London, Italian Restaurant Guide

“Never failing to excel, even after years and years…” – Sally Clarke’s Kensington HQ (opened in 1984) is nowadays a “classic”; and even those who say “it’s a bit of a time warp nowadays”, concede that her California-inspired cuisine is nigh-on as “modern and fresh” as ever. “The moment you step in, often to be welcomed by Sally herself, you know you are in for a wonderful evening, with imaginative but unpretentious dishes that are impeccably prepared – with great ingredients that are allowed to stand out – while service is always professional and present-without-hovering”. The atmosphere here has always been slightly divisive: for a few “dull” or “formal”, but to most diners – “with its artwork, soothing colors, and low noise level to allow plenty of engaging conversation” – romantic and “always a delight”.

“The maitre d’ remembered me from over 10 years ago and treated me like I’d given them my patronage every day of those 10 years!” – this “neighbourhood” stalwart trattoria is “a staple of the area” south of Sloane Square: “unchanging from year to year” and “like a home from home” for its many (generally silver-haired) regulars. “The menu may not have changed in years, but who cares?” – it’s “always reliable, and well-priced for the locale” – and its USP is its “wonderful staff”, who “treat you like royalty” and are so “friendly” (“they knew exactly how to banter with my grumpy daughter and exactly when to point out a good wine on the list”). “Heaven help us when it finally changes hands…”

Classic St James’s Italian, whose convivial and civilised quarters amd “totally reliable food” make it “one of the best all-rounders in the area” and, in particular, “a good choice for a business lunch” (or breakfast, which is very good here). It was opened in 1946 by the Wiltons group, and emerged from a major refurb in autumn 2019 with a new bar, refreshed decor and a menu shake-up. “Despite its popularity (and vintage), it retains a freshness both in the food and the service”, and while by no means cheap, regulars say “it always delivers”.

“Glory be! A real neighbourhood spot in, of all places, Gray’s Inn Road, with proper cooking by proud Sicilians”. “It’s my favourite family restaurant” – “Fabrizio (Zafarana) is a great host and the food is superb” and “cooked with love”. Top Tip – “try the sea urchin ravioli when they have it”.

‘Affordable glam’ is a defining feature of the national San Carlo group, and its large St James’s yearling on the lower half of Regent Street carries the classy, comfortable design of its nationwide siblings. “Efficient staff” and “excellent food” complete an all-round good-quality package.

“Exemplary Italian ingredients cooked to perfection” and “served impeccably by delightful people” has earned a glowing reputation for the English-born former River Café chef, whose dining room off the foyer of the 1970s-built Intercontinental Hotel tower near Hyde Park Corner provides some of London’s best Italian cuisine. The “soulless setting” always attracts adverse comment, although it is “much improved” since its renovation a few years back.

This longstanding “local gem” in Belgravia is a “properly Italian restaurant”. Currently on great form under chef Cedric Leri, “the food is better than ever, the service ever delightful, the room continues to please” – but “it’s rarely full, which is an eternal mystery”.

“Tasty pizzas” top the bill at these “good-looking gastropub” conversions in Notting Hill and Shepherd’s Bush, with the “excellent new addition” of a “stylish bistro” in a “stunning, huge space” on the river at Battersea. “Pizzas and starters outshine main courses, but overall very pleasant and relaxing”.

“Tasty pizzas” top the bill at these “good-looking gastropub” conversions in Notting Hill and Shepherd’s Bush, with the “excellent new addition” of a “stylish bistro” in a “stunning, huge space” on the river at Battersea. “Pizzas and starters outshine main courses, but overall very pleasant and relaxing”.

“Don’t be fooled by its prominent location, just off Piccadilly Circus, that it’s just one for the tourists” – this “bustling, noisy and so-atmospheric” Venetian brasserie (which also has a similar sibling, more tucked away in Covent Garden) “looks like a tourist trap, but offers an authentic culinary experience” with its “delicious small plates” (cicchetti) – “a format that caters to all appetites”, all at “reasonable prices”. Staff are “enthusiastic and professional” and “feed off the buzz of the place”, which “feels smart, even if tables are very close together”.