Top 3 Italian Restaurants in London

LondonLovin’s Top 3 Italian Restaurants in London

London is home to some of the best Italian food outside of Italy, and if you’re craving pasta, pizza, or authentic Italian flavours, there are a few standout spots you need to check out. Whether you’re near Marylebone, Covent Garden, or Rathbone Place, these three Italian restaurants offer a delicious experience that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.

1. Carlotta

A Taste of Italy in Marylebone

Located on the bustling Marylebone High Street, Carlotta offers a charming and upscale dining experience.

Known for its fresh ingredients and classic Italian dishes, this restaurant is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal with friends.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 77-78 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5JX, UK
Nearest Tube Station: Baker Street
Walking Distance and Time: Approximately 7 minutes

Marylebone’s central location makes Carlotta an ideal spot for anyone exploring this vibrant part of London. Its close proximity to Baker Street station means you can easily pop in for lunch or dinner.

What’s on the Menu?

Carlotta serves a variety of traditional Italian dishes with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Highlights include their rich and creamy burrata, fresh seafood pasta, and wood-fired pizzas.

For dessert, their tiramisu is a must-try, offering the perfect balance of coffee, cream, and chocolate. Wine lovers will also appreciate their extensive Italian wine list.

Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM

With generous opening hours, Carlotta is perfect for both lunch and dinner, whether you’re dining solo or with a group.

What the Reviews Say

With a stellar 4.0-star rating and showing its worthy place in our top 3 Italian restaurants in London, Carlotta is often praised for its authentic flavours and attentive service.

Reviewers love the cosy, intimate setting and frequently recommend the seafood pasta and wood-fired pizzas.

Many mention the friendly staff and excellent wine pairings, making it a memorable dining experience. This restaurant definitely deserves its place in the top 3 Italian restaurants in London.

2. Ave Mario

Modern Italian Dining in Covent Garden

Ave Mario, another hidden gem located in the heart of Covent Garden, brings a modern twist to classic Italian dining.

With its vibrant decor and buzzing atmosphere, this restaurant offers a fun and lively dining experience.

The interior is quirky and bold, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QG, UK
Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden
Walking Distance and Time: Approximately 3 minutes

Being just a short walk from Covent Garden station, Ave Mario is ideally located for anyone looking to enjoy a meal before or after a show at one of the nearby theatres or while exploring the lively Covent Garden area.

What’s on the Menu?

At Ave Mario, expect a modern take on classic Italian dishes. Their menu features indulgent options like truffle pasta, juicy steaks, and towering desserts.

The pizza is a fan favourite, with a crispy base and delicious toppings. For something lighter, their selection of fresh salads and antipasti will hit the spot.

Don’t leave without trying their Instagram-famous dessert: the towering gelato sundae.

Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an early dinner, or a late-night indulgence, Ave Mario has got you covered.

What the Reviews Say

Ave Mario boasts an impressive 4.0-star rating, with reviewers raving about the vibrant atmosphere, fun decor, and creative dishes.

The truffle pasta is frequently highlighted as a must-try, and many guests appreciate the playful approach to both food and presentation.

Some mention that the portions are generous, so come hungry!

The below reviews are the reasons this restaurant made it in the top 3 Italian restaurants in London.

3. Circolo Popolare

A Slice of Sicily in Rathbone Place

If you’re looking for a dining experience that combines great food with an unforgettable atmosphere, look no further than Circolo Popolare.

This buzzing Italian spot is all about bringing the flavours of Sicily to London, with rustic dishes and a whimsical, over-the-top interior filled with thousands of twinkling lights and bottles of Italian liqueur lining the walls.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 40-41 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1HX, UK
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road
Walking Distance and Time: Approximately 5 minutes

Centrally located near Tottenham Court Road, Circolo Popolare is easy to get to and makes for a great stop after a day of shopping or sightseeing in central London.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu at Circolo Popolare is packed with indulgent Italian comfort food. Their pasta dishes, like the carbonara served in a wheel of parmesan, are rich and decadent.

The pizzas are another hit, with a light and crispy crust and a variety of toppings to choose from. For dessert, the tiramisu and panna cotta are crowd-pleasers.

The portions are generous, so come with an appetite!

Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Open late into the evening, Circolo Popolare is perfect for a late dinner or a lively night out with friends.

What the Reviews Say

Circolo Popolare holds a fantastic 4.5-star rating, with diners praising both the food and the unique atmosphere. Guests often comment on the restaurant’s “wow factor” with its lively decor and upbeat vibe.

The carbonara and pizzas are frequently mentioned as standout dishes, and many note that the portion sizes are generous. The attentive staff and great cocktails add to the overall experience.

Italian food lovers in London are spoiled for choice, but these three restaurants — Carlotta, Ave Mario, and Circolo Popolare — offer something special.

Whether you’re looking for a cosy, intimate meal in Marylebone, a modern Italian feast in Covent Garden, or a lively Sicilian experience in Rathbone Place, each of these restaurants delivers top-notch food and unforgettable atmospheres.