Sitting in the heart of London, Soho is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic mix of shops, and a diverse culinary scene that reflects the city's rich cultural tapestry. However, despite its many gastronomic offerings, Italian cuisine holds a special place, with a number of establishments serving everything from hearty tiramisu to boozy ragu, fresh steaming risotto, and hand-made bowls of pasta.
In this guide, we will take a look at some of the top Italian restaurants in the area.
Pastaio, Soho
Founded by British chef Stevie Parle in 2017, Pastaio is a vibrant and contemporary spot near Carnaby Street, offering freshly made pasta in a slightly informal and lively setting. The name itself means "pasta maker," and the regularly changing menu lives up to its promise with dishes like classic cacio e pepe and rich, slow-cooked beef shin ragu. The restaurant is dedicated to offering affordable and nourishing pasta whilst ensuring that all produce is radically seasonal and locally sourced. Pastaio also provides a carefully curated vegan and vegetarian menu, ensuring that every diner is catered for. This, accompanied by communal tables and a bustling atmosphere, makes it a popular choice for both casual lunches and lively dinners, making hand-made pasta accessible for all without compromising on quality.
Vasco & Piero's Pavilion
A long standing favourite in Soho since 1971, Vasco & Piero's Pavilion is a charming and intimate Italian restaurant specialising in showcasing the best of Umbria's authentic flavours. Known for using fresh and seasonal ingredients, the menu changes twice daily, featuring various hand-made pastas and hearty dishes like lamb ragu and a variety of truffle-infused dishes. There is a focus on modern decor here, with the new interiors, hand-made furniture and lighting imported from Italy in order to preserve this authentic Italian feel. The walls are adorned with artwork by Giampaolo Tomassetti, a celebrated Italian artist, further adding to the Umbrian heritage and charm. The elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for both special occasions and intimate dinners; there's also no time limit for tables. With attentive service and a focus on maintaining a strong sense of Italian tradition in both its dishes and decor, Vasco & Piero's is a must-visit.
Mele e Pere
Mele e Pere, meaning "apples and pears" in Italian, is an independently owned Soho treasure offering a modern twist on classic trattoria-style dining. The restaurant began with brothers and a friend who set out on an authentic journey to create the best of a neighbourhood trattoria reminiscent of the fabulous family-run places of northern Italy, where they all grew up.
Now situated on Brewer Street, this upmarket restaurant serves a diverse menu that includes Venetian small plates, fresh seafood and a beloved pre-theatre menu, and is also home to London's most extensive collection of Vermouths. Chefs here showcase an exceptional seasonal menu, with British produce and exceptional Italian ingredients at the forefront of every dish. Pasta, desserts and ice creams are also homemade, and diners are invited to sample the very best of traditional, hearty Italian cooking. The ambience is warm and inviting, enhanced by their unique vermouth bar, where guests enjoy incredible homemade blends, whether stopping by for an aperitivo or a full meal.
Bocca di Lupo
Bocca di Lupo is a widely celebrated Soho restaurant known best for its continuous dedication to serving authentic regional Italian cuisine. Located on Archer Street, the restaurant serves a rotating menu of elevated dishes from across Italy, such as Puglian burrata, Tuscan boar sausages and Sicilian caponata, with every dish origin clearly labelled on the menu. The restaurant also updates the menu twice daily to keep up with seasonal produce and has won the "Best Wine List" award in Tatler magazine's 2013 restaurant awards and a Michelin Guide "Bib Gourmand" award. Guests are invited to enjoy their meal at one of the elegant dining tables, or alternatively, may opt for counter seating, which offers a view of the open kitchen. Those wishing to dine in a larger group can enjoy their private dining room, which is served by a chef in a dedicated kitchen. Bocca di Lupo is a go-to destination for Italian food lovers with a strong reputation for bold flavours and excellent service.
Polpo
Polpo brings the spirit of a Venetian bacaro to the streets of Soho, offering small plates that are perfect for sharing. With its beginnings as a stand-alone restaurant in Soho before adding a site in Chelsea's Duke of York Square, the menu features a mix of rustic Italian dishes, such as Cicchetti, Arancini and stuffed zucchini flowers to heartier offerings like pork belly and cuttlefish risotto, all of which are designed to be shared between the whole table. Polpo uses traditional Italian cooking methods with a modern approach brought to life by a mixture of British and Italian ingredients. Chefs create seasonal specials throughout the year, taking advantage of the abundance of wonderful produce that sits alongside the classics on the menu. The decor here is somewhat reminiscent of industrial chic, with exposed brick walls and low lighting, creating a cosy and casual dining experience. Polpo's focus on simplicity and fresh ingredients makes it a firm favourite for relaxed meals to be enjoyed with friends or family.
Each of these restaurants brings something unique to the table, reflecting the rich regional diversity of Italy coupled with the innovation of London's culinary talent. Next time you're in the area, be sure to visit one of these gems and indulge in some of the very best that Italian cuisine has to offer.
