Mentioned by Time Out London
London’s best Italian restaurants
"Trullo’s elegant dining room and simple, seasonal food, marks it out both as one London’s best Italian restaurants and one of the city’s finest neighbourhood restaurants. Dark wood, low lighting, white table cloths, and just-put-it-on-the-plate plating characterise it as decidedly anti-Instagram. Trullo’s spiritual parents are the two most important restaurants of a generation: the River Cafe and St. John, so dishes marry Italian traditions with British (and Italian) ingredients — fashioned into delicious antipasti, fresh pastas and secondi, dishes which often do a little time on the charcoal grill."
"Steeped in fine Italian traditions, Trullo will make you forget you’re in North London and think you’ve been whisked away to Italy. It’s well-known for its delicious pasta dishes and is easily one of the best Italian restaurants in Islington. The settings are light and bright, providing the perfect spot to dine in, whether you’re enjoying a lite lunch or heading there for dinner with a date."
"Sure, have beef shin pappardelle to break the fast — why not, go big. But for an easy start to the day that doesn’t require a table and cutlery, head to Trullo’s deli and shop, next door to the north London Italian restaurant. Snag one of the savoury pastries which are hearty enough for a breakfast and lunch combo."
"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."
"Proving pizza can be just as delicious without the cheese is Homeslice, one of London’s best pizza joints. Plant-based options include a mushroom number with chilli flakes and a soy truffle glaze, plus the ‘Ndontja, topped with tenderstem broccoli, vegan mozzarella and vegan ‘Nduja. Various locations.homeslicepizza.co.uk"
"Pizzas, pasta, starters and more, you can get your vegan Italian food fix from Zizzi. Indulge on delicious pasta, including Lentil Ragu or Spaghetti Pomodoro. If you fancy some pizza, we recommend their Rustica Jackfruit Italian hot, with jackfruit pepperoni and stacks of chillies and spicy harissa."
"Set amongst the bustle of the London Designer Outlet in Wembley Park, Zizzi restaurant offers simple Italian recipes made with passion. Whether it's pizza or pasta, salads or risotto, or carne and pesce (meat and fish), each dish is prepared with fresh…"
"If you’re looking for a modern spin on Italian cooking, then get yourself down to Canonbury Kitchen. The exposed brickwork and pale wood tables provide a modern setting for you to enjoy; making it one of the best Italian restaurants in Islington. It’s located just off Upper Street and serves up a range of dishes, including portions of pasta and mains like fresh tuna steak grilled with fennel & thyme oil and classic baked aubergine parmigiana."
"Franco Manca, the sourdough pizza place, opened in Brixton Market way before it was cool to do so; and it now has more than 25 branches across London. It's still one of the best pizzas in town, with an enviable chewy base and toppings that benefit from high-quality ingredients. The main attraction is backed up by selections of Italian cheeses, cured meats and gutsy salads."
"Perfect for those on budget, Franco Manca offers some of London’s finest pizzas at discount prices at some of the most vibrant venues across London. With a selection of just six stonebaked pizzas, the chefs at Franco Manca know exactly what they like, and more importantly, they know what their customers like."
"Wood-fired sourdough pizzas with serious artisan credentials guarantee queues at this cult-status mini chain. Prices are rock bottom, the pizzas are served up super-quickly, and kids can watch the pizzaiolo doing ‘messy play’ in the open kitchen. Arguably the best of its kind in town."
"Peddling the US ‘roadside burger’ experience in stripped-back diner surrounds, Shake Shack has all the stateside trappings – from buzzers announcing when your food’s ready to drive-by style hatches for picking up your full tray. Just add hot dogs, frozen custard ice cream and thick shakes. Flagship site: 24 Market Building, The Piazza, WC2E 8RD"
"From humble beginnings as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park, Shake Shack has cemented itself as an international household name. Today London has seven branches and serves some seriously good burgers, fries and shakes. Not only do they serve mouthwatering hot dogs, the shack serves another kind of dog – of the canine variety."
"Our imaginative menu consists of sweet and savoury crepes, American pancakes, freakshakes, milkshakes and unique hot drinks . We can also cater for a variet ..."
"Not everyone has an appetite for oysters and shellfish, sometimes all you fancy is a decent fish and chip supper. Hook in Camden has its favourites - famous tacos, nibbles and specials - but it’s the “new school” plates that will definitely fill a gap. There’s the Classic (fresh cod or haddock in panko breadcrumb with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade tartar sauce on the side); the Cajun Fresh (cod/haddock in panko breadcrumbs and cajun spices with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade cajun sauce on the side); or the Lemon & Basil (fresh cod/haddock in lemon and basil tempura with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade garlic truffle sauce on the side)."
"What: Hook doesn’t put on any airs and graces, but instead offers up solid seafood cookery in tried and tested classics, with the odd contemporary twist. The go-to choice here is the classic fish and chips, which gave Hook its name, but we suggest giving the Cajun-style version a go; it comes battered in panko breadcrumbs and Cajun spices and is accompanied by seaweed-salted chips.Where: 65 Parkway Road, NW1 7PP"
"Restaurants British Soho. Youngsters can imagine they’re by the seaside at this dinky cockle-warmer, where the jaunty maritime-themed decor is matched by a menu of flappingly fresh fish from British waters. Come here for fastidiously prepared and ding-dong delicious small plates, classic battered haddock and other treats from old Blighty."
"This kitsch fish restaurant is a former pop-up restaurant turned permanent seafood restaurant. Feeling like you could be in a quaint seaside town, every detail is thought about in the décor, from nautical braid to scallop shaped door handles. Focusing on traditional flavours, you can pick from the raw bar or the classic whole devon crab with mayo and a baguette."
"English food might not have the best reputation in the world, but there are a few things better than a delicious serving of fish and chips. And lucky you, London has some of the best in the entire world. But don’t settle for any old chippy, go to a place that serves high-quality fish and hand-cut chips."
"Mark Hix’s plush and moody Brewer Street restaurant wouldn’t be the first place that would come to mind to take a child. But given the chef himself has campaigned for better food in restaurants for children, it’s actually rather apt. It’s not the cheapest restaurant in town, most items on the children's menu cost around £7, but there is a 'kids under 10 eat free' special that pops up on a regular basis."
"Though it's unlikely to spring to mind immediately, Mark Hix’s Soho is a very welcoming to families dining in London. The regular menu is packed with fantastic seafood and great steaks and the hearty kids’ menu is full of great options too, meaning no compromise is necessary for parents and children alike. Well worth a try the next time you’re eating out."
"Head inside Tramshed in East London and you’ll be whisked away into a world of Damien Hurst art, delicious food and an intimate gallery downstairs all created by the London-based chef, Mark Hix. Their menu is meat-heavy but they do have a vegetarian menu, too. Make sure to try their ‘bang bang’ chicken and their ‘cock and bull’ croquettes."