10 of the best Italian restaurants
10 of the best Italian restaurants in south west London
Creamy pasta, yummy pizza, antipasti and aperitivos… Sail on a boat of culinary delight over to the coasts of Italy and visit these gorgeous Italian restaurants in your local area.
1
A Cena
Richmond
An AA Rosette Award winning restaurant, A Cena serves up seasonal northern Italian dishes in a warm and refined environment. Head Chef Tom Rowlandson has worked at top local restaurants such as Petersham Nurseries, and focuses on refined cooking with elegant presentation, and stripped-down Italian dishes. Delights of the menu include chicken spiedini with courgette and rose harissa and a stand-out secondi of chargrilled pork loin steak with pickled red cabbage and braised cannellini.
2
The Orangery at Cannizaro House Hotel Du Vin
Wimbledon
Overlooking the gorgeous and breath-taking grounds of Cannizaro House, the Orangery Restaurant is a magnificent venue surrounded by natural beauty. The menu is modern European with predominantly Italian influences, including delicious antipasti dishes of Dorset crab, and grilled asparagus with crispy prosciutto with a fried duck egg. A must-try is the wonderful pasta dish of tortellini di spinaci e ricotta with roasted walnuts. This can all be enjoyed with an extensive drinks menu featuring signature cocktails – including a divine Garden Mojito with Hendricks Gin, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, cucumber and mint.
(c) Hotel Du Vin
3
Cent Anni
Wimbledon Village
Located in the beautiful Wimbledon Village, Cent Anni is an airy, elegant Italian restaurant serving freshly prepared classic dishes in a contemporary style. The menu features enticing starters of burrata with Sicilian datterini tomatoes and fresh basil and nduja arancini with lemon mayo. The primi dishes offer bowls of handmade fresh pasta and thin crust pizza, along with secondi mains of veal Milanese, rocket and parmesan salad and a gorgeous tagliata of sliced fillet steak and broccolini.
4
Sorella
Clapham
Chef Robin Gill’s Sorella offers up a gorgeous menu inspired by the cuisine of the Amalfi Coast. Their incredible dishes include delicious BBQ monkfish, veal Milanese and ricotta & spinach gnudi in brown butter and sage. Their desserts are also well-worth tucking into, with a divine white chocolate cremoso with rhubarb and vanilla shortbread to satisfy a post-dinner sweet craving without feeling too indulgent.
MORE FAB FOODIE CONTENT
5
Peppe’s
Kingston
Peppe’s is a delightful Sicilian restaurant, owned by Sicilian chef Giuseppe Prestigiacomo. The menu is a feast of traditional Sicilian food, with hearty pasta dishes of taglioni con vongole with fresh clams and a casarecce ca carni with pork ribs and Sicilian sausages stealing the show. If you prefer lighter dishes, opt for the pan fried king prawns with chilli, garlic and tomato sauce.
6
Al Forno
Kingston
Al Forno is a lively and vibrant restaurant with a distinctly family-friendly vibe. The interiors are cosy and welcoming, with little nooks that transport you to the feeling of being in a little restaurant tucked in the historic side streets of Italy. They have an extensive menu ranging from starters of meatballs and burrata, to mains of freshly made pasta and deliciously succulent fish.
7
Artisans of Sardinia
Putney
Having been Highly Commended in the Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year category of the T&L Food and Culture Awards 2023, it’s safe to say Artisans of Sardinia is a beloved local restaurant. Serving up authentic and traditional Sardinian cuisine, the restaurant has an intimate and personal atmosphere, made special by the welcoming presence of the owner Massimo. Highlights of the stunning menu include the steamed octopus with chickpea & saffron hummus, the venison with Cannonau gravy, and the red mullet scabecciu.
8
Al Boccon Di’vino
Richmond
Unique for their no-menu policy, Al Boccon Di’Vino serves up traditional Venetian food and a range of fine wines in a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Their policy is to allow the guest to sit back as they are served the finest Italian dishes: fresh pasta, cheese and meats imported from Italy, fish and Venetian desserts.
THE BEST LOCAL THINGS TO DO:
9
Noci
Richmond
Located just a short walk from the river on Richmond Hill, Noci is the perfect stop-off to fill your belly with pasta after a scenic stroll. Their fresh pasta and Sicilian street-food inspired snacks are well worth the try; stand-out recommendations go to the fritto misto with squid, mussels, red mullet, parsley, capers & chickpea fritters, and the chianti and beef shin ragu parpardelle with truffle, rosemary and shallot crumb.
10
Azzurra
Chelsea
This glamorous Italian seafood restaurant is an absolute must-visit for any seafood lover. The opulent interiors are compounded by sparks of whimsy, like netting clambering up the walls to reflect the restaurant’s seafaring theme. The dishes are inspired by the food of Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, including a gorgeous raw fish dish of Yellowtail with Sicilian blood orange. Swim on over and try it out.
