South Kensington, Italian - Restaurant Guide

“Upmarket Italian” – associated with a lifestyle brand originally specialising in yachtie apparel, these luxurious all-day cafés aim to recreate the retro glamour of 1950s Italy, complete with deep blue awnings, wood panelled walls and white-jacketed staff. At their best they are a “lovely dining experience”, but – especially given the aspirational pricing – they sometimes fall short of their aims with an offering that can seem “mass and carelessly produced”.

“Friendly and professional service” has helped make Riccardo Mariti’s Tuscan venue on a Chelsea corner a “favourite local” – “always relaxed and informal”, it has built a “loyal following” over three decades and more. Another winning feature was his early adoption of a small plates format – all the Italian dishes come in “tapas portions as well as standard”.

For over 20 years, this “excellent local Italian with a friendly ambience” in Chelsea has delighted its fan club, which crosses London from all points of the compass to dine here. Founder Lucio Altana was maître d’ at San Lorenzo in Beauchamp Place when Princess Diana was a regular; these days his sons Mario and Dirko work alongside him.

“Always packed, very reliable Italian” near the Albert Hall whose “formula has stood the test of time” (since 1967) and which feels “here for the duration”. There’s a “standard and well-cooked menu of pastas, pizzas and salads”, “amazing home-made ice cream”, and “plenty of photos to remind you of their most famous regular of bygone years, Princess Di!”, who used to bring the young princes from nearby Kensington Palace for a lunchtime treat (not shy about the connection, their Instagram proclaims ‘Here to serve Celebrities, Royalty, and YOU’).

“You’d think you were in a capable restaurant in Italy” at this “totally reliable neighbourhood favourite” almost opposite Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, where you’ll find “comforting and quality home cooking”, “excellent, welcoming service”, and “good prices for the area”. It’s a “cheap ’n’ cheerful” set-up though: “the interior is not fancy and it can get very noisy”. Top Menu Tip – “fabulous zabaglione – even better than usually found in Italy!”.

2023 Review: This “treasured Chelsea local, tucked away in a cosy basement off the Fulham Road ‘beach’”, inspires a devoted following from its regulars, looking after them with “classy and delicious” Italian dishes and an impressive wine list. Tourists and casual passers-by are unlikely even to notice the all-but-hidden entrance, adding to the clubbish appeal.

2022 Review: This Fulham Road newcomer on ‘The Beach’ opened mid-lockdowns with a contemporary Italian offering. It’s the brainchild of Leandro Longo (La Caricatura) and chef Ignacio Fuggiero (The Met). You can opt for an eight-course tasting menu (as well as two-course, three-course and à la carte options) but the approach has strong, traditional Italian roots.

Opening its 10th branch in 2025 – amidst the towers of Canary Wharf – this much commented- on chain is leaving behind its Soho roots – as a quaint old deli of 75 years’ standing – and is now in full-on ‘roll-out’ mode. Fans still find it “very impressive for a chain that’s growing so fast” and tip its “lovely mint-green” outlets as “an ideal place to meet and enjoy authentic pasta and Italian dishes”. Some branches, though, are better than others: in particular the “friendly and relaxed Marylebone branch at the junction of Wigmore Street is a winner”. Others, though, can show the strains of expansion: “What’s the point? It’s neither stand-out, nor cheap and cheerful. Unexceptional pasta is served in a so-so ambience. I am not sure I get it??”