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London, a city praised for its culinary diversity, offers an exceptional array of Michelin Star Italian restaurants that transport diners to Italy. These establishments blend traditional recipes with innovative techniques, showcasing the heart of Italian gastronomy while embracing London’s dining scene.
From the timeless elegance of Murano in Mayfair to the rustic charm of Padella in Borough, these restaurants celebrate the essence of Italian cuisine: high-quality ingredients, masterful craftsmanship, and an unwavering passion for food. Whether handmade pasta, seasonal specialities, or contemporary twists on classic dishes, each venue uniquely interprets Italy’s culinary heritage.
Murano
Murano is a testament to refined Italian dining in London. Established in 2008 by chef Angela Hartnett, the restaurant quickly earned a Michelin star in 2009, a distinction it has proudly retained. The ambience at Murano exudes elegance. A 2023 refurbishment introduced a brighter, less formal decor, enhancing the dining experience with a contemporary yet comfortable feel. The open kitchen offers diners a glimpse into the preparation of each dish, fostering a connection between the culinary team and guests.
Murano’s menu blends Italian culinary traditions and British seasonal produce. Diners can curate their experience by selecting between three and six courses, with portion sizes adjusted accordingly. Signature dishes include Scottish scallops paired with pumpkin, hazelnuts, and ricotta salata and Sicilian red prawn risotto enhanced with tarragon, Amalfi lemon, and barbecued prawn. Pasta offerings, such as the provolone and smoked potato agnolotti, showcase Hartnett’s Italian heritage and culinary expertise. For dessert, the Amalfi lemon tart remains a perennial favourite.
An extensive wine list curated to pair with the menu complements the cuisine. The attentive and knowledgeable staff further elevates the experience, offering assistance without intrusion and ensuring that each visit to Murano is memorable.
Website: Murano
Address: 20 Queen St, London W1J 5PP
Locanda Locatelli
Locanda Locatelli is a distinguished Italian restaurant that has delighted patrons since its opening in 2002. Founded by acclaimed chef Giorgio Locatelli and his wife Plaxy, the restaurant quickly earned a Michelin star in 2003. The interior features polished wood furnishings and a neutral colour palette that creates a relaxed atmosphere.
The menu at Locanda Locatelli showcases traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary twist, emphasizing the quality and freshness of the produce. Signature offerings include the Linguine all’Astice, linguine with lobster, tomato, garlic, and sweet chilli, offering a harmonious blend of flavours. There is also the Cappellacci, burro & salvia, zucca e amaretti, another favourite. Here, pasta parcels with butter and sage, filled with pumpkin and almond biscuits, exemplify the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Italian cuisine. TheiInvoltino di triglia, prosciutto di Parma, salicornia, agrumi e mandorle tostate is red mullet wrapped with Parma ham, served with samphire, citrus juice, and toasted almonds. To end the meal with a sweet tone, the Degustazione di cioccolato offers a tasting of chocolate desserts.
Locanda Locatelli continues to be a beacon of Italian gastronomy in London, where tradition and innovation combine to create something that delights the senses.
Website: Locanda Locatelli
Address: 8 Seymour St, London W1H 7JZ
Luca
Luca offers a refined dining experience that blends Italian culinary traditions with British seasonal ingredients. Opened in 2016 by the team behind The Clove Club, the restaurant has earned acclaim for its innovative approach to Italian cuisine. The interior has a minimalist design, polished concrete tables, and a neutral colour palette.
Luca’s menu showcases modern Italian dishes, emphasizing high-quality British produce. Signature offerings include Parmesan fries—light, greaseless fingers of cheese that have become the restaurant’s trademark—and delicate starters like turnip tops with samphire and smoked cod’s roe. Pasta dishes like pheasant and mushroom agnolotti served in broth highlight the kitchen’s skill in marrying traditional Italian techniques with British flavours. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring a dynamic dining experience.
Complementing the cuisine is a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring selections from established and emerging regions designed to pair with the menu. The restaurant also offers a pre-theatre menu, catering to guests seeking a dining experience before attending nearby performances.
Luca continues to set the standard for modern Italian cuisine in London, offering a dining experience that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
Website: Luca
Address: 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH
River Café
Along the north bank of the Thames in Hammersmith, The River Café has been a cornerstone of London’s culinary scene since its inception in 1987. Founded by Ruth Rogers and the late Rose Gray, the restaurant was initially conceived as a modest canteen for the architectural firm of Ruth’s husband, Lord Richard Rogers. Over time, it evolved into a celebrated dining destination, earning its first Michelin star in 1998—a distinction it continues to hold.
The River Café’s ambience blends rustic charm and modern elegance. The dining room features an open kitchen, allowing guests to observe the culinary artistry firsthand. Lively colours adorn the space, with a distinctive wood-fired oven as a focal point. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the room in natural light and offer picturesque river views.
The menu changes daily and showcases the finest seasonal Italian produce. Antipasti selections may include Mozzarella di Bufala con Caponata alla Siciliana, featuring creamy buffalo mozzarella paired with a traditional Sicilian eggplant stew. For primi, the Linguine con Granchio combines delicate Devon crab with parsley, chilli, and lemon. Secondi options might present Branzino ai Ferri, where wild sea bass is slashed and stuffed with lemon, thyme, and marjoram, then grilled to perfection. Desserts such as the iconic Chocolate Nemesis or the Lemon Tart provide a sweet conclusion to the meal.
The extensive wine list complements the cuisine, predominantly featuring Italian vintages that pair with the dishes. The River Café’s enduring success lies in its unwavering dedication to quality, seasonality, and simplicity.
Website: River Café
Address: Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA
Bancone
Bancone, which translates to “counter” in Italian, has swiftly become a beloved destination for fresh, handmade pasta in London. Since opening its flagship location in Covent Garden in 2018, Bancone has expanded to Golden Square in Soho and Borough Yards near London Bridge, each offering a unique yet consistently delightful dining experience.
The Covent Garden venue features a contemporary design and an open kitchen, where diners can observe chefs crafting pasta. Seating options include traditional tables and counter spaces, fostering a communal and engaging atmosphere. The Golden Square location in Soho mirrors this setup, with counter dining that brings guests closer to the culinary action. The Borough Yards branch, situated near Borough Market, incorporates a mezzanine level for private dining, offering a more intimate setting.
Bancone’s menu draws inspiration from Italy’s diverse regions, emphasizing fresh, handmade pasta prepared daily. Signature dishes include the “Silk Handkerchiefs” with walnut butter and confit egg yolk, and the “Bucatini Cacio e Pepe,” a classic Roman pasta dish. Seasonal offerings ensure a dynamic dining experience, with recent additions like “Pappardelle with Beef Shin Ragu” and “Pumpkin Cappellacci”.
Attentive service and a lively atmosphere make Bancone an ideal spot for various occasions, from casual lunches to intimate dinners. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and authenticity has earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognizing its exceptional cuisine at accessible prices.
Website: Bancone
Address: 39 William IV St, London WC2N 4DD
Padella
Situated at the edge of Borough Market, Padella has become a cornerstone of London’s culinary scene since its opening in 2016. Founded by Tim Siadatan and Jordan Frieda, the duo behind Islington’s acclaimed Trullo, Padella was born from their passion for fresh, hand-rolled pasta and the desire to offer high-quality dishes at accessible prices. It’s one of the best Michelin Star Italian restaurants in London.
The restaurant’s interior is minimalist yet inviting. It features an open kitchen that allows diners to observe the pasta-making process. Seating combines counter spaces and closely arranged tables. Given its popularity, Padella operates a virtual queuing system, enabling patrons to join the line remotely and explore the surrounding market while awaiting their turn.
Padella’s menu celebrates Italy’s diverse pasta traditions, emphasising simplicity and flavour. Signature dishes include the Pici Cacio e Pepe, a Tuscan classic featuring thick, hand-rolled pasta coated in a creamy pecorino and black pepper sauce, and the Tagliarini with Dorset Crab, Chilli & Lemon, which balances the sweetness of fresh crab with a zesty kick. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring that ingredients are at their peak freshness. Complementing the pasta offerings are a selection of antipasti, such as Burrata with Puglian Olive Oil, and desserts like the rich Chocolate Tart.
The beverage list features a curated selection of Italian wines and classic cocktails, including a house-special Negroni. Attentive service makes Padella a must-visit for those seeking authentic Italian pasta in London. Its commitment to quality and affordability has earned it a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide.
Website: Padella
Address: Borough Market, Padella, 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ
Brutto
Brutto, one of the best Michelin Star Italian restaurants in London, brings the warmth and authenticity of a Florentine trattoria to the city. Established in 2021 by restaurateur Russell Norman, known for his success with Polpo, Brutto aims to offer a genuine Italian dining experience with a London twist.
The restaurant’s interior features gingham tablecloths, walls adorned with eclectic artwork, and a lively atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Italian eateries. The ambience is further enlivened by a diverse mix of music, including pop, rock, soul, jazz, blues, electronica, and a notable emphasis on Prince.
Brutto’s menu focuses on hearty, meat-centric Tuscan dishes that prioritize simplicity and robust flavours. Starters include Coccoli—Florentine fried dough balls served with prosciutto and stracchino cheese—and Anchovies with Bread and Butter, offering a straightforward yet flavorful beginning.
Pasta options include classics like Pappardelle with Rabbit Ragu. For mains, the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a traditional Florentine T-bone steak, stands out as a signature dish. Desserts such as Tiramisu and Brutti ma Buoni—hazelnut meringue biscuits served with gelato—provide a sweet conclusion to the dining experience.
The beverage selection complements the menu with well-priced offerings, including £5 Negronis and a variety of wines available by the glass or carafe. Brutto has garnered recognition for its quality and value, earning a Bibi Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide.
Website: Brutto
Address:
Legare
Situated in the historic Shad Thames area near Tower Bridge, Legare is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant that has garnered acclaim since its opening in 2019. Founded by Jay Patel, formerly of Barrafina, and chef Matt Beardmore, previously of Trullo, Legare focuses on seasonal antipasti and freshly made pasta.
The restaurant’s interior blends rustic charm with modern simplicity. Its open kitchen allows diners to observe the preparation of each dish. The intimate setting, with approximately 35 seats, fosters a cosy and communal atmosphere, enhanced by the building’s historical character as a converted Victorian spice warehouse.
Legare’s menu evolves regularly to highlight the freshest seasonal ingredients. Notable dishes include the Crab Tagliolini, a delicate pasta with fresh crab. The Pappardelle with Rabbit Ragu is a hearty pasta dish. The Stracciatella with Roasted Radicchio and Hazelnuts is another highlight. Here, creamy stracciatella cheese comes paired with roasted radicchio and mellow hazelnuts.
The wine list features selections from small Italian producers who champion sustainable and ethical practices. Legare’s dedication to quality and authenticity has earned it a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand designation.
Website: Legare
Address: Cardamom Bldg, 31 Shad Thames, Tower Bridge, London SE1 2YR
Manteca
Manteca, another of the best Michelin Star Italian restaurants in London, is a celebrated Italian-inspired restaurant acclaimed for its innovative nose-to-tail approach and handcrafted pasta. Founded by chefs Chris Leach and David Carter, it emphasizes whole-animal butchery, in-house salumi, and a commitment to sustainability.
The restaurant’s interior exudes a contemporary yet rustic charm. It features an open kitchen that allows diners to observe the culinary craftsmanship firsthand. The vibrant and bustling atmosphere, with a mix of counter seating and communal tables, fosters a convivial dining experience.
Manteca’s menu is designed for sharing, offering a variety of dishes that highlight their dedication to quality and flavour. The ‘Nduja Steamed Mussels are infused with the spicy, smoky flavours of ‘nduja, blending land and sea. The Pig Skin Ragu is a rich and savoury ragu made from slowly cooked pig skin, served with a crispy pig skin cracker for added texture. The Brown Crab Cacio e Pepe, a twist on the classic Roman dish, incorporates sweet brown crab into the creamy, peppery sauce.
The in-house salumeria showcases Manteca’s commitment to whole-animal butchery, offering a selection of cured meats. Complementing the food is a curated wine list that celebrates low-intervention and classic fine wines from Italy and beyond.
Manteca’s dedication to quality and sustainability has earned it a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide, recognizing its exceptional cuisine at accessible prices.
Website: Manteca
Address: 49-51 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT
Franco’s
Established in 1945, Franco’s is one of London’s oldest Italian restaurants. Over its extensive history, Franco’s has cultivated a reputation for delivering authentic Italian cuisine within an elegant and inviting setting. The restaurant’s interior blends classic and contemporary design elements. Soft lighting, polished wood furnishings, and tasteful artwork create a warm atmosphere. During warmer months, Franco’s offers alfresco dining on its heated terrace, allowing guests to enjoy their meals while observing the activity of Jermyn Street.
Under the culinary direction of Head Chef Stefano Turconi, Franco’s menu showcases a diverse array of traditional Italian dishes. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring the freshest ingredients are utilized. Their homemade pasta menu is a selection of freshly made pasta dishes, such as pappardelle with rich meat sauces or delicate seafood linguine. Seasonal specialities feature truffles and other seasonal ingredients, highlighting the best Italian culinary traditions. Vegan and gluten-free options are plentiful.
An extensive wine list complements the cuisine, predominantly featuring Italian vintages that pair with the menu offerings. The attentive and knowledgeable staff further enhances the dining experience, providing personalized service that reflects the restaurant’s longstanding dedication to hospitality. The combination of everything make this one of the best Michelin Guide Italian restaurants in London
Website: Franco’s
Address: 61 Jermyn St, London SW1Y 6LX
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