Discover more fun at Fitzrovia Quarter
Hungry for more? From stylish trattorias to grab-and-go Italian delis, Fitzrovia Quarter is home to some of Central London’s most exciting food spots.
A list of 10+ best Italian restaurants in Central London
If there’s one cuisine that truly knows how to do comfort, flair and flavour—it’s Italian. Central London is packed with restaurants serving up everything from rustic bowls of pasta to elegant fine dining, all within walking distance of Soho, Covent Garden and Fitzrovia. Whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a healthy lunch, or just a quick plate of carbonara between meetings, here’s a curated list of the best Italian restaurants in Central London you’ll want to check out.
1. Lina Stores
- Address: 51 Greek St, Soho, London W1D 4EH
- Opening hours:
Mon – Thu: 12 PM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
Fri – Sun: 12 PM – 11 PM - Overall vibe check: Playful and buzzy, with retro interiors.
- Must-try item: Truffle tagliolini
Lina Stores has fast become a Soho institution. Known for its fresh pasta, vintage green-and-white interiors and lively energy, this spot combines classic Italian recipes with a modern London vibe. Perfect for a casual lunch or pre-theatre dinner.
Explore more: 15 must-visit places for lunch in Central London
View this post on Instagram
2. The Dover
- Address: 33 Dover St, London W1S 4NF
- Opening hours:
Mon – Tue: 5:30 PM – 12 AM
Wed – Fri: 12 PM – 4 PM, 5:30 PM – late
Sat: 5:30 PM – 1 AM
Sun: Closed - Overall vibe check: Smooth jazz and date-night energy.
- Must-try item: Veal Milanese
A hidden gem near Mayfair, The Dover is where you go for a polished, romantic evening. With candlelit tables and a sleek bar, it’s one of the more refined Italian restaurants in Central London—ideal for special occasions.
View this post on Instagram
3. Il Pampero at The Hari
- Address: 20 Chesham Pl, London SW1X 8HQ
- Opening hours:
Mon – Sat: 7 AM – 11 AM, 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10:30 PM
Sun: 8 AM – 11 AM, 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 9:30 PM - Overall vibe check: Smart but not stuffy.
- Must-try item: Cacio e pepe
Located within The Hari hotel, Il Pampero blends old-school Italian hospitality with refined dining. The interiors are plush, the menu is sophisticated, and it’s one of the most underrated romantic restaurants in London.
View this post on Instagram
4. Bardo St James
- Address: 4 Suffolk Pl, London SW1Y 4HX
- Opening hours:
Tue: 5 PM – 12 AM
Wed: 5 PM – 1:30 AM
Thu – Sat: 5 PM – 2:30 AM
Sun – Mon: Closed - Overall vibe check: Late-night luxe meets Italian swagger.
- Must-try item: Lobster linguine
Bardo is an after-dark favourite. With live music, moody lighting and dishes that match the drama, it’s a stylish pick for late dinners, date nights or lively weekends with friends.
View this post on Instagram
5. Bocca Di Lupo
- Address: 12 Archer St, Soho, London W1D 7BB
- Opening hours:
Mon – Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
Sun: 12 PM – 9:30 PM - Overall vibe check: Chic Italian family kitchen tucked behind the West End.
- Must-try item: Wild boar pappardelle
Just off Shaftesbury Avenue, Bocca Di Lupo is where you go for true Italian flavours. The open kitchen brings a sense of theatre, while regional dishes from across Italy keep regulars coming back.
View this post on Instagram
6. Franco’s
- Address: 61 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6LX
- Opening hours:
Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 11 PM
Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
Sun: Closed - Overall vibe check: Old-school class and white tablecloth – ideal for a polished lunch.
- Must-try item: Tagliatelle with venison ragù
Franco’s is one of London’s oldest Italian restaurants, known for its refined service and old-school appeal. A favourite with the St James’s crowd, it’s great for long lunches or low-key dinners with a touch of tradition.
View this post on Instagram
7. Café Murano St James
- Address: 33 St James’s St, London SW1A 1HD
- Opening hours: Daily 12 PM – 10:15 PM
- Overall vibe check: Understated luxury with warm service.
- Must-try item: Pumpkin tortelli with sage butter
Angela Hartnett’s Café Murano is a modern Italian with Michelin pedigree. Warm hospitality, flavour-forward dishes and a calm, elegant interior make this a solid all-rounder—great for healthy restaurants without sacrificing indulgence.
View this post on Instagram
8. Pastaio
- Address: 19 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BN
- Opening hours:
Mon – Thu: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
Sun: 12 PM – 10 PM - Overall vibe check: Bright, cheerful, and great for catch-ups.
- Must-try item: Carbonara with guanciale
Affordable and fun, Pastaio is a go-to Italian restaurant in Soho for casual dining. Long tables, bold murals and a no-fuss menu make it a hit with locals and tourists alike.
View this post on Instagram
9. Polpo
- Address: 41 Beak St, London W1F 9SB
- Opening hours:
Mon – Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
Sun: 1 PM – 9 PM - Overall vibe check: Low-lit and cosy with a neighbourhood vibe.
- Must-try item: Duck ragu with fresh pasta
Polpo’s small plates and cicchetti-style menu bring a slice of Venice to Soho. With warm lighting and pared-back interiors, it’s ideal for laid-back dates or sharing plates with friends.
View this post on Instagram
10. Bocconcino Soho
- Address: 59 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JY
- Opening hours:
Mon – Sat: 12 PM – 12:30 AM
Sun: 12 PM – 10:30 PM - Overall vibe check: Glamorous and upbeat.
- Must-try item: Burrata pizza with truffle
Bocconcino is known for combining top-tier Italian cooking with an upbeat atmosphere. Expect plush décor, curated cocktails and dishes that are as camera-ready as they are delicious. A glamorous choice for group dinners or celebratory evenings.
View this post on Instagram
11. Circolo Popolare
- Address: 40-41 Rathbone Pl, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1HX
- Opening hours:
Mon – Wed: 12 PM – 4 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM
Thu – Fri: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Sat: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM - Overall vibe check: Joyfully chaotic in the best way.
- Must-try item: Truffle pasta served in a cheese wheel
Step inside Circolo Popolare and it’s like walking into a Sicilian daydream. Thousands of fairy lights, walls lined with liquor bottles, and portions that are pure indulgence – it’s one of the most Instagrammed Italian restaurants in Fitzrovia, Central London for a reason.
