Is your favourite Italian restaurant shortlisted in this year’s UK Italian Awards?
Forget the Sistine Chapel, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Trevi Fountain. It seems London is where La Dolce Vita is truly happening, as 30 of the capital’s restaurants have been shortlisted in the UK Italian Awards.
The prestigious awards ceremony is a new event to be held on March 30 at the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel in Mayfair, West London, and promises to celebrate the UK’s finest purveyors of pizza, tiramisu and pasta.
Warren Paul, director of the contest, said: “It’s very exciting to at last unveil the finalists for our first ever UK Italian Awards. We know just how big an impact a win or even a finalist nod can have for a business. In these tough times for everyone, that means more than ever. We only recognise the best, the people and places who show up and deliver quality day after day.”
It comes as no surprise that London is more heavily represented on the shortlist than anywhere else, with 30 nominees. Here, we profile each one of them.
Best Café
Baaria (Charing Cross Road, Leicester Square)
Baaria is a rare gem in the West End, an Italian café, cocktail bar and wine bar tucked discreetly between Central Soho and Leicester Square, and as such, it’s a welcoming open door for tourists in the capital and a recipient of a TripAdvisor UK Traveller’s Choice Award in 2025.
The site’s users have given it a rating of 4.6, with one saying: “I just wanted to shelter out of the rain before an appointment and what a lovely find! Inviting cosy venue with a special offer of lovely coffee and plain croissant for £5 (plus service charge) Not your normal croissant but a beautiful large one with a citrus flavour. The staff were lovely and made this such a nice way of killing time.” See here for details.
Bar Italia (Frith Street, Soho)
Another Soho den beloved by visitors to London, Bar Italia on Frith Street is a quaint, traditional café with a classic glass counter displaying the best of baked goods, ice cream, tiramisu and other treats. The café has a rating of 3.8 on TripAdvisor.
One user said: “In my opinion, this is the best place to go for coffee in London. Rightly so, as coffee is delicious. The atmosphere is always welcoming and friendly, and nothing is too much trouble. Complimentary iced water with fresh lemon is offered without asking. The interior décor is amazing, and looks to be from the 1960s. It’s always busy, but we find we can usually can get a seat.” See here for details.
Focacciamo (Roman Road, Bethnal Green)
For those looking for a street-food oriented Italian cafe experience, Focacciamo in Bethnal Green, East London, is the place to be. Its home-made focaccia sandwiches are described as “gorgeous” with focaccia bread baked fresh every day. Highlights include the mortadella, buffalo stracciata, pistachio pesto, and crushed pistachio sandwich for £9.50. The business is soon to open a second site in King’s Cross. See here for details.
La Dolce Piazza (Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, Enfield)
La Dolce Piazza is a family-run café which has been a respite for Edmonton Green’s shoppers since 2007. It offers a popular buffet-style menu that prides itself on originality and quality. It has a rating of five stars on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer wrote: “Have been buying meals here for years and quality never drops and the food is fresh with loads of healthy options. Wonderful coffee too! The owner is friendly and inclusive, going out of her way for customers who need a bit of extra TLC. Can‘t wait for it to be open properly again after lockdown – best café in the area and good value.” See here for details.
Mileto Caffè (Engineers Way, Wembley)
This coffee shop first sprouted in Hampstead before opening a celebrated second venue in Wembley, which is nominated in this year’s UK Italian Awards. The business has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to Google reviews.
One user wrote: “During our recent visit, I had a macchiato and my wife had a flat white, plus two pastries – everything was just amazing. The coffee was rich, smooth, and super aromatic, with that freshly roasted smell that hits you as soon as you walk in!” See here for details.
E Pellici (Bethnal Green Road)
E Pellici is a legendary cafe that has served the East end for over a century. With its vintage art deco design, it might be the most atmospheric Italian café to indulge in a morning Espresso across the capital – while also being noted for its Full English Breakfast. It is rated 4.8 on TripAdvisor and the recipient of a TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Award 2025.
One user said: “Fantastic breakfast at E Pellici’s! Served quickly by very attentive and friendly staff from this little family run cafe/restaurant. The staff go out of their way to make sure they come say hello and have a chat with everyone. Food was all cooked fresh and was fantastic! Well worth a visit.” See here for details.
Best Pasta Restaurant
Lamezia Italian Restaurant (Holloway Road, Drayton Park)
Another family-run Italian staple in North London, Lamezia Italian Restaurant has already hit headlines for its menu, dubbed “the most progressive Italian in the British isles” by Olive Magazine., while Little London magazine maintains it has the “best kids menu ever seen”. It is rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer said: “We had the pizza and the special wild boar pasta, both of which were amazing. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and the staff are friendly. Everything seems reasonably priced as well. It’s definitely worth a visit – and get the Nutella bombe if it’s on the specials menu!” See here for details.
Mele e Pere (Brewer Street, Soho)
Mele e Pere has been described as an upmarket modern trattoria with an independent spirit, situated on a corner of Brewer Street in Soho. Rated 4.1 on TripAdvisor, it received a TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award in 2025.
One reviewer said: “Fabulous restaurant in the heart of Soho. From the minute we walked in to the minute we left, the staff and service were exceptional. Good choice of homemade, authentic food too, served to a very high standard, wholesome, hearty and just delicious. Well done everyone. Looking forward to seeing you all again next month. Our new favourite place when visiting the area.” See here for details.
Mo’ Mangio! (Haggerston Road, Dalston)
This artisan, family-run restaurant in East London is famed for its home-made pasta and its tagline “no nonsense, just soul”. The business is rated 4.9 by hundreds of reviewers on Google. One person wrote: “Mo’ Mangio is a proper handmade pasta restaurant where quality and passion are evident in every detail.
“The pasta is freshly made, perfectly cooked, and full of character, with sauces that are balanced and comforting rather than overpowering. What really elevates the experience is the hospitality—Alessio, the owner, is a superb host who makes you feel genuinely welcome.” See here for details.
Shambles Restaurant & Winebar (High Street, Teddington)
Siblings Margherita and Massimo are at the heart of Shambles, an independently-run restaurant in Teddington High Street, that finds itself nominated for three awards in this year’s UK Italian Restaurant Awards. The restaurant is rated 4.1 on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: “Shambles is a fantastic family owned and run authentic Italian restaurant. The menu is continually updated with exciting dishes. The wine list is extensive and offers value for any budget. The service is the kind that only family run businesses can offer. They have a beautiful covered garden that’s perfect for lunches and dinner in the spring and summer.” See here for details.
Tom’s Pasta (Hackney
An artisan, fresh pasta restaurant to its core, Tom’s Pasta is one of the hippest (not hipster) restaurants in East London to sample avant-garde Italian dishes. The restaurant is rated 4.2 on TripAdvisor.
A TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Really delicious food — the lasagna and tiramisu are a must-try. The setup is a bit confusing at first since the bar shares the same space as the restaurant, and you order drinks separately at the bar, but it was explained to us when we arrived.” See here for reviewers.
Best Wine List
Bocca Di Luppo (Archer Street, Soho)
For those seeking an exquisite yet unpretentious foray into Italian wining and dining, chef Jacob Kenedy’s Bocca di Luppo in Soho offers a tantalising experience. Listed in the Michelin Guide, and recognised with a TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award last year, the restaurant is rated 4.2 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer said: “Been here many times and it is definitely one of my favourite restaurants in London! The service and food is impeccable, cosy setting and great atmosphere. We had the sea bream carpaccio, oricchiette, tortellini and various other sides with a lovely bottle of wine- will be back again soon!” For more details, see here.
Shambles Restaurant & Winebar (Teddington)
Nominated for a second award, Shambles is an independently-run restaurant in Teddington High Street. The restaurant is rated 4.1 on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: “Shambles is a fantastic family owned and run authentic Italian restaurant. The menu is continually updated with exciting dishes. The wine list is extensive and offers value for any budget. The service is the kind that only family run businesses can offer. They have a beautiful covered garden that’s perfect for lunches and dinner in the spring and summer.” See here for details.
Up & Coming Chef
Cornicello Pizzeria (Wensleydale Road, Hampton)
Tucked away in the leafy Hampton suburbs, just a stone’s throw from Hampton Court, Cornicello Pizzeria is the epitome of modern Italian cooking. Chef Enzo took on solo ownership of the business in 2023 and brings 15 years of experience, creating hand-crafted pizzas in a front-of-house pizza oven. The business is rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer posted: “We have these pizzas regularly and they are always brilliant. Probably the best pizzas I have had in the UK. We had a holiday in Naples and adore the pizzas there. These pizzas are the same. Wonderful. I particularly like the folder pizza but others are good.” See here for details.
Best Pizzeria
Crust Bros (Covent Garden, Earl’s Court & Waterloo)
This popular modern pizzeria is fast becoming a recognised London pizza chain, with three venues at Covent Garden, Earl’s Court and Waterloo. Crust Bros prides itself on serving “award-winning Neapolitan pizza” with dough fermented over a 48 to 72 hour period. The branch at Waterloo is rated 4.4 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer said: “Love this restaurant! This was our second time, as we had enjoyed the food so much a couple of years ago. You get to fully customise your pizza and it’s great value when compared to other pizza places around. The food is delicious, they have a good drinks selection including cocktails, and the ambience is fun.” See here for details.
Napoli On The Road (Soho, Chiswick and Richmond)
Another contender for serving London’s best pizza, Napoli On The Road is Chiswick has appeared in the prestigious Top 50 Pizza Awards several times, taking the title of Europe’s No. 1 Pizzeria in 2024 and 2025. Napoli On The Road’s Chiswick branch is rated 3.8 on TripAdvisor.
A reviewer said: “Service was fast and effective. We ordered three pizzas from the special section of the menu. White capricciosa, Wild marinara and Tonno e cipolla. All the pizzas were of the highest quality. Tonno e cipolla maybe the most interesting due to the fact that the tuna had none of the “canned tuna” taste. Another highlight was the intense tomato sauce… Well-made pizzas with only the highest quality ingredients!” See here for details.
Best Tiramisu
Caloroso Neapolitan Pizza & Bar (Hackney + multiple venues)
Italian pizza with a unique twist is the name of the game at Caloroso Neopolitan Pizza Bar, which says it serves the “best vegan pizza and gluten-free pizza”. Its Hackney venue may be its flagship but it has other branches in Beckton, Plaistow, Woolwich and Romford. The Hackney restaurant is rated 4.9 on Google reviews.
One visitor said: “This was the best Italian I’ve ever been to. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. They treated all of us with kindness and respect. The food was out of this world from the freshly cooked pizzas, meatballs, homemade bread, salads and deserts. Portions were spot on, everything we ate was delicious.” See here for details.
Grasso (Dean Street, Soho)
One of the newest pizza bars to grace London, Grasso in Soho’s Dean Street is a family-run restaurant with an Italian-American theme that is packing a punch as a pre-theatre restaurant. The restaurant is rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor and is also a recipient of a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for 2025.
One reviewer said: “Despite it being super busy, they kindly managed to make space for my friends 21st birthday meal. The food was amazing and the service was super quick and so so friendly. The Mozerella sticks are a must, the best we have ever had. We already are planning to come back, it was so good!” For more details, see here.
Mo’ Mangio! (Haggerston Road, Dalston)
Nominated for a second award, Mo’ Mangio! is famed for its home-made pasta and its tagline “no nonsense, just soul”. The business is rated 4.9 by hundreds of reviewers on Google. One person wrote: “Mo’ Mangio is a proper handmade pasta restaurant where quality and passion are evident in every detail.
“The pasta is freshly made, perfectly cooked, and full of character, with sauces that are balanced and comforting rather than overpowering. What really elevates the experience is the hospitality—Alessio, the owner, is a superb host who makes you feel genuinely welcome.” See here for details.
Best Chef
ALBA London (Brompton Road, Knightsbridge)
“The Amalfi-infused experience” aims to bring southern Italian swagger to Knightsbridge, and certainly comes decorated with all the trimmings of a Visconti movie set. Known for its fresh pasta and exquisite wines, ALBA London is rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer wrote: “Authentic Italian cuisine with a beautiful view. The food is absolutely delicious, it makes you feel in Italy. Daniele was very attentive and friendly and recommended the best dishes.” For more details, see here.
Cornicello Pizzeria (Wensleydale Road, Hampton)
Nominated for best chef, as well as best up-and-coming chef, Cornicello Pizzeria is the epitome of modern Italian cooking. Chef Enzo took on solo ownership of the business in 2023 and brings 15 years of experience, creating hand-crafted pizzas in a front-of-house pizza oven. The business is rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer posted: “We have these pizzas regularly and they are always brilliant. Probably the best pizzas I have had in the UK. We had a holiday in Naples and adore the pizzas there. These pizzas are the same. Wonderful. I particularly like the folder pizza but others are good.” See here for details.
Lamezia Italian Restaurant (Holloway Road, Drayton Park)
Nominated for a second award, Lamezia Italian Restaurant has already hit headlines for its menu, dubbed “the most progressive Italian in the British isles” by Olive Magazine., while Little London magazine maintains it has the “best kids menu ever seen”. It is rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer said: “We had the pizza and the special wild boar pasta, both of which were amazing. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and the staff are friendly. Everything seems reasonably priced as well. It’s definitely worth a visit – and get the Nutella bombe if it’s on the specials menu!” See here for details.
Marcus Kitchen & Bar (Burleigh Way, Enfield)
With fishnets hanging from the ceiling and bold, saffron-coloured walls, Marcus Kitchen & Bar in Enfield stands out as an Italian restaurant brimming with pizzazz, boasting “an an eclectic mix of typical Neapolitan and Southern Italian recipes” as well as a penchant for seafood. It is the recipient of a TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award 2025 and has a rating of 4.7.
According to one reviewer: “Authentic Italian food. A small but lovely restaurant with a mainly seafood menu. The food is very authentic Italian and everything we ordered was tasty. Great customer service. We all want to return.” See here for details.
Best Fine Dining
ALBA London (Brompton Road, Knightsbridge)
Nominated for a second award. “The Amalfi-infused experience” aims to bring southern Italian swagger to Knightsbridge, and certainly comes decorated with all the trimmings of a Visconti movie set. Known for its fresh pasta and exquisite wines, ALBA London is rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer wrote: “Authentic Italian cuisine with a beautiful view. The food is absolutely delicious, it makes you feel in Italy. Daniele was very attentive and friendly and recommended the best dishes.” For more details, see here.
Carbone (Grosvenor Square, Mayfair)
Mayfair’s “iconic Italian-American restaurant” is situated in the former US Embassy building at the Chancery Rosewood Hotel, and comes courtesy of Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick. It revives mid-20th century fine dining recipes from New York. Carbone London is rated 3.8 on Google reviews.
One person who visited the restaurant said: “Absolutely wonderful experience. The maître ď was very swift, professional and service was top notch from everyone. I understand it gets very busy hence why it’s good to come earlier when you can. Why join the rush when you can come in and dine before everyone else. Food is as good as NYC Carbone, service is even better.” For more details, see here.
Luca (St John Street, Farringdon)
Luca is a refreshingly modern Italian restaurant which has one Michelin star under its belt. According to the guide, “Food is expertly rendered and skilfully treads a balance between tradition and modernity, with any flourishes of originality done with control and understanding”. Luca is rated 4.1 on TripAdvisor.
A reviewer said: “This restaurant has it all. It is a great venue, attentive and efficient staff without being stuffy. The food was excellent I recommend the chef’s menu which is a showcase for tasty Italian cuisine. The buzz is a part of a good restaurant experience and the private room we used still enabled the atmosphere to be appreciated.” See here for details.
Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei (Northumberland Street, Westminster)
Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei is a luxury, high-concept Italian restaurant located within Westminster’s Corinthia Hotel and is inspired by Italy’s southern regions of Calabria and Basilicata. It offers a striking setting for any evening of fine dining and is recognised in the Michelin guide. It has a rating of 4.6 by users on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer wrote: “A fantastic dining experience with a very cleverly-constructed, Calabrian-influenced menu. A real Italian gem in five-star fine dining surroundings where the kitchen brigade produce the most delicious plates and the front-of-house team headed by the wonderfully attentive Andrea really excel in customer care.” For more details, see here.
Murano (Queen Street, Mayfair)
Michelin-starred Murano London restaurant in Mayfair has been a fixture of the West End since 2008 under the guiding vision of chef Angela Hartnett, boasting “dishes bursting with punchy yet harmoniously balanced flavours, from pasta plates like pappa al pomodoro” to the lively Amalfi tart dessert. It has a TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award for 2025, and a rating of 4.5.
One reviewer said: “It was excellent, the staff are just superb. As for the food, nothing short of stupendous, starters, pasta, fish and meat courses were just one taste explosion after the other. Then dessert, sweet and sharp just delicious. I said to my aunt we should bring my cousins next time, her reply, nah this is our special place. It is just that, very special.” For more details, see here.
The River Cafe (Thames Wharf, Hammersmith)
Michelin-starred The River Cafe on Thames Wharf in Hammersmith is a fine dining restaurant that has served seasonal Italian dishes in a revamped warehouse since 1987, with an iconic terrace overlooking the Thames. Set up by renowned chefs Ruth Rogers and the late Rose Gray, it was the stomping ground for a young Jamie Oliver and a flurry of other top London chefs, currently boasting a rating of 3.8 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer wrote: “This was my first time and it won’t be my last. This would be the perfect place for a business lunch, a romantic meal or even just an aperitivo…. The staff are genuinely wonderful, knowledgeable and adept. They truly seem to enjoy being there. The menu is pared down perfectly but will suit any occasion A pianist quietly lulls you through the evening.” See here for details.
Theo Randall at the InterContinental (Park Lane, Mayfair)
Theo Randall’s Cucina Italiana restaurant is based in the five-star Intercontinental Hotel in Park Lane, and boasts rustic, potent Italian cooking in an elegant white linen dining room. The recipient of a TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award in 2025, it has a rating of 4.4 on the site.
One user wrote: “We celebrated a birthday lunch here and the experience was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. The food was outstanding. To share, we had burrata, beef carpaccio, tuna tartare, and a salad — everything was incredibly fresh, well-balanced, and full of flavour. For mains, the pappardelle was truly out of this world, and the ravioli was soft, delicate, and simply delicious. Classic Italian cooking done perfectly.” For more details, see here.
Best Restaurant in London
ALBA London – Italian Restaurant Knightsbridge (London)
In the running for a third award, ALBA London aims to bring southern Italian swagger to Knightsbridge, and certainly comes decorated with all the trimmings of a Visconti movie set. Known for its fresh pasta and exquisite wines, it is rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer wrote: “Authentic Italian cuisine with a beautiful view. The food is absolutely delicious, it makes you feel in Italy. Daniele was very attentive and friendly and recommended the best dishes.” For more details, see here.
Amore & Limoncello (New King’s Road, Fulham)
Amore & Limoncello is a colourful pizzeria and restaurant in Fulham which has been a sparkling fixture since 2017 with its candy-striped awnings and flashing neon sign, beloved for its seafood specialities, Neopolitan pizza and fresh pasta. It has a rating of 4.6 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer wrote: “Superb Neapolitan-style panuozzi, friendly and informal service, decent price – quality ratio (for London for sure), decent mid-prized wines, fresh pastas and nice pizzas: yes, this restaurant is certainly a winner.” For more details, see here.
Caldesi (Marylebone
Founded over 30 years ago by celebrated chef and restaurateur Giancarlo Caldesi and now a much-loved cookery school, Caldesi is one of the most venerated fine dining restaurants in London. It received a TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award in 2025 and currently has a rating of 4.1.
One reviewer said: “Caldesi is a gem of an Italian restaurant. The food is immaculate—every dish feels like a warm hug, prepared with exceptional care and flavor. The staff are perfect; they’re kind, welcoming, and truly enhance the dining experience. The drinks are equally amazing, complementing the fantastic menu. This place is now a weekly favourite for my family!” See here for more information.
Caloroso Neapolitan Pizza & Bar (Pizza & Bar (Hackney + multiple venues
Nominated for a second category, Caloroso Neopolitan Pizza Bar says it serves the “best vegan pizza and gluten-free pizza”. Its Hackney venue may be its flagship but it has other branches in Beckton, Plaistow, Woolwich and Romford. The Hackney restaurant is rated 4.9 on Google reviews.
One visitor said: “This was the best Italian I’ve ever been to. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. They treated all of us with kindness and respect. The food was out of this world from the freshly cooked pizzas, meatballs, homemade bread, salads and deserts. Portions were spot on, everything we ate was delicious.” See here for details.
Casa Felicia (Salusbury Road, Queen’s Park)
One of the newest London restaurants to be recognised in the UK Italian Awards, Casa Felicia opened in North West London last fall and has already proved a hit with customers, praised by The Times’ food critic Giles Coren for serving “good, hearty Italian cooking”. It has a rating of 4.7 from Google reviewers.
An Italian reviewer wrote: “I had the lunch with a friend, both of us were surprised by the quality of the food. In few words authentic, tasty and well-cooked. I recommend the Nerano pasta and all the starters. The Genovese pasta is also a great Neapolitan dish and I loved it too. We finished with a proper tiramisu which brings me in Italy. My compliments to the kitchen team and in particular to Francesco, the head chef, who I had the pleasure to talk with.” See here for more information.
Cornicello Pizzeria (Wensleydale Road, Hampton
Nominated for a third award, Cornicello Pizzeria is the epitome of modern Italian cooking. Chef Enzo took on solo ownership of the business in 2023 and brings 15 years of experience, creating hand-crafted pizzas in a front-of-house pizza oven. The business is rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer posted: “We have these pizzas regularly and they are always brilliant. Probably the best pizzas I have had in the UK. We had a holiday in Naples and adore the pizzas there. These pizzas are the same. Wonderful. I particularly like the folder pizza but others are good.” See here for details.
Focacciamo (Roman Road, Bethnal Green)
Nominated in a second category, Focacciamo on Roman Road in Bethnal Green, East London, is the place to be. Its home-made focaccia sandwiches are described as “gorgeous” with focaccia bread baked fresh every day. Highlights include the mortadella, buffalo stracciata, pistachio pesto, and crushed pistachio sandwich for £9.50. The business is soon to open a second site in King’s Cross. See here for details.
Lamezia Italian Restaurant (Holloway Road, Drayton Park)
Nominated for a third award, Lamezia Italian Restaurant has already hit headlines for its menu, dubbed “the most progressive Italian in the British isles” by Olive Magazine., while Little London magazine maintains it has the “best kids menu ever seen”. It is rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer said: “We had the pizza and the special wild boar pasta, both of which were amazing. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and the staff are friendly. Everything seems reasonably priced as well. It’s definitely worth a visit – and get the Nutella bombe if it’s on the specials menu!” See here for details.
Little Italy (Frith Street, Soho)
Another Frith Street legend just a few steps from its former sister restaurant Bar Italia, Little Italy is a jolly Italian restaurant and still decked out in sunflowers and not averse to patrons dancing on an evening. Founded in 1949, it hit headlines last year when it was named the England Lionesses’ favourite restaurant. It currently has a rating of 3.2 on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer said: “Had dinner at Little Italy Soho with a group of former army mates (‘The 4 Company Dining Club’) and it was a great choice. The food was delicious, beautifully presented and generous portions. Italian classics. The staff are attentive and charming, particularly our beautiful Sicilian waitress. The background music ramps up after people have eaten and you can dance till late. Recommended venue, particularly if you don’t know London.” See here for details.
Marcus Kitchen & Bar (Burleigh Way, Enfield)
Nominated for a second award, Marcus Kitchen & Bar in Enfield stands out as an Italian restaurant brimming with pizzazz, boasting “an an eclectic mix of typical Neapolitans and Southern Italian recipes” as well as a penchant for seafood. It is the recipient of a TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award 2025 and has a rating of 4.7.
According to one reviewer: “Authentic Italian food. A small but lovely restaurant with a mainly seafood menu. The food is very authentic Italian and everything we ordered was tasty. Great customer service. We all want to return.” See here for details.
Mo’ Mangio! (Haggerston Road, Dalston)
Nominated for a third award, Mo’ Mangio! is famed for its home-made pasta and its tagline “no nonsense, just soul”. The business is rated 4.9 by hundreds of reviewers on Google. One person wrote: “Mo’ Mangio is a proper handmade pasta restaurant where quality and passion are evident in every detail.
“The pasta is freshly made, perfectly cooked, and full of character, with sauces that are balanced and comforting rather than overpowering. What really elevates the experience is the hospitality—Alessio, the owner, is a superb host who makes you feel genuinely welcome.” See here for details.
Shambles Restaurant & Winebar (Teddington)
Nominated for a third award, Shambles is an independently-run restaurant in Teddington High Street. The restaurant is rated 4.1 on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: “Shambles is a fantastic family owned and run authentic Italian restaurant. The menu is continually updated with exciting dishes. The wine list is extensive and offers value for any budget. The service is the kind that only family run businesses can offer. They have a beautiful covered garden that’s perfect for lunches and dinner in the spring and summer.” See here for details.
Sicily Restaurant (Elizabeth Street, Belgravia)
A short stroll from Victoria train station brings you to Sicily Restaurant, a modern Italian eatery in a repurposed station building, filled with olde-worlde homeliness. The restaurant was awarded a TripAdvisor’s’ Travellers’ Choice Award in 2025 and has a rating of 4.1 from the site’s users.
According to one reviewer: “We had excellent pizzas here at lunchtime – perfect pizza fiorentina with the egg yolk still runny just as requested – so many pizza places don’t seem to be able to do this. Warm welcome and good service, and really close to Victoria station so very easy to get to.” For more details, see here.
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