Mayfair is one of London's most prestigious and exclusive neighbourhoods, situated in the heart of the West End. Grand Georgian townhouses, elegant tree-lined streets and upmarket shops place this enclave amongst the most desirable places to live and visit and with an impressive roster of restaurants, including some excellent Italian offerings, Mayfair really is la dolce vita.
The area’s strong connections with Italy date back nearly a century, with the opening of the Italian embassy in 1931, but it is the culinary connections with the country that really steal the show. With Michelin-starred blockbusters, famous establishments and stylish newcomers, one can sample the very best Italian cuisine all within Mayfair’s salubrious boundaries.
Murano – Michelin-Starred Elegance on Queen Street
Based on Mayfair’s Queen Street, Murano is arguably the neighbourhood’s flagship dining spot – Italian or any other cuisine. Opened in 2008 by famed chef, Angela Hartnett and originally backed by none other than Gordon Ramsay, Murano earned its Michelin star just a year later and has impressively retained it ever since.
What sets Murano apart is its ability to blend humble Italian cooking with Michelin-starred flair and technique. Chef‑patron Hartnett’s passion for her Italian heritage shines through dishes like crab tortelli, sea-bass caponata, veal chop, and linguine and transforms seasonal British produce into irresistible Italian fare.
Reviewers praise the restaurant’s “understated luxury” and polished yet unpretentious ambience, with service that’s both professional and warm, and cuisine that meets the highest culinary standards, without the theatricality of flashier establishments.
Sartoria Mayfair – Southern Italian Chic on Savile Row
Taking inspiration from its Savile Row address, Sartoria – Italian for ‘tailoring’ – translates the finesse, flair and chic you’d expect from the street’s bespoke clothing outlets, to the dining scene.
Led by another of Mayfair’s famous chef-patrons Francesco Mazzei, formerly of L’Anima, Sartoria brings a tailored, Calabrian‑influenced menu to this bespoke setting.
The setting is refined, but it never feels stuffy –just comforting, convivial, and, of course, deeply Italian. Make no mistake though, this is premium dining, with menus designed for a slow, savoured, soak‑up‑the‑atmosphere evening.
Dishes feature compelling riffs on classic Italian fare, such as its Spaghetti with lobster and nduja or Veal Milanese, often served as a shareable centrepiece.
Sartoria’s all‑day dining means whether you’re popping in for a casual lunch or settling in for a stylish evening, the experience consistently delivers quality and charm and its outdoor terrace makes it especially appealing in summer.
Giannino Mayfair – Milanese Legend in London
At 10 Blenheim Street, Giannino Mayfair carries the enviable distinction of being a sister restaurant to Milan’s revered Giannino, which dates back to 1899. It’s steeped in Milanese tradition, yet beautifully adapted for its newer Mayfair outpost.
This restaurant radiates an air of elegance that many would associate with one of the most stylish cities in the world: walnut‑panelled walls, brass accents, tasteful chandeliers, and a plush atmosphere oozing inherent class.
Under Executive Chef Walter Benenati, the menu honours classic Italian dishes – think expertly made handmade pasta, exquisitely prepared steaks and a pastry kitchen that elevates the dessert offerings in a way only the Italians can.
What’s more, a thoughtfully curated wine list with more than 150 labels, complements the food well, including the 1998 Sassicaia Bolgheri Tenuta San Guido and 1996 Château Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan.
Ristorante Frescobaldi – Tuscan Soul and Wine Legacy
For those seeking being transported back to those rolling hills and wholesome flavours of Tuscany, without leaving Mayfair, look no further than Ristorante Frescobaldi. Located near Savile Row and backed by the century‑old wine dynasty that goes by the same name, it channels noble Italian hospitality.
Expect a warm, authentic environment, where menu offerings include regional dishes that embrace the Tuscan heritage, outstanding homemade pasta and sourdough bread and iconic Laudemio olive oil imported from the Frescobaldi estates. The restaurant’s Tagliatelle al Tartufo Bianco pairs perfectly with a glass of their signature Frescobaldi wine.
The Dover – A New York‑Italian Twist in an Intimate Setting
A newer Mayfair entry, The Dover finds itself at the crossroads of New York cool and Italian warmth. It’s the brainchild of Martin Kuczmarski – formerly of private member’s club Soho House – who prioritises authentic hospitality, from handwritten reservation books to intimate, softly lit interiors.
Not far from South Audley Street, The Dover’s aesthetic is sleek and cosy, with velvet curtains and wood‑panelled walls and despite its hitherto short life, has already established a certain mythology that gives it that enviable ‘Place to Be’ vibe.
The menu revisits classic Italian‑American staples, like its signature spaghetti and meatballs, prawn cocktail and cheesecake, as well as a la carte dishes, such as sea‑bass caponata and steak tartare.
Whilst the menu might not – on paper at least – inspire quite like its Mayfair rivals, your tastebuds may well disagree. This is outstanding food, expertly executed and undoubtedly making this Italian restaurant, on of the best in the area.
There may be more immediate London localities that spring to mind when you’re thinking of Italian fare in the capital, but Mayfair – with its prestige lifestyle and hidden Italian history – offers the chance to experience some of the best the capital has, both in terms of quality and variety.
Whether it’s Michelin-star sophistication, Calabrian flair, Milanese legacy, Tuscan hospitality, or must-have Italian-American comfort, Mayfair’s Italian job is box office and can rival any other borough across the city.
