12 Best Michelin-starred Italian Restaurants in London, UK

Looking for the best Michelin-starred Italian restaurants in London, UK? You’ve come to the right place!

London’s passion for Italian food is widely known, boasting a whopping 2,000 Italian restaurants scattered throughout the city! This love affair traces back to ancient times when the Romans introduced exotic vinegars and olive oil to Britain, forever shaping British culinary traditions.

Jumping ahead 2,000 years, iconic dishes like pizza, pasta, and gelato have firmly established themselves in Britain’s gastronomic landscape. The 19th and early 20th century saw Italian immigrants introducing pasta to British dinners. In 1936, the UK established its very first pasta production line. A couple of decades later, as rationing came to an end, the first pasta-centric restaurants sprouted up in London.

On this post, you’ll find a good selection of Italian restaurants in London that have been awarded Michelin stars. These dining spots are evaluated based on their cuisine, service, and overall dining experience, with three stars representing the highest honor. Getting a Michelin star elevates a restaurant’s reputation and paves the way for success.

12 Best Michelin-starred Italian Restaurants in London, UK

Take a look at the list of the best Michelin-starred Italian restaurants in London below!

1. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro London

At Il Borro Tuscan Bistro London, you’ll find a modern twist on traditional Tuscan dishes. They’re committed to using excellent-quality ingredients and even use their own products, like organic olive oil, honey, and veggies from their own farm.

The moment you step inside Il Borro, you’ll be captivated by the beautiful decor. The cozy, intimate ambiance, lovely lighting, and tasteful decorations create a welcoming atmosphere. But the real star is the food! Each dish is meticulously crafted and bursting with flavor. Fresh ingredients are expertly combined to create culinary masterpieces that you’ll relish with every bite.

The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine selection featuring Il Borro wines and popular Tuscan grape varieties. The Ferrari sparkling wine, in particular, pairs wonderfully with the food.

Don’t miss the standout seafood soup and tuna tartare – they come highly recommended. And don’t forget to try the tiramisu, a delightful balance of sweetness, alcohol, coffee, and creaminess.

2. Zafferano

Enjoy a wonderful experience at Zafferano, where you’ll savor sophisticated Italian cuisine in a charming brick dining room with cozy striped banquettes. The dishes are wonderfully simple and accessible, yet bursting with incredible flavors.

You’ll find the authentic Italian flavors truly great, especially with their amazing fresh pasta and delightful truffle menu. Their extensive wine selection adds to the experience. Indulge in their saffron risotto, burrata, and tuna steak – they’re fantastic options. Don’t miss their delicious lobster linguine!

Apart from the food, the staff is terrific – they’re knowledgeable and always ready to accommodate your needs. You’ll be greeted with smiles and attentive service every time. The bill might lean toward the higher side, but the food and service more than make up for it.

Zafferano is that special kind of restaurant where you can enjoy the entire menu over and over again, and still look forward to returning in a few weeks. Whether it’s a spontaneous dinner or a special occasion, visiting Zafferano is always a treat – the perfect spot to satisfy your craving for homemade pasta!

3. Locanda Locatelli

One of the top Michelin-starred restaurants in London, Locanda Locatelli is owned by Giorgio Locatelli, one of the most famous chefs from Italy. Renowned not only for its delectable dishes but also its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Locanda Locatelli offers an imaginative take on classic Italian flavors. Their extensive wine selection perfectly complements the culinary experience.

The menu boasts a diverse range of options, gracefully balancing classic Italian favorites with unique in-house creations – all meticulously prepared with attention to detail. The friendly staff and their impeccable service synonymous with Michelin-starred establishments add an extra touch of hospitality to your dining experience.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor the lobster linguine, pistachio soufflé, scallops, and creamy fresh burrata cheese. And make sure to leave room for dessert. The pistachio mousse paired with chocolate ice cream is to die for!

Located a stone’s throw away from Marble Arch, this is a modern and inviting space where tables are thoughtfully spaced for privacy. And despite its Michelin-star status, dining at Locanda Locatelli will not break the bank. If you’re looking for a memorable dining adventure in London, Locanda Locatelli comes highly recommended.

4. Cin Cin Fitzrovia

After becoming well-known in Brighton, the Cin Cin owners decided to open a branch right here in Fitzrovia back in 2021. Cin Cin Fitzrovia, the perfect spot to kick back and relax. What began as a humble food truck has now grown into a fantastic neighborhood restaurant.

Their menu changes monthly, featuring delicious pasta, top-notch cured meats, and heavenly desserts. Need a tranquil escape? Cin Cin Fotzrovia is just 5 minutes away from the busy streets of Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, and Goodge Street. Cin Cin goes above and beyond in this wonderful location. Their service is top-notch – attentive, friendly, and well-versed in the menu, pairings, and our personal favorites.

If you’re a foodie who loves Italian cuisine paired with great Italian wines, Cin Cin Fitzrovia is a must-not-miss in this part of London.

5. Murano

Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Murano, is situated in the heart of Mayfair, London. It offers a refined selection of modern Italian and European cuisines in an elegant and sophisticated space that includes a chef’s table.

Despite its unassuming exterior appearance, this restaurant boasts fantastic food quality and impeccable service delivered by friendly and knowledgeable staff members.

Guests can indulge in exquisite dishes such as herb agnolotti, farfalle complemented with delicate roast pepper sauce, hake paired with shaved fennel infused with just the right amount of chili, and exceptional desserts like the caramelized Amalfi lemon tart and cacao sorbet. The focaccia is nothing short of amazing while the pasta dish is equally impressive.

What sets Murano apart from other high-end restaurants is their unique approach to menu offerings which allow guests to choose between three to six courses while chefs adjust portion sizes according to your preference – a brilliant concept that lets you enjoy more of what you love.

6. Bocca di Lupo

Since its establishment in 2008, this restaurant has won numerous awards for its genuine and down-to-earth regional Italian cuisine. Bocca di Lupo’s focus is on bringing out the lesser-known yet incredibly delicious aspects of food and wine from all corners of Italy.

Beyond the trendy ambiance and elegant setting, Bocca di Lupo is fundamentally a family-run trattoria. The atmosphere strikes a balance between comfort and sophistication, making you feel right at home. The staff are welcoming and kind, providing a service that’s both pleasant and friendly.

What’s truly impressive is that they offer a high-end dining experience without the hefty price tag. You can expect each dish to be made with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor — nothing like the typical Italian fare you’d find elsewhere.

Standout dishes like cuttlefish in its ink, choux burger, and blood orange salad are wonderfully paired with Prosecco wine. This combination is a treat for your taste buds and comes highly recommended. While the menu changes daily, it’s always a delightful surprise. And don’t forget to indulge in the black pudding for dessert — it’s a must-try!

7. Enotica Turi

Warm and inviting, Enoteca Turi, where the spotlight shines on regional Italian flavors and an impressive selection of wines. Nestled in the heart of iconic Chelsea in London, the restaurant’s elegant façade might be easy to miss, but once inside, you’ll find a tranquil and tasteful ambiance that complements the simple yet sophisticated decor.

As a family-run restaurant with a contemporary touch, Enoteca Turi is proud of their award-winning wine list and their commitment to creating dishes that reflect the essence of each Italian region, using the freshest seasonal ingredients. The staff are incredibly welcoming, even though the general atmosphere exudes a sense of formal dining.

Be sure to start your culinary journey with the delightful vitello tonnato and conclude with the indulgent fantasia di pesche dessert. Everything in between is equally delightful – from classic pasta dishes to flavors that transport you right to Italy.

8. Artusi

Artusi is a charming Italian eatery on Peckham’s Bellenden Road, with menu that features delicious, no-fuss seasonal Mediterranean dishes accompanied by a selection of exclusively Italian wines. This hidden gem, just a short walk from Peckham Rye Station, offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy. The service is top-notch, and the menu, although it changes periodically, always delivers exceptional pasta dishes and salads. Don’t miss out on the incredible hispi cabbage whenever it’s available! With perfect seasoning and generous portions, Artusi is a true delight.

The inside of the restaurant has a modern and simple design, giving off a relaxed and comfortable vibe. On sunny days, you’ll see a few tables outside on the sidewalk, and the restaurant doors will be open. It’s a wonderful spot for either a romantic dinner or a lunch with a friend. The friendly staff and inviting ambiance add to the perfection of the experience.

9. Padella

Absolutely scrumptious, freshly made pasta and heavenly desserts served with the friendliest staff! That’s what this Michelin-starred Italian restaurant is about.

As you walk in, you’ll spot a QR code at the entrance for a virtual queue — super convenient. Padella has such an energetic vibe once you step inside. Don’t miss the mesmerizing open kitchen on the upper level, where they work their magic preparing the pasta.

Their menu options are spot-on, striking the perfect balance between variety and simplicity. You won’t find yourself drowning in a sea of choices, but you’ll still have plenty of delightful options for everyone’s taste. Sharing is caring here because the pastas are so divine that you’ll want to sample more than just one!

Starting off with a great selection of appetizers, they lead into an array of main pasta dishes that’s just lovely. And of course, there’s a tempting lineup of desserts to finish off your meal. Noteworthy mentions go to the tagliarini with Dorset crab, the tantalizing ravioli, the hearty pappardelle with beef shin ragu, and the heavenly choices of tiramisu and salted caramel & chocolate.

Don’t miss out on this culinary delight!

10. Noci

Noci, which means “walnut” in Italian, offers delightful homemade pasta, tasty regional street food-inspired snacks, and convenient cocktails on-tap. Here, the food is truly amazing, giving a modern twist to classic Italian cuisine.

Don’t miss their signature dish, the silk handkerchief pasta with egg – it’s light and refreshing. Their starters are stunning, and they have a wonderful dessert wine to wrap up your meal. The arancini are delicious, the tagliatelle with violet artichokes is fabulous, the cacio e pepe is mouthwatering, and the crunchy torta fritta lives up to its name. You won’t want to miss the fantastic veal and pork ragu either.

The service is great – friendly without making you engage in forced small talk. Noci’s dishes showcase creativity while paying homage to the Italian culinary tradition. And when it comes to drinks, you can’t go wrong with the yuzu and rhubarb spritz!

11. Trullo

Whether you own the Trullo cookbook by Tim Siadatan (and adore its recipes!) or not, get ready to be thrilled by the restaurant experience itself. From the moment your food is presented to you, you’ll notice the attention to detail that truly reflects Michelin-star quality.

Enjoy wonderfully unpretentious Italian cooking in a cozy upstairs room or a laid-back downstairs bar. The wine list is impressive, featuring simple yet delightful flavors. Don’t worry, there are no wrong choices here!

Indulge in fresh, delectable pasta while surrounded by a romantic and refined atmosphere. The desserts are equally delightful, but they’re generously sized, so consider sharing. The menu is concise and constantly evolving. Every dish is crafted with care and top-notch ingredients.

Whether it’s a dinner or a special occasion, this is a fantastic spot. You’ll receive friendly service from start to finish, and the ambiance suits any kind of event. Timeless favorites never disappoint!

12. Legare

Legare is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant in Bermondsey, situated just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Tower Bridge and a mere 10-minute walk from London Bridge. It’s a contemporary establishment that offers a polished and inviting atmosphere.

Legare takes pride in their wine and seasonal menus, which showcase delicious housemade pasta dishes. The menu changes regularly to feature the freshest seasonal antipasti and handcrafted pasta, prepared daily. When it comes to drinks, Legare’s wine list highlights bottles from small Italian producers.

The restaurant’s Michelin recommendation is truly well-deserved, as they consistently deliver exceptional flavors and top-notch quality. While their menu is small, each dish is a testament to high quality and craftsmanship. Some might find the prices a tad higher, but they are in line with the exceptional experience this Italian restaurant provides. The food is prepared right in front of you, offering an interesting twist on classic Italian dishes that are simply out of this world.

Legare’s attentive service ensures that you have a memorable dining experience. Make sure to save room for dessert – their cannoli is an absolute must-try and definitely worth the visit alone!