Good to Order
Good food nearby. Know what to order.
Cuisine Guide
Discover handpicked Italian restaurants in Central London, with what to order first at each place.
Every place here is handpicked. Signal score shows how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.
5 restaurants
Italian · ££ · Bloomsbury
Start with
Spaghetti al Cartoccio
The house signature and a 'greatest-hit' of the menu: a mountain of seafood pasta baked and served theatrically in a greaseproof paper bag.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Italian · ££ · Farringdon
Start with
Penne con Vodka
Regarded as a staple with 'nice things being said' by critics; it remains a reliable, universally praised pasta choice for those new to the menu.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Italian · ££ · Covent Garden
Start with
Silk Handkerchiefs with Walnut Butter & Confit Egg Yolk
The undisputed signature dish; described as 'casually orgasmic,' it features paper-thin sheets of pasta draped in a 'heavenly,' 'sticky, nutty, gritty mess of butter.'
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Modern European / Italian · ££ · Covent Garden
Start with
Quiche and salad
The reliable, editor-mandated must-order choice for a quick and satisfying bite before a show.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Italian (Fresh Pasta) · ££ · Soho
Start with
30-Egg Yolk Tagliolini al Tartufo
The restaurant's signature dish; when executed correctly with vacche brune parmigiano and butter, it is described by critics as absolute 'heaven.'
Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.