How to eat like an Italian in London

Follow our expert guide to the best places for an Italian fix in the capital.

We have put together a guide to the best places to go in the capital for the tastiest Italian bites - from pastries and pizza to aperitivo and gelato - this article has you covered for living 'la dolce vita' lifestyle in London...

Best for: Pastries

Ottolenghi

Belgravia (13 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8LB)

Notting Hill (63 Ledbury Road, W11 2AD)

Spitalfields (50 Artillery Lane E1 7LJ)

Islington (287 Upper Street, N1 2TZ)

Photo credits: Instagram @ottolenghi

First opening in 2002, Ottolenghi's reputation has raipdly expanded due to the popularity it receives from locals. With new sites popping up all over London, Yotam Ottolenghi unique recipes are second to none. His freshly-made almond croissants are renowned among Londoners, but don't let that stop you from having a taste of the cinnamon brioche pretzel or the halva and chocolate danish if they catch your eye when you walk by the window!

Princi London

Soho (135 Wardour St, W1F 0UT)

Photo credits: Instagram @princi

Princi crops up all over the city of Milan, beloved by both locals and tourists for its excellent coffee and first-class pastries. Due to its success, locations now branch out across the world, not only in London's trendy area of Soho, but also in New York, Chicago, Seattle and Shanghai. In fact, this Italian bakery is so good that Starbucks has recently invested in the chain and has plans for a big expansion. Give this one a visit before the rest of the world beats you to it!

Best for: Pasta

Pastaio

Soho (19 Ganton St, W1F 9BN)

Photo credits: Instagram @pastaiolondon

Yes, that's right. A restaurant dedicated to all things pasta. Pasta dishes are made on site every day using organic Italian semolina and ancient British grains. From a wild mushroom tagliatelle to a mozzarella ravioli ragu, what's not to love? But don't worry if you aren't in the mood for pasta as there is lots more on offer... great music, antipasti, authentic gelato and even prosecco slushies, this hip hang-out will undoubtedly leave you satisfied!

Padella

6 Southwark St, SE1 1TQ

Photo credits: Instagram @padella_pasta

Same idea but different location, Southwark's foodie gem Padella is a super-popular spot operating on a first-come-first-serve basis, and the queue almost always leads all the way down the street. The famous Cacio e Pepe won best dish in the London Restaurant Food Awards in 2016, so we certainly recommend giving this one a try. Oh, and the best thing? Pasta dishes start from only £4, and in London that is almost unheard of!

Best for: Pizza

Franco Manca

Everywhere (34 London Locations to choose from) !

Photo credits: Instagram @francomancapizz

Solely the number of locations is enough to demonstrate just how loved this Pizza joint is by London locals. Offering cheap pizza and wine in a friendly, informal atmosphere, a trip to Franco Manca never disappoints. Sometimes simplicity is key when it comes to the perfect pizza, and these guys really have nailed it on the head.

L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

Marylebone (199 Baker St, NW1 6UY)

Photo credits: Instagram @anticapizzeriadamicheleuk

Naples is rumoured to be home to the best pizza in the world, and the famous Da Michele is apparently the world's most famous pizzeria! So it might excite you to know that they have now opened up a branch in London's chic area of Marylebone, where you have the chance to be transported to the South of Italy after just one bite!

Best for: Aperitivo

Lina Stores

Soho (18 Brewer St, W1F 0SH)

Photo credits: Instagram @linastores

Tucked away on one of Soho's bustling backstreets, Lina Stores is one for the foodies that are in-the-know. The iconic family-run Italian Delicatessen and Pasta Restaurant offers its guests the best that Italy has to offer. Why not pop in and experiment with their impressive antipasti selection while enjoying a refreshing Spritz, or if you are in a hurry explore their incredible deli selection and grab a panettone to go!

Polpo

Notting Hill (126-128 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3QG)

Chelsea (81 Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY)

Soho (41 Beak St, W1F 9SB)

Covent Garden ( 6 Maiden Ln, WC2E 7NA)

Photo credits: Instagram @polpo_restaurants

Polpo is a family of restaurants that prides itself on serving Vetentian Sharing Plates & Drinks. Here you will find yourself inside one of those tiny wine bars (bacarì) that cover Venice, however right at the heart of London. Order some cichèti (we recommend the meatballs!), a cocktail and relax with some friends in a typically Venetian atmosphere.

Best for: Gelato

Gelupo

Soho (7 Archer St, W1D 7AU)

Photo credits: Instagram @gelupogelato

Last but by no means least important, the best Italian gelato on the busy streets of London can be found opposite the equisite award-winning restaurant Italian restaurant Bocca Di Lupo. 'Gelupo', its sister brand, offers some of the most experimental flavours you will have ever heard of! Changing with the seasons, this winter Gelupo offers a fantastic Alba White Truffle every Saturday, a Pear, Cinnamon & Caramel to get you into the Christmas spirit, and of course the ongoing classics such as Pistachio and Stracciatella. Tickling your tastebuds yet?

La Gelatiera

Covent Garden (27 New Row, WC2N 4LA)

Photo credits: Instagram @lagelatiera

Another frosty favourite is nestled in the heart of Covent Garden. Home to London's finest artisan gelato, made fresh on the premises, in small batches. With incredibly unique flavours ranging from the sweet honey, rosemary and orange zests to the spicy basil & chilli, your senses will be satisfyingly shocked after the first taste!

If you are visiting London and looking for somewhere central to stay at a low-cost price (nearby to all these foodie finds), we recommend Generator Hostel in the heart of the West End, or alternatively for more of a broader selection why not have a browse over the St Christopher's Inn hostels that are dotted about all over the city, including London Bridge, Camden, Greenwich, Hammersmith and Sheperd's Bush.