London’s pasta scene is hot right now. Whether you’re looking for a quick pitstop or you’re wanting to sit down for the full occasion and devour some indulgent Italian food, London will definitely have the perfect plate of pasta to fulfil your needs.
Bancone
Covent Garden / Golden Square
With not one, but two restaurants in London, Bancone offers a variety of fresh handmade Italian pasta dishes cooked right in front of your eyes. With the name Bancone meaning ‘bar’ or ‘counter’, the Restaurant was born out of a shared passion for Italian pasta and wine – one of the best combinations if you ask me!
Their menu is inspired by the many of the 20 regions of Italy which is skilfully made by hand day in, day out before being prepared and cooked before your eyes at one of their several dining bars within each restaurant. The menu provides both traditional pasta dishes and also new creations to cover whichever you may fancy, and why not enjoy their delicious cuisine with a bottle of their finest wines. With an added bonus of a variety of incredible sounding vegetarian dishes, this place really is somewhere every pasta enthusiast must try!
It has been described as “casually orgasmic” yet “deeply affordable” – but don’t just take it from me, why not take a look for yourself and thank us later…
Padella
Borough Market
Although Padella is no reservations, the delicious cuisine served in this Italian restaurant makes it incredibly hard to matter to us. With London’s pasta scene buzzing at the moment, I think it is safe to say that Padella seems to be ruling the roost for pasta restaurants. I know, bold statement to make, but with people queuing up outside to get a plate of the delicious Italian dishes, it is clear to see that this is the place to be if you want to load up on carbs for the night! Top tip, if there’s only a few of you, you probably won’t be waiting too long either.
Their menu frequently changes to reflect each season, which is particularly great if you were to return as you would get a good variety of the dishes as they change. Ever go out with your partner and end up eyeing up what they’ve ordered? Why not choose a few of the smaller dishes and work out which of those are your favourites! This place is casual, quick and insanely good – dining at it’s very best.
Flour & Grape
Bermondsey
Being located on Bermondsey Street, a great little hub of fabulous restaurants, Flour & Grape definitely sits highly at the top of that list, serving a mixture of lovely dishes of pasta. Whether you’re getting to that ‘hangry’ stage or if it’s just something small you’re after – Flour & Grape have got it covered for you providing a variety of small and large portions.
Whether it be a classy but affordable date, if you are catching up with friends or celebrating someones birthday – Flour & Grape really does have your back covering almost every occasion. Not only this, if you are like me and love a good Aperol Spritz even if it’s the depth of Winter, this place serves one of the finest tasting around. I bet you’re sold already.
Bocca di Lupo
Soho
Bocca di Lupo pride themselves on the super-regionality of dishes and a superb wine list to go alongside. It really is somewhere to try out for all pasta lovers both in and visiting London. Covering amazing dishes of not only pasta but risotto and with their menu changing twice daily, you are definitely spoiled for choice here and we can guarantee that you will be torn between at least two of their dishes – flip a coin!
All carb lovers will be chuffed with the large pasta dishes they serve, however you can choose a couple of smaller dishes if you would rather. Why not reserve a table in this vibrant and devour a plate of their authentic Italian dish!
Cafe Murano
Covent Garden / St James’s / Bermondsey
The pasta here comes with a variety of interesting shapes and sizes, with hearty or intricate dishes to choose from. Cafe Murano provides a three-course daily menu making it an great place to come for a special occasion. Any pasta lover would be drooling over their menu!
If you don’t want anything too fussy and want to take it back to basics, Cafe Murano takes the simple but uncompromising approach to Italian pasta cuisine. With a superb drinks list offering not only some of the finest Italian wines but a great cocktail to accompany the excellent food menu, Cafe Murano is a must try. That’s on the to-do list for the weekend!
Burro e Salvia
Shoreditch
Enter the world of Burro e Salvia to enjoy the comforts of freshly handmade pasta. With the option to take home or eat in their beautiful and delicate dining rooms, either way you are fulfilling your pasta needs with their delicious food on offer.
Whether it’s tagliatelle, ravioli or agnolotti you fancy – Burro e Salvia offers a range of fun shaped pasta dishes which are made behind the counter by the ‘sfoglina’ (pasta maker). This is always an added bonus for us, shaping the overall experience to be as authentic as it can be. Whether you grab the ingredients and go, or choose to enjoy their food in, we are sure you won’t be disappointed!
Trullo
Highbury Corner
If you’re fancying some confidently unfussy Italian cooking, then Trullo is the place to be. With the vibe really capturing the true spirit of a proper trattoria, you may as well be sat in the heart of Rome overlooking the Coloseum, it really is that good. However, with a thoughtful British take on the menu and you’re back in London on Highbury Corner.
The menu changes daily covering all sorts of perfect Italian pasta including dishes such as tagliarini with dried chilli, garlic and pangrattato. A perfect place to come for lunch or dinner, with a great wine list to accompany a great food menu. It’s true what they say, good things really do come in pairs. This lovely little Italian restaurant can get very busy, so we recommend you book a table and you’re set!
