5 Must-Visit Italian Spots in London

If there’s one thing London does well, it’s bringing international flavors right to our doorstep. And when it comes to Italian cuisine, the city is bursting with gems that offer everything from old-school charm to trendy twists. Whether you're craving a pizza fit for royalty, a cozy Venetian vibe, or a slice of New York-inspired Italian glamour, London has it all.

So, grab your appetite and get ready to explore five standout Italian restaurants, each with its own unique flavor, style, and story. From celeb favorites to hidden Chelsea classics, here’s where to find your next perfect plate of pasta, pizza, and everything deliciously Italian in between!

Fatto a Mano King's Cross

As I’m strolling down King’s Cross, minding my own business, when suddenly, the smell of freshly baked pizza hits me like a tractor beam. Now, I’m a skeptic when it comes to the “world’s best pizza” claim—haven’t we all been burned before? But, when I heard that legendary pizza chef Franco Pepe (yes, the guy crowned World’s Best Pizza Chef three years running) had one of his signature creations at Italian restaurant Fatto a Mano, I couldn’t resist. It was destiny—I had to check out if it was the real deal or just another tasty rumor.

As I stepped inside Fatto a Mano, I was greeted by the wafting aroma of dough and a symphony of happy diners chowing down. This place was buzzing! The vibe? Casual and cozy, with checkered floors, classic black-and-white portraits, and a hint of greenery to add some flair. The friendly waiter led me up to the mezzanine level, a bit quieter but still alive with the energy that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a bustling Italian family dinner.

I started with the bruschetta burrata. Now, I know what you’re thinking—bruschetta before pizza? Isn’t that just like ordering a tiny pizza as an appetizer for a big pizza? Maybe, but who cares! When the waiter brought out that dish, I couldn’t resist the sight of creamy burrata just oozing over a bed of olive-oil-drenched tomatoes, with pesto and crispy sourdough. One bite in, and I was seriously questioning why I don’t just make a meal out of this cheesy masterpiece.

Then came the pièce de résistance, the legendary margherita sbagliata, or “mistaken margherita.” The name alone had me intrigued—what’s so mistaken about it? Turns out, it’s a brilliant twist on the classic: a base of buffalo mozzarella and fior di latte, with bright red streaks of passata (fancy tomato sauce) and a drizzle of Sicilian olive oil mixed with pesto. Each bite was like the ultimate Margherita upgrade—plenty of cheese, fresh basil, and that perfect kick of rich olive oil.

So, was this the world’s best pizza? I’ll let you be the judge, but trust me, this is one mistake I’d happily make again.

Da Mario Kensington

Ever been to a pizza place with so much history that it feels like you’re stepping into a little slice of royalty? That’s De Mario’s on Gloucester Road for you! Apparently, this spot was one of Princess Diana’s absolute favorites. Not only that—celebrities like Madonna and Dustin Hoffman have graced the place, and Renée Zellweger even ate here while prepping for her Bridget Jones role (PopSugar says so, so it’s practically written in stone). Walk in, and you’re instantly surrounded by photos of the Princess, giving the whole place this charming, old-school glam vibe.

As a pizza lover, I figured I’d go rogue and try something else on the Neapolitan-inspired menu, so I went for garlic prawns as a starter. Let me tell you, these prawns were next-level, practically melting in my mouth with that perfect garlic kick. I then dove into the seafood pasta, which didn’t disappoint either—it was loaded with fresh seafood and just the right amount of sauce. Do you ever have those meals where you’re so glad you didn’t just stick with the usual? This was one of them.

The place is spacious, with a cozy downstairs area for anyone who wants to escape the hustle of Gloucester Road. The Italian staff were incredibly welcoming, and the service was lightning fast. So, next time you’re in the area, why not dine like Diana, or even your inner Bridget Jones, and check out De Mario’s

The Dover

Looking for Italian vibes with a big-city twist? Let me tell you about The Dover. This place is like Italian food went on a luxury cruise to New York, picked up some sleek style, and decided to stay. Not your nonna’s rustic kitchen—oh no. Imagine shimmering walnut wood walls that look straight out of a 1930s ocean liner, and these cozy little corner booths that practically demand you lean back and strike a pose. You’re not just here to eat; you’re here to make an entrance.

The whole vibe is moody elegance. No natural light dares to sneak in—there’s this massive black curtain to keep things romantically dim. Even the reservations system feels fancy; they’ve got an old-school handwritten book, and it’s reservations-by-phone only. You know when a place is open just for dinner that they mean business, right? So, if you’re looking to feel a little exclusive, this is your spot.

The menu? Nothing crazy or experimental, and honestly, that’s a relief. Sometimes I don’t need my spaghetti reimagined; I just want it to taste fantastic, and The Dover gets that. Think spaghetti and meatballs, parmigiana, penne arrabbiata, a classic burger, a fillet mignon, and of course, their Dover sole. It’s like they made a pact to keep it simple, and it works. Each dish is rich with flavor but doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re carrying an Italian feast around afterward. Ever have that feeling where every single thing on the menu just sounds right? Welcome to The Dover.

When you step inside, it feels like New York and London had a stylish little dinner party just for you. The bar up front is all about mingling, but the real charm is in the back dining room, where you’re invited to settle in and soak up the atmosphere. It’s refined, yes, but totally down-to-earth, too. Somehow, this place just gets it—no matter the occasion, it’ll feel like a memorable night out simply because you’re there. So, are you ready to book your table at The Dover and see what all the fuss is about?

Cicchetti

So, let’s talk about Cicchetti in Knightsbridge, tucked on a side road right across from Harrods. Now, here’s the thing—Harrods is all about big, bold indulgence, while Cicchetti is more of a low-key Venetian vibe, celebrating the art of enjoying little plates of honest, flavorful food with a glass of carefully chosen wine. It’s like the two neighbors live in completely different worlds, but somehow it just works.

Walking in, Cicchetti’s Art Deco style hits you with this vintage glamour that feels straight out of a mid-century cruise. Picture carved oak paneling, mirrored ceilings, and these geometric light fixtures that make the whole space feel rich but totally approachable. There’s even a Cubist mural splashed across the main dining room—talk about a pop of color and a hint of whimsy! It’s one of those places where you feel like you could spend hours without realizing it.

Now, for the main attraction—the food! I went with the spaghetti frutti di mare, which came loaded with giant prawns and mussels bursting with that perfect salty, briny flavor. Let’s just say it would have been a crime to leave even a speck of sauce on the plate. Ever have a dish that’s just too good to share? This was one of those, and yes, I was dining solo, so more for me!

And here’s the cool part: despite being smack dab in the heart of Knightsbridge, Cicchetti has this super chill, welcoming vibe. It’s a mix of everyone—families, tired shoppers, young couples on date night—all enjoying their meals side by side, no fuss or pretension. It’s classy but unpretentious, a hidden gem with a side of Italian soul.

Made In Italy

If you’re wandering around Chelsea and in the mood for Italian, let me introduce you to Made In Italy. This spot has been holding it down since 1989, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. The food hits that perfect note of “really satisfying,” the prices won’t make your wallet cry (especially rare in this area), and best of all—it’s open all day. Yep, anytime hunger strikes, Made In Italy is there to save the day.

Now, let’s talk pizza, because they’ve got a whole lineup of options. You can go classic with a Neapolitan base, try a healthier multigrain crust, or opt for a gluten-free one (though, fair warning, it’s cooked in the same kitchen as the regular pizzas). They even offer a vegan coconut-based cheese if that’s your thing, and for just £1 extra, you can swap out mozzarella for burrata. Naturally, I went with burrata—because why not go all out, right?

There’s just something about sitting in a cozy Chelsea spot with a pizza that’s exactly how you want it. Are you a fan of classic toppings, or do you prefer trying something new? Whatever your vibe, Made In Italy has you covered with options that cater to practically everyone.

It’s one of those places that feels like a local gem—no frills, just good, honest Italian food in a laid-back setting. So next time you’re in Chelsea, skip the fancy, overpriced places and give this Italian classic a try.