Signor Sassi has been around since the 1980s and still to this day this classic Italian restaurant in London is visited in some of the most famous faces. Located in Knightsbridge, its turquoise restaurant front is unmissable, step inside, and you will be greeted to a cosy atmosphere with a mirrored interior which is warmly hued with dimmed lights, white table cloths, tiled floors and walls peppered with photos of celebrities who have visited this iconic restaurant. 

The menu is extensive serving hearty and traditional Italian and along with sensational seafood. There’s everything from mussels and clams in white wine, Osso Bucco with saffron risotto or beef Tagliata along with a list of daily specials, but their stand-out dish is the pasta – Spaghetti Lobster which is served on the lobster shell. 

Must try: Their signature Spaghetti Lobster

Sparrow Italia is a modern Italian restaurant that transports the southern European coast to the heart of Mayfair. Born in Los Angeles under the Noble 33 group, building on its success, the group has now expanded and bring a London version of this exquisite dining experience. Spanning over three floors, each thoughtfully curated to offer a myriad of experiences, from the downstairs bar, the gorgeous sun-lit dining room, private dining room to the intimate cigar room and rooftop terrace – the “Sparrow Nest” which is perfect for al fresco drinks.

The menu designed by Noble 33’s Corporate Executive Chef, AJ McCloud carefully blends time-honoured Italian recipes with a modern twist. Unapologetically indulgent, the menu embraces the opulence of caviar, truffle, and Wagyu, leaving no desire unfulfilled. The main courses take centre stage with a line-up of irresistible dishes, such as the sumptuous lobster linguine featuring British Isles lobster, acqua pazza, lemon-parsley butter, and toasted breadcrumbs. For a true indulgence, the cacio e pepe can be enhanced with the addition of fresh truffle, elegantly served from a pecorino wheel.

Padella has a reputation for being the go-to restaurant if you are after the best pasta in London, so not surprisingly, even though the restaurant covers two floors, it is known for its notoriously long queues! Padella is a modern bistro run by Tim Siadatan and Jordan Freida. 

This menu here is short and has only a handful of homemade seasonal pasta dishes. All the pasta at Padella is made using traditional Italian techniques and flavour combinations with quality British ingredients. The pasta is freshly made every single day and if you opt for the casual dining option of kitchen counter seating, you will be able to watch it being prepared.

Must try: Pici Cacio & Pepe (The literal translation for this dish is ‘cheese and pepper’) and the chefs’ top dishes of pappardelle and beef shin ragù is also highly recommended.

A pasta specialist restaurant located in the heart of Covent Garden is Bancone. Before you even step inside you will know Bancone is all about pasta thanks to the team hand rolling pasta dough in front of the window. Step inside this brainchild of ex- Pied à Terre and Locanda Locatelli chef, Louis Korovilas, and you will be greeted to mouth-watering Mediterranean aromas. The decor is neutral with hints of grey throughout the restaurant.

Grab a seat at the dining counter which overlooks the open kitchen as chefs roll out pasta dough almost all day long, putting on a show for viewers. If you just want to enjoy the delicious pasta they also have plenty of cosy booths. The menu is short and simple with just 3 sections: antipasti, pasta and dessert. Offering just a handful of pasta but they are made to perfection.

Must try: Their Signature dish silk handkerchiefs, walnut butter & confit egg yolk 

Bocconcino, located in the bustling Mayfair and takes inspiration from the beautiful climes of Italy, celebrating authentic dishes with a touch of contemporary flair. Executive Chef Marco Corsica serves a menu centred around fresh seafood, meats and a generous selection of handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza, as well as a premium weekend brunch offering, set lunch and tasting menu. Home to some of the best pasta in London, the  Linguine with Dorset crab and yellow baby plum tomatoes and Homemade tagliolini with pistachio pesto and red Sicilian prawns are a must try.

 Spread over two floors, the elegant restaurant draws on traditional Italian trattorias while the lower-ground features an open-plan kitchen alongside a bar with regular live music and resident DJs. Bocconcino also offers a unique Bottomless Sharing Dinner every Thursday with five courses and bottomless bubbles, alongside classic brunches every Saturday with bottomless bubbles, spritzes and bottomless pizza.

Must try: Linguine with Dorset crab and yellow baby plum tomatoes

Where: Bermondsey

If you are after gluten-free pasta in London Flour & Grape is the answer. Located on the buzzing Bermondsey street, the menu at Flour & Grape is dedicated to pasta. As you would expect from a restaurant that has a menu dedicated to pasta, all the pasta here is handmade and accompanied by wine. They even have a whole guide on their website based on which wine to pair with your chosen pasta. If you don’t fancy waiting in the long queue at the Padella, then this lovely restaurant is a very worthy alternative. 

Must try: Tortelloni – roasted pork shoulder, sage butter 

Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, An elegant Italian restaurnt on Berkeley Street in Mayfair is home to some of the pasta in London. The cuisine here is a modern interpretation of Tuscan classics, staying true to sourcing quality ingredients, and where necessary accompanied by Il Borro’s own products such as the organic extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and selected vegetables from Il Borro’s organic farm.

The menu features a range of pasta dishes, including: handmade Tuscan spaghetti, organic tomato sauce, garlic, basil, Linguine all’astice IGP Gragnano linguine, Canadian lobster, Tuscan olives, organic tomato sauce, garlic, basil, however, the must try is their homemade tagliatelle, Umbrian black truffle, Parmesan.

Must try: Homemade tagliatelle, Umbrian black truffle, Parmesan

Harry’s Bar brings a slice of the “dolce vita” to London’s Marylebone. Nestled on James Street, this truffle restaurant radiates the opulence of Venice, decor that recalls Italy’s glamorous 1950s heyday. Serving timeless Italian favourites with a special emphasis on their exquisite truffle-infused creations. As one of the leading restaurants for pasta in London, the menu features all the classic pasta dishes you would expect.

With delights like Harry’s Spaghetti Seafood, Pasta Verde, Lobster Ravioli – which is a must try, ravioli style pasta filled with lobster, D.O.P. San Marzano tomato in a fragrant shellfish emulsion with basil, chives and Amalfi lemon, there’s Linguine Vongole and Pappardelle Al Ragù Bolognese – Wide ribbon pasta with slow-cooked beef, D.O.P. San Marza and more.

Where: Shoreditch

Prepared to be impressed at Gloria in Shoreditch. The ‘over-the-top’ Italian trattoria from the Parisian powerhouse Big Mamma Group has well and truly gained a reputation not just for being glamorous but also for its generous servings of comfort food we all love. Gloria is everything you would want from an Italian restaurant in London, old school retro charm blended with glamorous decor. 

Dining here is a unique experience, with the staff wearing matching pink outfits, piña coladas being set alight, pasta being served in a cheese wheel, the lasagne is no ordinary lasagne, it is a ten level (layers) lasagne. With other dishes named as ‘Filippo’s Big Balls’ and ‘Youporn’, there is something to keep you entertained throughout. Although don’t let the names and subtle humour fool you, all the ingredients are carefully sourced from Italy – you won’t be disappointed with the food. Following the success of Gloria, Big Mamma Group have opened a second restaurant in Fitzrovia – Circolo Popolare which is definitely worth a visit too. 

Must try: La Gran Carbonara – this impressive pasta is served inside a huge wheel of Pecorino cheese

 Faros maybe a new addition but the pasta is unbeatable, with a fresh outtake on a mixture of Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. Offering a homely yet romantic atmosphere, their passion for food is evident. With two locations in London, including Great Portland Street and Gray’s Inn Road in Holborn, Faros has established itself as a go-to spot for those seeking an authentic taste of Italy.

At Faros, the culinary experience is centered around classic Italian cuisine, curated to delight enthusiasts of traditional flavors. As one of the best pasta restaurants in London, Faros offers a wide range of pasta dishes including classic such as Spaghetti Carbonara, Pappardelle Beef Ragu, Tagliatelle Burrata, Linguine Allo Scoglio is a must try, for a more indulgent option try the fresh Truffle Pasta made with tagliatelle with butter, black pepper, parmesan and fresh truffle. Adding to the culinary journey, Faros boasts an extensive selection of wines sourced from various regions across the Mediterranean. There’s even al fresco seating for those sunny days.

Lina Stores in Soho has been making pasta in London since 1944 – so it’s fair to say they know a thing or two about pasta. This family-run Pasta restaurant started as a delicatessen selling authentic Italian produce and make fresh pasta to take home, after over 75 years in London, this pasta deli decided to finally open up a pasta restaurant not too far away from its original store. 

Not only is the pasta made fresh onsite every day, but the restaurant itself is a slice of Italy with a pastel green and white pained theme throughout the restaurant and the deli. Following the success of its deli and the Soho restaurant, Lina Stores now has several locations around London.

Must try: Agnolotti Verdi, Black Truffle & Ricotta. Also, be sure to try their famous cannoli too! 

Burro e Salvia is a small pasta joint in Shoreditch offering impressive pasta dishes in Shoreditch. You can either take it away to cook yourself at home or take a seat at the counter in front of the open kitchen and watch the ‘sfoglina’ (aka pasta maker) at work rolling batches of pasta and cook them up for you!

 There’s a small menu of fresh pasta and antipasti that changes regularly and if you fancy learning the secrets of great pasta making for yourself, Burro e Salvia (meaning ‘butter & sage’) also regularly runs workshops. You can learn how to make your own fresh egg-and-flour pasta from scratch, before turning it into everything from lasagne to farfalle (bows) and mezzelune (filled half-moons). 

Sitting on the banks of the River Thames, The Riverside Café has been an iconic Italian restaurant in London since 1987 and enjoys its legacy as one of London’s most sought-after dining spots. Boasting a long-held Michelin star, the menu here changes twice a day so you are guaranteed fresh homemade dishes. 

The Riverside Café is home to some of the best pasta in London and an extensive selection of Italian wine along with antipasti and other traditional Italian dishes. Based in leafy Hammersmith, and the bustling open kitchen indoors gives this Italian restaurant the perfect ambience to tuck into some delicious Italian dishes. 

Located in the heart of Soho, Bocca di Lupo has been in the heart of London for the last 10 years. This family-run small and humble trattoria is a firm favourite with pasta lovers. Specializing in regional Italian cuisine and an impressive wine list to match, actually, they offer wine from over 20 different regions of Italy.

The menu here changes twice daily – but their pasta and risotto are a firm favourite amongst the regulars, so it always features on the menu.  All the dishes are freshly made in-house and are offered in two sizes, so you can enjoy a larger size as the main dinner course or you can opt for a smaller portion. Given its location in Soho, it is a great option as a pre-theatre dinner in London. Bocca di Lupo always has an energetic atmosphere, you can even request to sit on the Chef’s counter in front of the open kitchen which is great fun.

If you are after simple, fresh, affordable and handmade pasta, look no further than Emilia’s crafted pasta. With 4 locations around London, the pasta here is freshly made every morning on site and cooked with a respect for the tradition and techniques passed down the generations.

Pairing science with tradition, here pasta shapes are paired with the right sauces, so you get all the delicious flavour in every mouthful. All the restaurants have identical main menus. In addition, each restaurant has its own seasonal specials menu where you can find more creative and experimental pasta dishes

Nestled in the vibrant Fitzrovia neighborhood of London, Circolo Popolare exudes the warmth of a sunny Sicilian trattoria. Known for its energetic ambiance and eclectic decor, with its iconic vibrant and colourful decorations, including an extensive collection of over 20,000 liquor bottles, hanging plants, and string lights that create a unique setting.  Specializing in Italian cuisine, the menu is seasonal and changes every month depending on arrivals and seasons.

Chef Gennaro has created a crazy menu from our incredible Italian products. As a prominent player in pasta, it offers, among other things, their popular Carbonara served in a pecorino wheel, Torciglioni Al Ragù Di Salsiccia, a Homemade Torciglioni Pasta with slow-cooked fennel And tomato sausage ragù, topped with grated parmigiano and more.