Romantic Italian Restaurants In London

If food be the language of love, then there's one nation that speaks it more fluently than the rest. Italy is a country of homely cooking, excellent wines and sweep-you-off-your-feet romance, and while we can't bring you the azure blue seas or stunning backdrop of the Colosseum, London's most romantic Italian restaurants are a charming bunch. From candlelit tables to cosy little corners, we've rounded up the best eateries in the city come date night - because that's amore.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 22nd October 2025




Tosi Gorgonzola Bar

Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, Tosi Gorgonzola Bar is a stylish, intimate restaurant serving great wines and a menu of Italian delicacies. Whether you're after oysters in creamy gorgonzola gratin or rosemary charred butternut squash, your taste buds will thank you for visiting this beautiful venue.

Fellini

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With its intimate booths, candlelit tables, and a soundtrack of soft ambient music, Fellini is effortlessly romantic. Tucked away from the bustle of Kensington's main thoroughfares, it's a haven for couples looking to enjoy an authentic Italian meal in a setting that oozes charm.

The menu is designed for lingering, with dishes like spicy prawn linguine and creamy penne begging to be paired with a glass of velvety Chianti. Whether it's a first date or a special anniversary, Fellini offers the kind of old-school hospitality that makes every guest feel like a VIP.

Bricco e Bacco

Make your way to Fitzrovia to discover Bricco e Bacco, a stunning Sicilian restaurant that's decked out in bold red decor and sultry low lighting - ideal for date night. This place is owned by a family of Italian butchers, who have been running restaurants since 2003.

They use only the finest cuts of meat from around the world, prepared using bold Sicilian flavours for a unique dining experience. Choose from the likes of A5 Japanese wagyu or Spanish Black Angus, or meat-free options such as spaghetti puttanesca. Or if you really want to spoil your other half, treat them to a tasting menu for £130 per person.

Portobello Ristorante Pizzeria

Sitting pretty on Ladbroke Road in Notting Hill, Portobello Ristorante Pizzeria brings the finest Italian cuisine to one of London's most well-known neighbourhoods, Notting Hill. And if you're looking for romance akin to the famous rom-com? This place has it in droves, thanks to exposed brick, a cosy, rustic feel and an outdoor terrace too for a Mediterranean feel.

Take your date here to indulge in everything from wood-fired pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts to wood oven-roasted monkfish wrapped in pancetta and charcoal-grilled sirloin steak.

IL Bacino

For an intimate Italian dining experience in London, IL Bacino offers the perfect mix of cosy ambience and delicious cuisine. Nestled near Tobacco Dock, its inviting terrace sets a romantic backdrop with twinkling lights and fresh air.

Share classic dishes like Caprese salad, pan-fried prawns, or wood-fired focaccia while soaking up the charming Wapping setting - ideal for couples seeking a memorable date night.

Noci Islington

Looking for a romantic Italian evening in London? Noci Islington pairs a buzzy, light-filled setting with intimate tables perfect for date nights. Begin with burrata with broad beans, peas, and dill oil, then share veal and pork Genovese ragu or strozzapreti with creamed courgettes.

Finish with a cocktail like a green chilli and mango margarita while enjoying the buzz of Islington Green. With sister restaurants in RichmondShoreditch, and Battersea, Noci makes it easy to find your perfect Italian escape, whether for a first date or a special occasion.

40 Dean Street

Located in the lively district of Soho, 40 Dean Street is a charming Italian restaurant that invites guests to enjoy homemade pasta like linguine with seafood and pappardelle with beef and tomato ragu and other classic Italian dishes.

With its cosy, candlelit setting, it offers a relaxing and intimate environment for lunch or dinner. Whether you're seeking a casual meal or a place to celebrate, this family-run gem combines exceptional service with delicious, traditional Italian flavours.

64 Old Compton Street

64 Old Compton Street is your go-to for a fun, casual night out in Soho with a hint of Italian romance. With a mix of comfort and sophistication, this restaurant offers a great ambience for everyone.

Whether you're celebrating or enjoying a quiet evening together, it's a wonderful choice for delicious food like tiger prawn linguine or gooey pizza, refreshing drinks, and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

Osteria Italiana

Need to knock your next date night out of the park? Head to Osteria Italiana in this beautifully hidden corner of Highgate. Get romantic over risotto and pair sensational wine with woodfired pizzas, all served with a side of traditional Italian hospitality. 

Take your time with the bill. The tiramisu and chocolate millefoglie isn't going to eat itself. 

Ave Mario

Ave Mario is the Big Mamma Group's Covent Garden outpost, promising all the thrill of their other venues. Expect bold red interiors and huge mirrors lining the walls, as well as stunning floral displays throughout.

Their menu changes on a monthly basis, but you can expect the favourites to remain - from their cacio e pepe served in a giant parmesan wheel to delicious Neapolitan pizzas and their iconic six-inch lemon meringue pie.

Dear Jackie

Beneath Broadwick Soho, Dear Jackie glows like a secret rendezvous: all red silk, chintz upholstery and soft, flattering light. It's pure Italian romance.

On the plate, Harry Faddy's menu celebrates Italian classics with a modern touch: stracciatella with black figs and mint, duck ravioli with black truffle, and lobster risotto infused with Champagne and Amalfi lemon. Add a glass of Italian wine, and it poses as one of Soho's most enchanting date-night spots - glamorous, intimate and steeped in la dolce vita.

Sale E Pepe

Tucked away in the heart of Knightsbridge, Sale e Pepe has been a beloved Italian institution since 1974, recently reimagined with a luxurious new look that brings a refined taste of La Dolce Vita to London. With its softly lit tables, elegant interiors, and stylish cocktail bar, it's a dream setting for a romantic evening, perfect for long conversations over wine and candlelight.

Rooted in the warm, communal spirit of Italian dining, the menu is made for sharing. Signature dishes like paccheri alla vodka and linguine vongole e bottarga offer rich, comforting flavours, while classics such as vitello alla nilanese and grilled dover sole make for an unforgettable meal. Don't skip the decadent tiramisu - the perfect sweet note to end your night.

Trullo

Want to wow your other half with traditional Italian cooking in stylish surrounds? Then head to Trullo, a favourite in the Islington area that has been around since 2010. This relaxed, charming destination is filled with rustic decor, as well as natural light from the large windows.

Their menu changes on a daily basis, though they've always got a 40-day-aged Hereford T-bone for two that you can share. Prepared in an open kitchen, you'll also find the likes of handmade pasta and charcoal-frilled dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

Cipriani London

Located in the heart of Mayfair, Cipriani is a beloved Italian restaurant that's owned by the same family as the legendary Harry's Bar in Venice. The timeless destination is filled with glossy wooden furnishings and old black-and-white photos, with crisp white linen tablecloths adding to its elegance.

The menu changes often, though it always features indulgent Italian favourites. Think decadent dishes like veal ragu tagliardi, tuna tartare and aubergine parmigiana, paired with a variety of fine wines.

Brutto

Having earned itself a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its top quality Italian fare, Brutto is an intimate restaurant in the heart of Farringdon. This was founded by the late Russell Norman, the man behind Polpo, featuring red-and-white gingham tablecloths and vintage wall art.

This place is all about authentic Tuscan dining, evoking the spirit of Florence - perfect for a romantic night out. Tuck into the likes of tagliatelle with meat sauce, sliced rare beef or rabbit and lemon pappardelle - paired with affordable wine and cocktails.