Menu

The 16 Best Italian Restaurants in Covent Garden, London

When it comes to authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of London, Covent Garden is definitely the place to be. With a plethora of options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect spot for a delicious meal. Thankfully, we have compiled a list of the best Italian restaurants in Covent Garden, London to help you make your decision easier.

Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends, the Italian restaurants in Covent Garden have something for everyone. Get ready to indulge in mouthwatering pasta, flavorful pizzas, and decadent desserts at these top-rated establishments.

Our method for this guide

The order here is based on merit: a business that focuses on this work and has a solid reputation ranks above one that only offers it on the side.

Featured positions are clearly marked and only offered to businesses that already earned their place in the guide.

Top 3Complete listMapHow to pick one

Browse 16 local options

Ave Mario, London#1
Notable strengths
  • Truffle pasta

  • Pizza

  • Cocktails and wine

Ave Mario

4.814,233 reviews
15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QG, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Pasta and pizza dinners

Truffle pasta and pizza feature at Ave Mario, with cocktails and wine available alongside the food. The setting is casual, cosy and romantic, making it an option for a relaxed lunch or a dinner for two when the atmosphere matters as much as the choice of dishes.

Bella Italia - Wellington Street, London#2
Notable strengths
  • Vegetarian options

  • Breakfast and brunch

  • Cocktails and desserts

Bella Italia - Wellington Street

4.54,416 reviews
28 Wellington St, London WC2E 7PS, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Italian meals with vegetarian choices

Bella Italia on Wellington Street covers breakfast and brunch through to lunch and dinner, with desserts also on the menu. Vegetarian options give diners a useful point of choice, while coffee, cocktails and beer cater for different occasions, from an early meal to an evening gathering in a casual setting.

Sartori, London#3
Notable strengths
  • Southern Italian cooking

  • Fresh pasta

  • Vegetarian small plates

Sartori

4.42,922 reviews
15 Great Newport St, London WC2H 7JE, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Southern Italian family meals

Southern Italian cooking is the focus at Sartori, with fresh pasta, small plates and vegetarian options among the choices. Beer and wine accompany the food, and the casual setting suits families and groups, whether the plan is a quick bite or a longer meal around the table.

Prima Sapori d'Italia, London#4
Notable strengths
  • Gnocchi and focaccia

  • Vegan and vegetarian options

  • Catering available

Prima Sapori d'Italia

4.4884 reviews
Tavistock St, London WC2E 7PG, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Groups with mixed dietary preferences

Gnocchi and focaccia are among the dishes at Prima Sapori d'Italia, alongside small plates and choices for vegan and vegetarian diners. Lunch, dinner and desserts are available in a setting that welcomes families and groups, while catering offers another way to use the restaurant for a gathering.

ROSSODISERA @ Covent Garden, London#5
Notable strengths
  • Rabbit ragu pasta

  • Carbonara

  • Lunch and dinner

ROSSODISERA @ Covent Garden

4.4550 reviews
5 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9DA, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Pasta in a rustic setting

Rabbit ragu and carbonara give pasta diners two specific reasons to consider ROSSODISERA in Covent Garden. Rustic decor and a cosy atmosphere shape the setting, with lunch, dinner and dessert available for a meal with friends or family, or simply an occasion centred on a plate of pasta.

Rossopomodoro Covent Garden, London#6
Notable strengths
  • Neapolitan pizza with soft dough

  • Pasta dishes

  • Vegan and vegetarian choices

Rossopomodoro Covent Garden

4.32,470 reviews
50-52 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EP, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Pizza with mixed dietary needs

Neapolitan pizza with soft dough is a particular feature at Rossopomodoro Covent Garden, alongside pasta dishes and vegan and vegetarian choices. The casual dining room accommodates families and groups, making it a useful option when people at the same table want different dishes from an Italian menu.

Bella Italia - St Martins Lane, London#7
Notable strengths
  • Brunch through dinner

  • Cocktails

  • Healthy menu options

Bella Italia - St Martins Lane

4.22,408 reviews
70 St Martin's Ln, London WC2E 9AX, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Family and group meals

Bella Italia on St Martins Lane serves meals from brunch through to dinner, with healthy options and cocktails among its offerings. Families, groups and LGBTQ+ guests are welcomed, and the warm atmosphere gives the restaurant a setting for getting together over an Italian meal at different times of day.

Fumo by San Carlo, London#8
Notable strengths
  • Italian small plates

  • Sharing menu

  • Lunch, dinner and dessert

Fumo by San Carlo

4.22,239 reviews
37 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ER, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Sharing a pre-theatre meal

Italian small plates set the format at Fumo by San Carlo, where the menu is designed for sharing rather than choosing a single main dish each. Lunch, dinner and dessert are available, with wine alongside the food and a cosy, romantic setting for a meal before the theatre or an evening together.

Cicchetti by San Carlo, London#9
Notable strengths
  • Pancetta and spinach risotto

  • Pasta and pizza

  • Italian small plates

Cicchetti by San Carlo

4.22,171 reviews
30 Wellington St, London WC2E 7BD, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Small plates and risotto

Small plates, pasta and pizza form part of the menu at Cicchetti by San Carlo, with pancetta and spinach risotto another specific dish to consider. Cocktails and wine accompany the food, while the casual, cosy atmosphere lends itself to a group meal or an evening for two.

Pasta Brown, London#10
Notable strengths
  • Italian cooking

  • Lunch and dinner

  • Desserts

Pasta Brown

4.21,840 reviews
31-32 Bedford St, London WC2E 9ED, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Casual Italian family meals

Pasta Brown serves Italian food at lunch and dinner, with desserts available to finish the meal. Its casual, cosy atmosphere suits families, and the restaurant also welcomes LGBTQ+ diners, making it an option for a relaxed get-together where the focus is on sitting down to eat together.

Cafe Murano Covent Garden, London#11
Notable strengths
  • Italian cuisine

  • Covent Garden location

Cafe Murano Covent Garden

4.2786 reviews
36 Tavistock St, London WC2E 7PB, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Italian meals in Covent Garden

Italian cuisine is the focus at Cafe Murano Covent Garden, with a welcoming atmosphere for a casual meal or a special occasion. Reservations can be made through its website or by telephone, giving diners a way to arrange a visit to the London restaurant in advance.

La Goccia, Italian Restaurant in Covent Garden, London#12
Notable strengths
  • Wood oven-cooked chicken

  • Pesto pasta and gnocchi

  • Mackerel croquettes

La Goccia, Italian Restaurant in Covent Garden

4.1961 reviews
2 Floral St, London WC2E 9FB, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Tapas-style Italian dining

La Goccia serves tapas-style Italian dishes, with pesto pasta, gnocchi and mackerel croquettes among the choices. Wood oven-cooked chicken adds another option beyond pasta, while the cosy, upmarket setting and outdoor seating offer different surroundings for a romantic dinner or a casual get-together in Covent Garden.

L'ulivo Strand, London#13
Notable strengths
  • Two-course menu

  • Vegan and vegetarian options

  • Near theatres

L'ulivo Strand

4.1182 reviews
409 Strand, London WC2R 0NS, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Pre-theatre Italian meals

A two-course menu and a location near theatres make L'ulivo Strand an option for a pre-theatre meal. Vegan and vegetarian choices sit alongside its other Italian offerings, with lunch, dinner and desserts available, plus catering for occasions that call for food beyond a visit to the restaurant.

Zizzi, London#14
Notable strengths
  • Chorizo carbonara

  • Half-and-half pizza

  • Outdoor seating

Zizzi

4.01,521 reviews
20 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Pizza with two topping choices

Chorizo carbonara and half-and-half pizza are two specific choices on Zizzi's Italian menu, giving pasta and pizza diners a starting point. The atmosphere is casual and cosy, with a romantic feel also described, while outdoor seating provides another setting for a meal when a table outside appeals.

La Ballerina Covent Garden, London#15
Notable strengths
  • Pasta dishes

  • Brunch and dinner

  • Speciality alcoholic drinks

La Ballerina Covent Garden

4.0874 reviews
7-8 Bow St, London WC2E 7AH, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Pasta dinners or brunch

Pasta dishes are part of the offering at La Ballerina Covent Garden, which serves brunch as well as dinner. A warm atmosphere and speciality alcoholic drinks give diners further points to consider when choosing somewhere for a cosy evening meal or a daytime get-together with friends.

Spaghetti House, London#16
Notable strengths
  • Bolognese and carbonara

  • Pizza and arancini

  • Vegetarian options

Spaghetti House

3.81,928 reviews
24 Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AB, United Kingdom
Recommended for
Central Italian group meals

Bolognese, carbonara, pizza and arancini are among the choices at Spaghetti House, with garlic bread and vegetarian options also available. Its central location and casual, cosy setting suit families and groups, while cocktails and coffee give diners a choice of drinks to accompany their Italian meal.

The main points in one table

#BusinessRatingReviewsRecommended for
#1Ave Mario 4.814,233Pasta and pizza dinners
#2Bella Italia - Wellington Street 4.54,416Italian meals with vegetarian choices
#3Sartori 4.42,922Southern Italian family meals
#4Prima Sapori d'Italia 4.4884Groups with mixed dietary preferences
#5ROSSODISERA @ Covent Garden 4.4550Pasta in a rustic setting
#6Rossopomodoro Covent Garden 4.32,470Pizza with mixed dietary needs
#7Bella Italia - St Martins Lane 4.22,408Family and group meals
#8Fumo by San Carlo 4.22,239Sharing a pre-theatre meal
#9Cicchetti by San Carlo 4.22,171Small plates and risotto
#10Pasta Brown 4.21,840Casual Italian family meals
#11Cafe Murano Covent Garden 4.2786Italian meals in Covent Garden
#12La Goccia, Italian Restaurant in Covent Garden 4.1961Tapas-style Italian dining
#13L'ulivo Strand 4.1182Pre-theatre Italian meals
#14Zizzi 4.01,521Pizza with two topping choices
#15La Ballerina Covent Garden 4.0874Pasta dinners or brunch
#16Spaghetti House 3.81,928Central Italian group meals

Do you manage a business?

Add or manage my business

Map of Italian Restaurants in Covent Garden, London

Indulge in some authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of London's Covent Garden. With a plethora of mouth-watering options to choose from in this vibrant neighborhood, you'll be sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious pasta, pizza, and other Italian delights. Use the map below to discover the best Italian restaurants Covent Garden has to offer. Buon appetito! View Ranking

Choosing Italian Restaurants in London

  1. Authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients.
  2. Cozy and inviting atmosphere.
  3. Excellent service from knowledgeable staff.
  4. Wide selection of wines to complement your meal.
  5. Convenient location in the bustling area of Covent Garden.

Frequent questions

Why are Italian restaurants in Covent Garden so popular?

Italian restaurants in Covent Garden are popular because of their authentic culinary experience. They offer a wide variety of delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients. Additionally, the cozy and inviting atmosphere of these restaurants creates the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. Many Italian restaurants in Covent Garden also have excellent wine selections to complement their dishes. Overall, these establishments have captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike with their exceptional food and warm hospitality.

What types of Italian cuisine can be found in Covent Garden?

Italian restaurants in Covent Garden offer a diverse range of traditional dishes from various regions of Italy. You can find pasta dishes such as spaghetti carbonara and linguine alle vongole, as well as pizza with a variety of toppings. Other popular Italian dishes found in Covent Garden include risotto, antipasti, and tiramisu for dessert. Some restaurants also offer regional specialties like Sicilian arancini or Venetian seafood dishes.

What are some recommended Italian restaurants in Covent Garden?

For those looking for a high-end dining experience, Bancone is a popular choice known for its fresh pasta dishes and chic ambiance. Clos Maggiore is another top choice for romantic dinners with its cozy atmosphere and extensive wine list. If you're in the mood for traditional Neapolitan pizza, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a must-visit. For a taste of modern Italian cuisine, Frenchie Covent Garden offers a unique dining experience with innovative dishes and a relaxed vibe.

Can I find vegetarian and vegan options in Italian restaurants in Covent Garden?

Yes, many Italian restaurants in Covent Garden offer vegetarian and vegan options on their menus. You can find vegetable-based pasta dishes, salads, and antipasti that cater to these dietary preferences. Some restaurants also offer vegan cheese as a substitute on pizzas, as well as plant-based desserts like vegan tiramisu. Be sure to check with the restaurant beforehand or ask your server for specific dietary requirements.

More to compare