Italian cuisine is incredibly tasty whether you’re having a pasta dish, pizza or anything else. It’s also a superb option to make at home because many dishes are easy to make and don’t require too many ingredients. Throughout the UK are a wide range of Italian restaurants that are ideal for families wishing to enjoy some stunning Mediterranean food. So, where are the best places to grab some authentic Italian food and just how easy is it to enjoy Italian dining at home? Read our helpful guide right here to discover everything there is to know about Italian restaurants and more.

Best Italian restaurants in the UK

In the UK, it’s incredibly easy to enjoy some Italian dining at reasonable prices. There are a number of restaurants to pick from all over the country, such as Bella Italia, ASK Italian, Pizza Hut and more.

In fact, with a tastecard subscription, you can get 2 for 1 at Zizzi for the whole family.

Whether you fancy a pasta dish with penne or spaghetti, or you’d prefer a pizza filled with delicious seasoning and flavours, there is something for everyone at these fantastic Italian restaurants.

Authentic Italian food

Classic Italian food can be enjoyable to create at home whether you’re making it yourself or with some help from a loved one. All of the fun and love can go into the dish, creating a flavoursome meal. What would you make, though? There are just so many options!

  • Pizza Napoletana
  • Lasagne
  • Rigatoni Carbonara
  • Spaghetti Bolognese
  • Mozzarella Meatball subs

Pizza Napoletana

When we think of authentic Italian food, we immediately think of pizza! With so many variations, toppings and flavours, is there anybody who doesn’t like pizza?

Pizza Napoletana is great for making at home. Also known as Naples-style pizza and is a style of pizza made with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. When made in Naples, the tomatoes must be either San Marzano or Pomodorino del Piennolo del Vesuvio. These grow on the volcanic plains near Mount Vesuvius. Of course, these could be quite difficult to get hold of in the UK so do your best when creating a delicious pizza at home for the family!

Lasagne

Lasagne is another famous dish from Italy. It originates from Naples in the Middle Ages. In fact, one of the first mentions of lasagne in the UK was in a 14th-century cookbook.

Depending on your tastebuds, you can make lasagne a few different ways. The most popular way of making it is with beef mince but you can make a purely vegetarian dish if you prefer!

Rigatoni alla Carbonara

If you’re after a heavy and protein-rich meal then try rigatoni alla carbonara. Rome’s speciality dish is made from pecorino cheese, pork cheek and raw organic eggs. Homemade rigatoni must be cooked to an exact point to be perfect and that is when it’s neither hard nor soft. Hitting this sweet spot is key to achieving a delicious carbonara dish!

Spaghetti Bolognese

This is one of the most popular Italian dishes in the UK and is also one of the easiest! The rest of the world calls it spaghetti bolognese, but the actual name of the famous authentic Italian food is ‘tagliatelle al ragu’.

The backstory to this delicious dish involves the shape of the tagliatelle being inspired by the curly hair of the 16th-century Italian noblewoman, Lucrezia Borgia. The ragu is made with finely chopped pieces of pork and beef, mixed with celery, carrots, onions tomato sauce and red wine.

Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top, bake some garlic bread for a side and you’ve got yourself a beautiful dish!

Mozzarella Meatball Subs

Fancy a quick bite to eat in the middle of the day? A meatball sub sandwich is a perfect choice for it! This quick meal is an American-Italian classic that’s great for providing you with a midday boost.

Filled with pork meatballs, and tomato sauce and drizzled with cheese, fill your stomach with this delightful dish. Choose a tasty bread and make this dish in minutes – perfect if you’re in a hurry.

The best UK Italian restaurants

Here are some of the very best locations to dine in for stunning Italian cuisine:

  • Mele e Pere
  • Palatino
  • Locanda Locatelli
  • Caldesi in Campagna

Mele e Pere

Found in Soho, Mele e Pere is a trendy venue with a vermouth bar and retro features. This restaurant aims to recreate a neighbourhood feel of northern Italy where its owners grew up. The menu changes daily with seasonal Italian and British ingredients used to craft authentic recipes.

Palatino

Famous London restauranteur, Stevie Parle, is behind this well-known Italian restaurant. Palatino serves exceptional Italian dishes in a modern setting. Full of classic dishes from back home, Palatino makes use of a rustic wood burner and stone oven in an open kitchen.

Most dishes are inspired by Rome with the fresh pasta of the day, and with rich meat dishes, such as roasted guinea fowl with wild mushrooms and dragoncello.

Locanda Locatelli

If you’re ever in the capital of England, pay a visit to Marylebone and you’ll find Locanda Locatelli. This beautiful eatery has been in place since 2002 and covers all regions of Italy in its dishes. You can also take your pick from an extensive selection of wines, cocktails and spirits alongside fresh pasta, fish and chicken dishes. If that’s not enough, enjoy a wide range of inventive desserts.

 

Caldesi in Campagna

If you’re ever in Bray, Caldesi in Campagna is a wonderful place to eat. Montepulciano-born owner Giancarlo Caldesi showcases regional Italian dishes with a focus on seasonal produce from the surrounding Berkshire countryside.

The restaurant offers Italian fine dining in a beautiful country setting, complete with a terrace that houses a wood-fired oven.