Italian restaurants in the City of London don’t do things by half.
From freshly-made pasta dishes to in-house salumi, there’s ample places to choose from if you’re looking for an authentic Italian meal.
Eat al fresco and watch the world go by at Eataly’s Cucina del Mercato, or tuck into rich ragu at the relaxed and homely Manteca. Italian restaurants are enjoying a contemporary revolution in the City and you have to be part of it.
Here are a handful of top Italian restaurants in the City of London.
Eataly
The epic Italian food hall Eataly is a 40,000-square-foot venue in the City of London’s Broadgate development – just next to Liverpool Street station. You could easily spend a whole morning exploring Eataly’s three Italian restaurants, grocery market, wine store and in-house cheesemonger where you can indulge in all the Italian cheeses you can think of. For a real Italian experience, sit down at Cucina del Mercato downstairs and enjoy food prepared straight from the in-house market. The name of the restaurant literally means ‘kitchen of the market. So sit back and sample all the delicious offerings Eataly has and then mosey around the store to try and recreate the menu at home.
135 Bishopsgate EC2M 3YD
eataly.co.uk
Manteca
The modern Italian restaurant is just a five-minute walk from Liverpool Street station and offers intricate flavours and an incredible atmosphere. A nose-to-tail Italian-inspired eatery, Manteca makes use of the whole animal on the menu as well as hand-rolled pastas and wood-fired breads. Make sure you try the restaurant’s signature salumi, which is made in the on-site deli, to start. And, if you’re feeling peckish, add the delicious and artful Pig’s Skin Ragu for a rich and delicious conversation starter.
49-51 Curtain Road EC2A 3PT
mantecarestaurant.co.uk
Lina Stores
You may have heard of the Lina Stores in Soho; the Italian deli which has been around since 1944. The relaxed Italian go-to has been branching out into restaurants in recent years and is now in the Square Mile’s Bloomberg Arcade. Feast on handmade pasta and delicious antipasti, which includes a selection of bruschetta and chicken livers and crispy sage. What’s more, you can pick up sundries and oils to take home. You certainly won’t leave hungry.
19 Bloomberg Arcade EC4N 8AR
linastores.co.uk
Osteria
You’ll find the Italian restaurant by Searcys in the Barbican Centre catering to those looking to tuck into some delicious cuisine before a show. Take in views of the Barbican estates lakeside and fountain as you enjoy seasonal plates like stone bass with muscles or figs with blue cheese. Pair with a large glass of wine or sample from the restaurant’s fantastic cocktail list – the negroni is a must. But, make sure you book a table early as Osteria shuts up shop by 7.30pm and you’ll want to enjoy your experience.
Silk Street, Barbican EC2Y 8DS
osterialondon.co.uk
Caravaggio
The long-standing traditional restaurant, named after the revered artist and opened in 1996 by the great Pavarotti, Caravaggio’s is a favourite amongst the City dwellers. Located in a former banking hall, the restaurant’s art deco interior is simple, yet refined and complements the menu perfectly. With strong influence from Tuscany and Sicily, the menu incorporates traditional and modern methods using seasonal produce. The perfect place for a romantic dinner for two or a celebratory lunch with colleagues, Caravaggio’s is a must-try high-end Italian restaurant in the heart of the City.
107-112 Leadenhall Street EC3A 4DP
caravaggiorestaurant.co.uk
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