. You’ll find everything from buzzing little pizzerias in Soho to quiet osterias tucked away in Clerkenwell where the pasta practically melts in your mouth.

If you’re after proper Roman-style pizza, I’d head to Franco Manca or a lesser-known spot like Firezza, both serving sourdough bases that are crisp yet chewy. And don’t miss the chance to grab a plate of cacio e pepe at Sodo,it's the kind of classic that makes you wonder why more places don’t get it right. Italian food in London thrives in places like Shoreditch too, where you can get artisanal gelato that beats most other options.

One quick tip: many Italian places change their menu seasonally, so if you catch something with fresh wild mushrooms or truffles, don’t hesitate. And if you want to skip the usual crowd, try opening up beyond the West End,areas like Exmouth Market often have some charming family-run spots that feel like a slice of Italy without the tourist prices.