Top Best Italian Restaurants in West Hampstead

"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."

"Before any trip to River Café we like to set our email status to OOO, just so we really get that full ‘I’m going away, suckers’ feeling. One of London’s most legendary restaurants, River Café serves game-changing Italian food and - surprise, surprise - has river views. You should know that this place is pretty pricey but it’s perfect for a blow-out meal in the sunshine involving things like veal taglierini and an excellent lip-smacking lemon tart."

"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."

"Read the full review: Trullo300-302 St Paul's Road, London, London, N1 2LHThis Islington mainstay (which is also responsible for much-feted Padella) has hordes of fans and it’s easy to see why. A lively atmosphere, relaxed interiors and an excellent regional wine list all contribute to Trullo’s success, as does the hyper-seasonal menu."

"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."

"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."

"Neal’s Yard is a colorful alley in Covent Garden. It’s worth the quick visit just to take a photo. Just around the corner is Neal’s Yard Dairy, one of the best spots in the city to sample artisanal cheese."

"Neapolitan pizza is a mythical beast, the best of the best, but while other openings have kept to small, chic spots with ascetic menus, 50 Kalo, one of Naples’ finest, is bold, brash and welcoming. Sat in an entirely unsexy location by Trafalgar Square, the venue feels a bit naff, which makes the exceptional pizzas feel all the more like a secret just between you and them. What to expect: 50 Kalo has plenty of topping options, made with fresh ingredients including mozzarella from Campania and imported tomatoes."

"There are dozens of options for fantastic pizza in London, but if you’re looking for something truly memorable, indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza at 50 Kalo. With only one other location in Naples (the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza), and one of our favorite pizzerias in Naples, you can expect authenticity and high quality here. There are several options on the menu, but we strongly recommend trying the traditional margherita."

"For an Italian Restaurant in West Hampstead, Locanda311 offers Southern Italian Food!. Locanda311 West Hampstead is a family-run restaurant with a friendly and personal touch from the owner and staff. It has a bright decor and outdoor seating and is especially good if you want an Italian Restaurant to visit as a family in West Hampstead and near Hampstead!"

"Passo is a lively and effortlessly cool restaurant, with authentic hand-made pasta and Neapolitan-style pizzas bringing a taste of Italy to the bustling streets of London. Led by Head Chef Joe Howley, the menu returns with a new revamp, framing the traditional and familiar Italian flavours and styles with a modern setting. The tempting selection of small plates include a creamy burrata with artichoke salad and basil pesto, mozzarella, lardo and garlic bread pizetta and rustic short rib arancini with puttanesca sauce – ideal for sharing with friends among free-flowing glasses of wine."

"When it comes to Italian food in Shoreditch, you just can't go wrong with hearty dishes, freshly made pasta and perfectly cooked pizza. Offering all that and more, Passo brings a rustic charm to the table, with the dishes and drinks and a cool concrete interior to match."

"Opened in 1926 by the grandson of an English army general and an Indian princess, Veerswarmy — now London’s oldest Indian restaurant — was an instant hit with the upper classes. After being sold in 1997 to Ranjit Mathrani and Namitha Panjabi (who also own Masala Zone), much of the maharaja-inspired palatial opulence, which first attracted the likes of Winston Churchill to the restaurant, was restored. The traditional recipes from Punjab, Goa, Lucknow, and Kashmir, earned Veeraswamy a Michelin star in 2016."

"Dating to 1926, Veeraswamy is as iconic as they come, being England’s oldest Indian restaurant. We love a curry in Blighty and Veeraswamy serves the best of traditional Indian dishes but with modern flair. VeeraswamyVictory House99-101 Regent StreetMayfairLondonW1B 4RSVisit website: Veeraswamy"

"Cuisine: IndianHalal Options: All Chicken and Lamb is HalalAddress: Victory House, 99-101 Regent St, Mayfair, London W1B 4RS Website: http://www.veeraswamy.com/Nearest Tube Stop: Piccadilly Circus"

"Everything on the menu at this bizarre restaurant contains garlic – ‘you can always order extra garlic, but never less’, warns the blurb. Expect to be fully marinated by the time you’ve polished off the desserts (yes, they contain the pungent stuff too). At least five of the shots on the 101-strong list have also succumbed to garlic overload."

"Located in the heart of Chelsea, The Phene is a charming gastropub that has got a slick choice come lunchtime. From light lunches that let you combine proteins and salads through to open sandwiches, lunch here is a healthy and tasty affair."