Stunning interiors and authentic Italian plates done right make up the charm of Chester's Piccolino. Every dish is cooked with care and meant to be paired with a world-class wine or a tipple from the cocktail bar. The alfresco terrace is perfect for dining on warmer days. Their multiple sites also cover Collingham and Surrey. 

If you're searching for 'best Italian restaurants in the UK near me', Wildwood is always a winner. With a huge menu covering all the classics, it's an affordable choice for hearty carb-loaded plates and cocktails. In addition to the London sites, you can find this trusty eatery in many locations including Nottingham, Bournemouth and Edinburgh. 

Riva Blu in Liverpool is a stylish outpost that's bound to become one of your favourites. The modern interiors make a great first impression, with incredible dishes – made from the finest ingredients – rounding off the flawless experience. Birmingham and Leeds are other locations to look out for, as well as a site that's considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Manchester city centre. 

The impressive qualities of Piazza Italiana don't stop at the grand interiors; this beautiful London outpost is trouncing the competition with dishes championing seasonal ingredients, and an award-winning sommelier taking you through the epic wine list. Foodie highlights include truffle pasta, lobster linguine and pretty much anything from the brunch menu. 

The famous Gino D'Acampo is maintaining his lovable reputation thanks to a restaurant chain that's easy to fall head over heels for. The Newcastle site sits pretty on the waterfront, donning a contemporary terrace perfect for alfresco dining with a view. Enjoy bespoke cocktails and dishes featuring gems from his cookbooks. This place also calls Liverpool and Leeds its home. 

Cardiff's Ciliegino blends Sicilian and Italian cuisine to create a quality menu that has something for everyone. As an eatery that promises food prepared by the finest chefs, and with the best ingredients, there's no way you won't be impressed by its offerings. If you've tried many tiramisus in your time, theirs may just take the top spot. 

Mayfair beauty Bocconcino is the place to go for an amped-up dining experience. Foodies will be overwhelmed with choice, thanks to a menu that features some incredible seafood and meat dishes. You can also gobble unlimited pizza and bubbles at brunch, as well as enjoy DJs and live music while you dine. One of best Italian restaurants in London? Hell yeah.

Soak up the rustic interiors of Chapter in Canterbury as you settle in for a cosy date night. With a menu championing wood-fired sourdough pizzas and super affordable desserts, there's no reason not to try this place out. They also offer a bottomless weekend brunch and happy hour cocktails throughout the week. 

Birmingham is lucky to have Otto on its pizzeria roster. They take slices super seriously – with only eight of them on the menu – all made from homemade dough and cooked in a custom oven. Keep things casual by pairing your dish with a local beer. 

Circolo Popolare is one of the best Italian restaurants in Central London (and the most Instagrammable, according to some). Expect OTT everything, from twinkly interiors, to incredible food and giant sharing cocktails served in ceramic strawberries. Make sure to end the night with their ridiculously tall lemon meringue pie. You'll also be blown away by sister sites Gloria and Jacuzzi. 

Residents of Bath will never tire of Sotto Sotto; this quirky, award-winning spot is concealed underground, hiding a myriad of foodie treasures from homemade fettuccine pasta to indulgent cuts of meat and the famous penne alla vodka. 

As one of the greatest Michelin star Italian restaurants in London, Luca is well worth a visit. You'll find rule-breaking plates to be enjoyed in the luxe dining area or leafy garden room. High-quality ingredients are the name of the game, alongside a vermouth-heavy cocktail menu featuring homemade limoncello.  

Praised for its quality with a Bib Gourmand award, we believe Brighton's Cin Cin is just as special as some of the top Michelin star Italian restaurants in the UK. Combining a homely atmosphere and mega comfort food, you'll get to relax while tucking into pasta, pork chops and specially selected sides. 

Thought of by Bristol-dwellers at the best Italian restaurant in the UK, Casa knows how to bring in the crowds. Understated interiors mean the spotlight is well and truly on the food. Each dish on the short menu is made with love, inside the open kitchen that allows diners to watch the magic happen from their seats.