South Kensington, Italian Restaurant Guide

Inspired by La Dolce Vita lifestyle (indeed, there used to be an accompanying apparel resort-wear brand), this small Italian group strives to evoke the retro glamour of the 1960s ‘jet set’. There’s some enthusiasm for them amongst reporters, but a recognition that the food is “nice but not exceptional”: “I had an excellent martini. But the dishes were either overly seasoned or (the salad) not dressed at all”.

This “fun” Tuscan tapas bar on a Chelsea corner is, say fans, “everything a local Italian should be”, and celebrates its 30th anniversary next year. “It knows what it’s good at and does it very, very well” – “though not exceptional, it’s reasonably priced for SW3; and always relaxed and informal”.

“Charming old-style service and delicious food” “still packs the locals in” at this “popular family-run Italian” in Chelsea from Lucio Altana and his sons Dario and Mirko, now in its twenty-first year.

This “long-established” family-owned Italian in a Venetian Gothic building near the Albert Hall is “set up as a sort of homage to Princess Diana”, who used to bring Princes Wills and Harry for pizza and pasta.

“Spot-on pasta” is a key draw at this “excellent local Italian” near Chelsea & Westminster Hospital “that welcomes kids” and “always delivers with charming service”. It’s the sort of place regulars “go to at least once a month, love it!” – which means it’s typically rammed.