Top Best Italian Restaurants in Buckhurst Hill

"An unlikely London institution in an even more unlikely location, The River Cafe by Hammersmith riverside has been churning out simple, ingredient-focused dishes since 1987. At around £35 for most main courses, it doesn't come cheap, and we reckon there's much better value to be had elsewhere on this list. That said, some things are worth experiencing, and for a fan of Italian food in London The River Café is one of them: mark it down for a special occasion."

"London’s most famous Italian restaurant is, as the name suggests, situated alongside the Thames. Its riverside terrace is one of the most desirable places to eat outside in London during the warmer months, and especially now, as London tentatively emerges from lockdown. A reservation is incredibly hard to come by, but if you’re lucky enough to get a table, expect meticulously sourced and prepared Italian food that long ago gained legendary status."

"Since opening in 1987, The River Café has become one of London’s most popular riverside restaurants to enjoy long lunches during the summer. Overlooking the Thames in Hammersmith, the Italian restaurant serves a daily changing menu featuring antipasti, primi, secondi and dolci. Share plates of crab spaghetti with fennel herb and lemon before digging into chargrilled leg of lamb with Italian spinach and braised chicory."

"Papparadelle with beef shin ragu; Trullo, 300 - 302 St Paul's Road, London N1 2LH, tel 020 7226 2733; www.trullorestaurant.com. Padella is truly one of London’s greatest gems, but it’s also hard to grab a seat at the best of times. If you want the same exceptional pasta, but with the ability to book a table in advance, sibling restaurant Trullo is for you."

"This Islington neighbourhood restaurant has a reputation that reaches far beyond its borough. Owners Jordan Frieda and Tim Siadatan met while working at the River Café and the Italian menu keenly reflects those roots. Trullo is best described as a contemporary trattoria, with small, white-clothed tables, industrial-style hanging lamps and white walls."

"Trullo went from restaurant to shop during lockdown and as well as selling soups, pasta, bread, booze and deli items, they’re doing a very strong line in pastries, including this carbonara swirl. It’s a frankly inspired mashup of pasta dish and pastry with some serious #yolkporn action."

"If you’re big on pizza, pizza doesn’t come much bigger than at Homeslice. This street-market-to-restaurant convert produces 20” pizzas (£20) as standard - designed to share, but that’s to your discretion (do not fear, snackers can order by the slice in Homeslice’s favourite flavours). What to expect: The Margherita is heaven to tomato lovers, thick with fresh, zingy passata, but the more adventurous types are treated to Homeslice’s inventive topping menu, which features the likes of aubergine, cauliflower cheese, spinach and harissa or oxtail and watercress with horseradish and sorrel cream."

"London may not seem like one of those cities that are synonymous with great pizza, but Homeslice seeks to change that. Serving up a selection of hearty pies (or slices!), Homeslice also offers vegan opions. The Covent Garden (Neal's Yard) location in particular is close to great shopping, so after a day of retail therapy, stop in for a delicious slice."

"If it’s pizza that the kids are craving then give Homeslice a try, rather than the big chains. There’s no special menu, but given that the enormous 20 inch pizzas arrive whole at the table for sharing, that’s not really a problem. Certain pizzas can be bought by the slice, too, which is perfect for those who aren't so fond of communal eating."

"Serving irresistible Italian cuisine in casual, friendly surroundings, Prezzo Wembley uses only the finest seasonal ingredients to create their award-winning pizzas, as well as other dishes prepared with produce sourced directly from Italy, all at…"

"Also owned by the Villa Bianca Group is Piccola Ristorante Pizzeria Napoletana in Hampstead. This Hampstead Italian restaurant still offers a nice dining experience but it is slightly more casual compared to the actual Villa Bianca restaurant as it has more of a traditional Italian Pizzeria feel to it. Well located on Heath Street just 1 minute from Hampstead Tube Station Piccola Ristorante Hampstead offers a large selection of Pizzas as you would expect, as well as Pasta dishes and many other delicious and fresh dishes so add this on your list of Italian Restaurants in Hampstead to visit!"

"32-34 Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge, London SW1X Why should you care?. This is the second Crazy Pizza to hit London, coming from ex-Formula One boss, Flavio Briatore. Expect similar pizzas to the original, just around the corner from Harrods."

"The vast spa and wellness offering at the Mandarin Oriental ranks as one of the capital’s best both in size and quality. Offering a massive 14 treatment rooms, including the couple’s Oriental Suite, there is also a high-tech gym, vitality pool, steam room, sanarium, colour therapy relaxation area and 17-metre twin lane swimming pool. And, while the spa decor may take its cues from the hotel’s Eastern roots, the treatment menu wanders around the globe, bringing together holistic therapies and practices from a wide variety of wellness traditions."

"Steps from Knightsbridge, one of the most affluent districts in London, the Mandarin Oriental is a top-tier grande dame. Winston Churchill was once a regular, and the Edwardian building has remained intact, despite undergoing a renovation worth millions in 2018. Rooms are contemporary and light, maintaining a classic English elegance with neutral decor and furniture adding pops of emerald, teal and dusky pink."

"Perfectly perched between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, this glamorous hotel features opulent rooms, suites and a world-renowned spa. For added gastronomic delight, the hotel is home to the exclusive Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which has two Michelin stars. The hotel has recently undergone a massive refurbishment making it more luxe than ever."

"Sopwell House Hotel is a grand affair, with more than 100 rooms, two restaurants, a spa and 12 acres of grounds to its name. Among all of that the best place to relax is in the cocktail lounge, where afternoon tea is served. It’s a long, breezy room that begins with a marble-topped bar and stretches all the way to a library, with little alcoves and giant sash windows along the way."

"Old Chelsea favourite Cheyne Walk Brasserie re-opened as the stylish No Fifty Cheyne last year following a nine-month makeover – and we’re sold. Stepping inside feels like arriving at a private country house, a feeling which is reinforced by the charming staff. Despite the luxurious interiors – glass chandeliers, high ceilings, statement flowers and the like – the restaurant has an intimate, cosy feel."

"The Whitechapel Gallery’s new resident restaurant, Townsend will continue to deliver throughout the second lockdown. In addition to an online shop stocked with fresh produce and DIY recipe boxes, a three-course set menu is also available, complete with wine. Dishes on Town-Send’s Autumn delivery menu include slow-cooked pork belly, turnips, white beans, and apple grain mustard; potato dumplings, potted brown shrimp, and coastal herbs; and pavlova with poached pears, white chocolate, and candied hazelnuts to finish."

"In a nutshell: New all day restaurant for The Whitechapel Gallery Where is it?. 77-82 Whitechapel High St, Shadwell, London E1 7QX Why should you care?. Taking over the restaurant space at The Whitechapel Gallery is an ex-Garden Cafe and Petersham Nurseries duo with an exciting modern British menu."

"More masters of lockdown, Townsend's Town-Send (we see what they did there) menu changes regularly and has been going strong ever since March 2020. There are several set menus on offer and look out for seasonal specials too. Delivery range: Nationwide"