The best of Italy
Take an evening off and treat yourself at one of these excellent, AA-rated Italian restaurants
Italian cuisine is known for its high-quality and simplicity, offering a range of dishes from pizza to risotto. Our choice includes both high-end dining experiences and casual dining, so depending on your plans, you can choose a restaurant that meets your criteria. Each one has its own take on Italian cuisine, which makes every experience different from the last. Their light, modern interiors bring a taste of Italian culture, and extensive wine lists provide some of the best vino Italy has to offer.
Here is a select group of Italian restaurants from across London which have all been awarded AA Rosettes.
Murano, W1
Angela Hartnett's upscale restaurant in Green Park is all about warmth and comfort, with mirrored surfaces and a dark wooden interior. Murano’s menu speaks for itself, having been awarded 4 AA Rosettes for its freshness and high quality food.
The River Café, W6
A staple of excellent Italian dining since 1987, the River Café is one of Hammersmith’s most enduring foodie attractions. Straightforward Mediterranean dishes are served in a bright and buzzy environment.
Norma London, W1
Housed in a characterful converted townhouse on Charlotte Street, Norma is split across three floors, with dining areas, a cocktail bar and a private dining room. A crudo bar takes centre stage on the ground floor, showcasing a stunning array of seasonal raw seafood. It’s busy and crowded, with friendly staff and a Sicilian inspired menu with Moorish influences.
Lizzie's Cucina, N14
In a residential area on the outskirts of Enfield, this place used to be a café but it’s now a stylish Italian restaurant. White linen-clad tables are positioned around the room, enabling diners to get a good view of the open kitchen where chefs deliver regional Italian favourites.
Margot, WC2
With its stylish dark leather banquettes and abstract artworks, this suave Italian sits just off Drury Lane. A seasonal menu is full of classic combinations from Italy’s diverse regions, and the homemade pasta is fantastic.
Popolo Shoreditch, EC2
Set in a side street in fashionable Shoreditch, Popolo offers Italian sharing plates with 'a Moorish twist'. Sustainable seafood is a speciality, and you can watch it all being prepared at the kitchen bar.
Sette, SW7
Sette is a symphony of contemporary design and shiny surfaces; all mirrors, metal surfaces, high ceilings and feature lighting. The food is authentic modern Italian, based on the offering of Manhattan’s Scarpetta restaurant family.
Sycamore Vino Cucina, WC2
Part of a modern hotel in the heart of Covent Garden, Sycamore Vino Cucina is inspired by the desire to deliver an authentic Italian experience. With an atmosphere that reflects the lively neighbourhood, the high-ceilinged dining room is light and contemporary, with great views from the vast windows.
Caravaggio, EC3
An impressive art deco setting with ornate ceilings, and an imposing staircase leading to a mezzanine gallery, lend a sense of style to the generous portions of comforting Italian classics on offer.
Osteria Dell'Angolo, SW1
Bringing an air of Mediterranean sophistication to Marsham Street, Osteria Dell'Angolo lets you watch the chef in action as staff deliver regional classics and inventive modern interpretations.
Bocca di Lupo, W1
With leather seating, abundant flower displays and feature lighting, Bocca di Lupo (Wolf's Mouth) offers no-frills modern Italian dishes alongside a notable wine list to suit all budgets.
Atrio Restaurant, SE1
Next to County Hall on the South Bank, Atrio is on a mezzanine level and has great views across London through its large glass wall.
Quadrato, E14
Quadrato is part of the Four Seasons riverside hotel on Canary Wharf, so the terrace is ideal for fine weather dining and views of the city. Simplicity is the watchword in an eclectic modern menu.
La Brasseria Milanese, W1
Set on busy Marylebone High Street, this bustling neighbourhood Italian is open all day, and serves up everything from pizzas and pastas to more technical dishes.
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