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Italian cuisine is about simplicity, but we all know that simple doesn’t mean easy. In the kitchen, the simplest things are the hardest to execute with excellence. Picture a velvety cacio peppe pasta, a homogenous carbonara sauce, or a Fiorentina steak cooked to perfection. High-end Italian Restaurants in London are the best places to find these dishes.
An excellent Italian restaurant is simple, with minimal design and an uncomplicated menu. Chefs work with traditional recipes and add personal and modern notes to flavour and presentation. Here, you will find some of the best examples. 10 venues that excel in their food, design, and relation to Italy’s casual and homey costumes.
Artusi
Artusi respects and celebrates the simplicity of Italian cuisine. They work with a menu that changes weekly and adapts to seasonality and the availability of fresh ingredients. The pasta is made daily; wine comes from some of the best Italian regions and producers. They have a family-style sharing menu for large groups of eight or more people. You will feel like participating in a traditional Italian family meal.
Although the place might not look like fine dining from its decor and set-up, it is true to authentic Italian eating traditions, which matters after all. Minimal design and decor make space for intricate flavours and an intimate environment. White walls hold charcoal boards with the daily menu. Light wooden furniture reflects the sunlight from large windows in the front of the restaurant. In front of the open kitchen, a large table seats 18 people. It is where chefs serve daily dishes that are fresh and highly flavorful.
Start with artichokes with spinach, butter sauce, and pine nuts. Savour spaghetti with leek, bottarga, and pistachio, or maybe grilled fennel with Violino pumpkin, bitter leaves, and hazelnuts. Pair your meal with a wide selection of white, orange, red, and sparkling wines served by the glass or in the bottle.
Website: Artusi
Address: 161 Bellenden Rd, London SE15 4DH
Bocca Di Lupo
Bocca Di Lupo is one of those places where you end up wanting to eat a piece of everything—even if you weren’t hungry to begin with. It is a small, humble, family-owned trattoria that cooks with heart and expertise in everything it produces. Respecting traditional regional Italian cuisine, the restaurant has won many awards.
Exploring food and wine from across all 20 regions of Italy, they either assemble in-house ingredients or source them from the best Italian producers. When reserving a table, try to get the Chef’s Counter seating. Comfy up on high stools before the open kitchen and watch the magic unfold before your eyes.
The menu at Bocca Di Lupo changes daily according to the availability and seasonality of the ingredients. Fried and cold cuts take over the appetiser menu. You’ll get classics like buffalo mozzarella with tomatoes and bail from Campania. Maybe olives stuffed with pork and veal from Rome. Order from the extensive list of pasta and risotto, like farfalle with red prawns, mussels and pistachio. Grilled and baked proteins follow – taste the roasted suckling pig with Tropea onions, white wine and bay leaves.
Website: Bocca Di Lupo
Address: 12 Archer St, London W1D 7BB
Murano
Murano‘s primary focus is quality of service, which was granted the restaurant’s first Michelin star only four months after its opening. A distinguishable feature is making guests feel welcome and at home while still playing with luxury. Exquisite food and wine also played a big part in this achievement.
The heritage of the Murano cuisine comes from Italy, merging Italian culinary traditions with fresh products from the UK and the rest of Europe. The informal atmosphere of the restaurant brings “fun” rather than “fine” dining to the table. The menu, which allows diners to pick any number of dishes in any order they choose, complements the entertaining aspect of the venue. Vegetarian and vegan menus and a set lunch menu are available.
Indulge in Italian wines that pair perfectly with your dish. Maybe start with the sea trout mi-cuit with watercress, pickled onion and oyster leaf. Follow up with a potato agnolotti with pecorino, guanciale and mint. Order from the fish or meat menu for the secondo piatto. Taste turbot with Tahitian vanilla, white asparagus, and pork crumb. Perhaps a lamb loin with romesco olives and piquillo pepper.
Website: Murano
Address: 20 Queen St, London W1J 5PP
Legare
Legare is a neighbourhood restaurant focusing on Italian antipasti and fresh hand-made pasta. The wine list, which features natural wines from different regions and producers of Italy, accompanies the food and merges with its flavours and aromas. The menu here changes regularly, according to the season and the products available to craft beautiful dishes.
The compact menu offers classic Spuntini, like focaccia and olives, perfect for nibbling while talking over various glasses of wine. There are oysters and carpaccio with melon and fennel pollen. For the antipasti, maybe order the burrata with strawberries and Genovese basil. White peaches with thyme and sweet gorgonzola cheese are also an option. As for the pasta dish, go for the pici pasta, a thicker version of spaghetti, with a burro e oro sauce made with tomatoes, butter, Parmigiano cheese and chilli peppers. Finish off with some dessert and a digestive liquor.
The place’s decor resembles a wine cellar, with charcoal white concrete walls and compact spacing under a curved roof. The open kitchen, which is very casual and stands behind shelves of wine, glasses, and loaves of bread, is a show worth watching. The light wooden furniture is extremely simple, highlighting the informal energy of the place.
Website: Legare
Address: Cardamom Bldg, 31 Shad Thames, Tower Bridge, London SE1 2YR
Lina Stores
What first started as a delicatessen selling fresh products from Italy eventually became a restaurant where you can eat intricate dishes prepared with those same ingredients. Handmade pasta and sauces made with authentic Italian vegetables are produced from trusted suppliers, and only the best can be found in Lina Stores‘ kitchen. Lina Stores has five locations around London: Marylebone, Soho, The City, and Kings Cross.
Antipasti, pasta dishes, proteins, and desserts make up the menu of all restaurants, each with its unique touch to decor and flavour. Find anchovies on top of grilled focaccia and covered with cultured butter, and later order the pea and ricotta ravioli with mint and pecorino. On the secondi menu, dishes are meant for 2-4 people – try the buttery market fish with fennels, green olive, garlic and rosemary. Vegetarian and vegan menus are also available!
All Lina Stores units offer a spacious and bright environment, making you feel like you’re at a chic Italian market. The ocean green and white colour scheme on the walls and bar tiles pairs with the dark wood and white furniture spread around the dining room. Sit at a barstool or a booth and catch up with friends over aperitivos, then shop at the delicatessen and take fresh products home.
Website: Lina Stores
Address: 51 Greek St, London W1D 4EH
Luca
Luca is a high-end Italian restaurant in London that combines classic luxury with hip trends for young people. By doing so, it has managed to attract and satisfy the crowds of London while maintaining its posture as a grown-up, serious place. The restaurant serves fresh British ingredients, prepared with an Italian view and served beautifully and creatively (eat scallops served inside a giant seashell, and you will understand what we’re talking about).
Dim lighting shines over olive-green and terracotta seats surrounded by brick walls in the main dining room. But if you’re here for lunch, sit on the terrace and enjoy the sunlight while looking at olive and jasmine trees. It feels like you’re in the back garden of an Italian summer house in Tuscany. Try a classic Italian Negroni at the bar while munching on the house-famous parmesan fries.
There is a prix fixe menu where you allow the chefs to explore their creativity and serve you a four-course meal. The a la carte menu offers fresh pasta dishes like conchiglie with stracciatella, garlic, and pistachio pesto. For your meat course, you can have juicy lamb racks with garlic sauce and caramelised spring vegetables, or maybe halibut with smoked eel, courgettes, and vegetable minestrone. Pair your meal with some wine and indulge in modern Italian food that will make you want to come back for more.
Website: Luca
Address: 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH
Manteca
Manteca is a high-end Italian restaurant in London that focuses on hand-rolled plates of pasta, an in-house salumeria, and whole-animal butchery. They bake the bread over a wood fire, giving the typical black chars a soft and chewy interior over crispy crusts. The space is small, and one may wonder how they can fit so many people inside without getting cramped, but it doesn’t happen — every inch is perfectly calculated, and customers and staff move gracefully through the dining room.
Light-coloured booths cover the sidewall, alongside chalky black bricks with small green bouquets of plants hanging in front. Behind them, you can take a glimpse of the kitchen and the action happening inside. The rest of the furniture, tables, and chairs are spread across the dining room with no particular extravagance.
The menu avenges all the extravagance lacking in the interior design. Visitors praise every item, and everything is a “must try”. Pasta dishes come in two sizes, where you can order smaller or regular portions. The cacio e peppe, a house favourite, comes with crab meat that surprisingly does not deliver that seafood flavour people would expect. Instead, it complements the savoury aspect of the cheese and dances with its umami. The fried pork with apple mustard and the ‘nduja steamed mussels are other unique flavour combinations.
Website: Manteca
Address: 49-51 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT
Trullo
Like most of the best high-end Italian restaurants in London and the world, Trullo works with simple and seasonal food. With an Italian menu that changes daily, everything is prepared right before arriving at the table, just like dinner at your nonna’s house! Hand-rolled pasta and meat cooked over a charcoal grill make this restaurant so authentic and unique. Trullo works with sustainable and seasonable ingredients, and chefs know precisely where each product comes from.
Taste Aberdeen Angus beef fillet carpaccio with horseradish crème fraîche as a starter. Then, move to the chilled almond soup with strawberries and aged balsamic. After that, for that perfect charred meat, go for the 42-day-aged Belted Galloway T-bone, which serves 2-3 people. The house tartes are a blessed dessert, like the cherry and almond or the chocolate and salted caramel.
Trullo has a spacious dining room with lots of natural light and vintage wood boards on the floor. High white ceilings reflect the sunlight over the purple booths by the wall, and the tables are covered with white cloths. The place does feel like a laidback environment, but at the same time, it carries a sense of luxury.
Website: Trullo
Address: 300-302 St Paul’s Rd, London N1 2LH
Padella
Look through the window of Padella from the street, and you will see one of their chefs hand-rolling pasta. It is the perfect spectacle for those walking searching for a place to eat. And if you weren’t hungry yet, we guarantee you will be. Watch for a while as he thins the dough into a perfect spaghetti or lasagne layer.
From the same owners as Trullo, this pasta bar was nominated as one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK in 2017. The menu follows the classics of Italian cuisine: simple and delicious. Changing its offer daily, the restaurant follows the availability and seasonality of ingredients. Taste a rocket and mint salad with Moscatel wine dressing as an antipasto. Order a juicy burrata with Le Ferre olive oil. For your pasta dish, try a pistachio pesto over a housemade fettuccine, crab, chilli, and lemon over a tagliarini plate.
The inside is as casual as a high-end Italian restaurant in London can get. Sit on one of the bar stools or a small table by the window. The charcoal-white walls brighten up with the natural light through the glass. Air ducts can be seen on the ceiling.
Website: Padella
Address: 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ
Gloria
Gloria is an Italian restaurant that takes you back to Capri in the 1970s. And that’s about decor because the modern methods of preparation and presentation of dishes remind you that you’re now in the future. This is a trattoria that runs all day long. They serve dishes that make you feel like you belong to the sunny Neopolitan days by the coast.
The menu is filled with Italian classics, all homemade and with highly fresh ingredients from small producers in Italy. Because of that, the dishes change every month, following the seasonal availability of products and respecting their time to shine. Try the pesto heart burrata and the osso buco ravioli to understand our discussion. Maybe go for one of the many Neopolitan pizza options. For example, the Brexitalia Truffle comes with black truffle cream, fior di latte, mushroom carpaccio, and Parmigiano cheese. Here, traditional Italian dishes meet new methods of preparation and novelty flavour additions.
The decor is a boho expression of old Capri. In one room, fine Persian rugs are on the floor. Mirror ceilings with bright golden lights shine upon colourful chairs and marble tables. On the other, large oval booths surround small tables like those found in a seaside coffee shop, with natural light coming in.
Website: Gloria
Address: 54-56 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3QR
Bardo St James
Bardo St James, in Mayfair, redefines the essence of Italian dining with its high-end approach. This luxurious eatery pays homage to Italy’s rich culinary heritage while infusing it with a contemporary twist, making it a must-visit destination for fine dining aficionados.
The restaurant’s interior design exudes elegance and sophistication, with a nod to Italian glamour through its materials and attention to detail. The ambience is welcoming and opulent. Bardo St James’s design marries modern aesthetics with traditional Italian elements, creating a unique and inviting space.
At the heart of Bardo St James is its meticulously crafted menu, showcasing Italian cuisine’s diversity and depth. The kitchen, led by a team of skilled chefs, sources the finest ingredients to create dishes that are both innovative and rooted in tradition. Highlights include artisanal pasta, made in-house daily, fresh seafood delicacies, and a selection of premium meats. The menu is complemented by an extensive wine list featuring selections from Italy’s best vineyards, carefully curated to pair seamlessly with the dishes.
Bardo St James stands out not only for its culinary excellence but also for its commitment to providing an unparalleled dining experience. From the moment guests step through its doors, they are taken on a journey through the flavours, sights, and sounds of Italy.
Website: Bardo St James
Address: 4 Suffolk Pl, London SW1Y 4HX
Sartoria
Sartoria, on the stylish Savile Row in Mayfair, offers an exquisite escape into Italian haute cuisine. Inspired by the Italian word for tailor’s shop, the restaurant’s name is a nod to its prestigious location, known globally for bespoke tailoring and craftsmanship.
The interior of Sartoria pays homage to the chic essence of Italian fashion and design. The dining space is adorned with luxurious fabrics, soft lighting, and sophisticated furnishings. The design seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with classic Italian elegance.
Under the guidance of renowned chef Francesco Mazzei, Sartoria’s menu is a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Italy, with a particular focus on the flavours of the chef’s native Calabria. The restaurant offers a sumptuous selection of antipasti, handmade pasta, and main courses highlighting the best Italian produce and culinary techniques. Signature dishes include fresh seafood, succulent meats, and inventive vegetarian options. The wine list at Sartoria is equally impressive, featuring a comprehensive collection of Italian wines that complement the menu perfectly.
Sartoria is more than just a restaurant; it’s an institution that embodies the spirit of Italian luxury and the art of fine dining.
Website: Sartoria
Address: 20 Savile Row, London W1S 3PR
Tavolino
Tavolino, near London’s Tower Bridge, is a testament to Italy’s rich culinary traditions brought to life with a modern twist. Since its opening, Tavolino has quickly established itself as a beacon of high-end Italian dining, offering an experience beyond the plate to encapsulate the essence of Italian hospitality and warmth. Its name, meaning ‘small table’ in Italian, hints at the intimate and convivial dining experience that awaits its patrons.
The interior design of Tavolino mirrors Italy’s vibrant and diverse landscapes, from the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany. The space is bathed in natural light, which reflects off the Thames and into the expansive, elegantly designed dining area. Modern aesthetics blend seamlessly with Italian flair, featuring an open kitchen that allows diners to witness the culinary magic firsthand. The riverside terrace offers breathtaking views of the Tower Bridge, making it a coveted spot for al fresco dining during warmer months.
The menu at Tavolino is a curated journey through Italy’s gastronomic regions, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Signature offerings include freshly made pasta, succulent seafood, and artisanal pizzas, each telling a story of its origins. Every bite celebrates Italian craftsmanship and flavour, from the rich and creamy risottos to the perfectly charred Neapolitan pizzas.
The carefully selected wine list features Italian gems and international selections designed to complement the menu and elevate the overall dining experience. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a special occasion, Tavolino offers a slice of Italy in the heart of London.
Website: Tavolino
Address: 2 More London Pl, London SE1 2RR
Franco’s
Franco’s, on Jermyn Street, is one of the city’s oldest Italian restaurants. It has welcomed diners since the post-war era. Its longevity and resilience have cemented Franco’s reputation as a cornerstone of high-end Italian dining in London, blending tradition with contemporary flair.
The interior of Franco’s exudes a timeless elegance, with meticulously chosen details that reflect Italy’s rich artistic heritage. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a beautifully appointed space that combines classic and modern design elements. Crisp white tablecloths, polished silverware, and an array of fine Italian artworks create a luxurious and comfortable setting.
Franco’s menu is a testament to the depth and diversity of Italian cuisine, crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. Each offering reflects Italy’s regional culinary landscapes, from antipasti to meticulously prepared pasta dishes. Signature dishes include fresh seafood, expertly cooked meats, and a selection of homemade pasta.
In addition to its exquisite cuisine, Franco’s boasts an impressive wine list, featuring a carefully curated selection of Italian wines alongside international favourites. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide recommendations, ensuring that each dish is perfectly paired with the right glass of wine.
Franco’s stands as a monument to Italian culinary excellence and as a vibrant gathering place for those who appreciate fine dining in an elegant yet unpretentious setting.
Website: Franco’s
Address: 61 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6LX
Circolo Popolare
Circolo Popolare, part of the famed Big Mamma Group, transports its diners to Sicily from its location in London’s Fitzrovia. Opening its doors in 2019, Circolo Popolare quickly became a sensation, enchanting guests with its exuberant atmosphere, authentic Southern Italian dishes, and whimsically decorated interiors that evoke the spirit of a lively Italian feast.
The restaurant’s design is a feast for the eyes. Every inch is adorned with an eclectic mix of décor that combines traditional Sicilian charm with playful modern touches. The walls are lined with thousands of spirit bottles, and the ceilings are adorned with hanging plants, creating a lush, garden-like ambience. Vintage photographs, neon signs, and an array of quirky artefacts add to the restaurant’s unique character, making every visit an adventure in itself.
Circolo Popolare’s menu is a tribute to the richness of Southern Italian cuisine, offering a generous selection of antipasti, handmade pasta, Neapolitan pizzas, and decadent desserts. Signature dishes like the Truffle Tagliatelle and the impressive Meter-long Pizza showcase the kitchen’s commitment to tradition and innovation.
The restaurant is also renowned for its theatrical serving style and generous portions, designed to be shared among friends and family in true Italian fashion. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring a variety of Italian classics and inventive creations that perfectly complement the dining experience.
Circolo Popolare is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Italian culture, hospitality, and the joy of sharing good food with good company.
Website: Circolo Popolare
Address: 40-41 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1HX
High-End Italian Restaurants in London
Italian food thrives in its simplicity. It is the job of every high-end Italian restaurant in London to praise this characteristic and reproduce uncomplicated classics. Always with that unique house touch to them. The restaurants on this list all work with seasonal ingredients and deliver tasty, fresh, and authentic Italian food.
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