Mentioned by SquareMeal
21 of the best Italian restaurants in London
"Highbury Corner restaurant Trullo is a real gem, displaying with prominence the from-the-heart style of cooking that Italy is known for. In fact, you'll probably see the chef (glass of wine in hand) carefully dishing up plates of food at the open kitchen as you tuck into specialities including meat and fish from the charcoal grill and gutsy freshly-made pastas. Expect to pay around £10 for starters and £20 for mains."
"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."
"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."
"Restaurants Italian Seven Dials. Loud, informal, bustling and tailor-made for kids in town for a treat, Homeslice serves up ginormous 20-inch pizzas for sharing at the table – although they provide individual slices too (ideal for picky youngsters who don’t want to play ball) – and they’ll even let you have more than one choice from the toppings selection if you ask nicely. Branches in Fitzrovia, Shoreditch, City and White City."
"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."
"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…"
"You will notice the quirky décor with its exposed brickwork as soon as you set foot in La Vita é Bella, another popular Italian spot in Islington. There’s a wide-ranging menu here featuring wood-fired pizzas and a variety of pasta dishes. Located on Theberton St, La Vita é Bella is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Upper Street."
"The one by St Paul’sFresh pasta to take away is just so special. Seriously, it just makes everything in the world that much better. And few do it as fast, cheap and good as the team at Mangio."
"Given London's deep and abiding love for fresh pasta, it's not surprising that there are now a wide range of places delivering."
"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."
"One of the most famous places for all-day dining, The Ivy Cafe is an iconic British brasserie. Whether you're after breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea or dinner, you'll find a variety of menus and decadent interiors to match."
"Bakers Mathew and Andrew met while working in Melbourne and decided to return to London to set up their own business. Chewy Cookie is all about quality, ethically sourced cookies. The doughs are aged for 24 hours before baking (and we can attest to how great they taste)."
"If cookies stuffed with the likes of butterscotch cookie dough, peanut butter and chocolate ganache isn’t enough to entice you, perhaps the fact that they’re made by ex-Claridge’s pastry chef Kimberly Lin is. Available for delivery nationwide, the vegan cookies come in five core flavours, alongside a sixth rotating seasonal option. Kimberley has spent the past year perfecting her recipes, using the best produce available such as Valrhona chocolate to ensure the utmost quality."
"Floozie Cookie founder, pastry chef Kimberly Lin, has a CV that includes Claridge’s, The Savoy and Dominique Ansel Bakery. She’s made a name for herself with Floozie which specialises in vegan stuffed cookies. Options might include Pecan Pie - butterscotch cookie dough, topped with toasted pecans and stuffed with date caramel."
"A soft-and-crisp, pecan-studded butterscotch cookie with a filling of date caramel, it’s creamy in the centre, warming – not sugary sweet – and completely vegan too. 5 James St, London WC2E 8BH. Open for take-away and nationwide delivery."