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5 of the Best Pasta Places in London

London, being the cosmopolitan city it is, has been lucky enough to import some of the best chefs and restauranteurs from all of the world. ÌýWhile the pubs in London Ìýdo British food best, there are tons of other cuisines on offer when deciding what to have for lunch or dinner in London.

Pasta is one of the ultimate comfort foods and usually when ordered at a restaurant, is a healthier, slower option that some of its fast-food relatives. It’s filling, it’s comforting and, if you head to any of the places on this listÌýof 5 of the Best Pasta Places in London, it’s oh, so delicious! Forget the Marks & Spencer’s microwave Mac and Cheese, these spots are definitely worth heading out for.

1. Join the queue at Padella

I dare you to find a list of the best pasta places in London that doesn’t mention Padella! This place really is outstanding, and totally worth waiting in the line for. And there will be a line – that you can be sure of.Ìý

Pappardelle with beef shin ragu at Padella. Image sourced from Padella official Instagram page.

Their fresh, hand rolled pasta is incredible and the dishes are all very well priced. This is what makes Padella such a popular spot for lunch or dinner. I would recommend the Pappardelle with 8 hours Dexter beef shin ragu. Even as a vegetarian, the smell of this dish had my mouthwatering. For those strict enough to resist the beef shin temptation, go for the Pici Cacio e Pepe. This translates loosely to cheese and pepper pasta, which honestly doesn’t sound like much. Just trust me, though and give it a try. It didn’t win ‘Best Dish’ at the 2016 London Restaurant Festival Awards for nothing.

Padella don’t take bookings, but you can join the virtual queue from 12:15pm for lunch and 5:15pm for dinner.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Padella, Borough Market
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 12 to 3.45 pm & 5 to 10 pm, SundayÌý— 12 to 3.45 & 5 to 9 pm
ADDRESS: 6 Southwark St, London, SE1 1TQ
Metro Station: London Bridge Underground

2. Enjoy flavours of the past at Lina Stores

The story of Lina Stores is a lot older than you may imagine when you first set foot in the chic Soho or King’s Cross restaurants. The original delicatessen was established in 1944 at 18 Brewer Street in Soho – the same spot the deli trades out of to this day.Ìý

The unmistakeable mint green façade of Lina Stores at 51 Greek Street, Soho. Image sourced from Lina Stores official website.

The Soho restaurant was the first extension of the deli. Fresh and authentic antipasti, pasta and deserts are served here. The menu is perfectly simple, with a focus on quality ingredients and jam-packed with flavour. I would recommend the Ravioli with Jerusalem artichokes, parmesan and salted ricotta. The pistachio sorbet is an absolutely delightful way to end off the experience.Ìý

Handmade pasta and fresh, quality ingredients are just a few of the things that make Lina Stores such a hit. Image sourced from Lina Stores official website.

75 years after the Lina Stores deli first opened, they welcomed their latest addition to the family: the King’s Cross restaurant and deli, combined. Here, you can now treat yourself to a Lina Stores breakfast. What a way to start the day!Ìý

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Lina Stores Soho (restaurant)
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Thursday –Ìý 12pm to 2h30pm & 5pm to 11pm, Friday & Saturday — 12pm to 11pm
ADDRESS: 51 Greek St Soho, London W1D 4EH
Metro Station: Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden

3. Dine in awe at the Michelin Starred Locanda Locatelli

Padella and Lina Stores are exceptional spots for tons of flavour, amazing quality and really good prices. But this next spot on the list takes the art of pasta to a whole new level, albeit for a pretty penny!Ìý

Locanda Locatelli is a Michelin Star restaurant by Giorgio Locatelli. Locanda Locatelli is known for its wonderful celebration of Italian cuisine and the menu represents dishes from all over the country. The Mushroom and Potato Gnocchi with sage and black truffle will have you dreaming about returning to Locanda Locatelli, for months afterward.

The Dining Room at Locanda Locatelli is almost as outstanding as the food. Image sourced from Locanda Locatelli official website.

Locanda Locatelli offers gluten free bread and pasta options, as well as an egg free pasta option, available with certain dishes – great news for caeliacs and vegans alike.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Lunch: Monday to Sunday – Ìý 12pm to 3pm, Dinner: Monday to Thursday — 6pm to 11pm, Friday & Saturday — 6pm to 11:30pm, Sunday — 6pm to 10:15pm
ADDRESS: 8 Seymour St, Marylebone, London W1H 7JZ
Metro Station:ÌýBond Street

4. Get down-to-earth at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta

Emilia’s was inspired by the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. Emilia’s founder, Andrew spent many days exploring the region and learning from some of the best chefs in town. The first Emilia’s, in St. Katharine Docks, opened its doors in 2016 and they continue to serve deliciously fresh pasta, made by hand every day.

Emilia’s is home to the freshest pastas, made by hand every morning. Image sourced from Emilia’s Crafted Pasta official website.

The Smoked Salmon Carbonara with Pecorino and beaten eggs is a winner of a dish, full of decadence and deliciousness! There are vegan and vegetarian options available across the menu, as well as a bunch of delightful Italian style desserts.

One of the best things about Emilia’s, apart from their outstanding pasta of course, is the fact that they are dog-friendly.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Sunday to Thursday –Ìý 12pm to 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday — 12pm to 10pm
ADDRESS: Unit C3 Ivory House, St. Katharine Docks, London, E1W 1AT
Metro Station: Tower Hill

5. Indulge your senses at Bancone

Prosecco, pasta and espresso, what more could one ask for?! These are the three pillars of Bancone, the rustic but beautifully styled Italian restaurant with locations in sought-after Soho and Covent Garden.Ìý

Both of the Bancone restaurants offer an exquisite dining experience and either one would be perfect for date night or a celebration with friends. Bancone is honoured with a ‘Bib Gourmand’ by the Michelin Guide. While this is not a star, it recognises the restaurant as ‘good quality, good value’ with this accolade. And good value it certainly is.

Silk Handkerchiefs at Bancone. Image sourced from Bancone official website.

The Silk Handkerchiefs are the most charming of the pastas on the Bancone menu. Served with walnut butter and confit egg yolk, this dish will melt in your mouth and have you coming back for more at any chance you get.Ìý

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Bancone Covent Garden
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 12pm to 11pm, Sunday — 1pm to 10pm
ADDRESS: 39 WILLIAM IV STREET, LONDON, WC2N 4DD
Metro Station: Charing Cross