Foodie finds: My fave London pasta restaurants
I - like every other good, millenial gal - am obsessed with pasta. Not just reliably delicious and comforting, as the chameleon of the culinary scene it also works seamlessly across social occasions. Whether the basis of a business lunch, a catch up with the girls (no doubt made effervescent with Prosecco), or a leisurely date night, you really can't go wrong with a good pasta spot.
It goes without saying that the absolute best pasta will always be found in its motherland! But, happily for us London-dwellers, in recent years the capital has been flooded with new openings serving fresh pasta which truly rivals that you'll get in Italy. Here are my top picks for where to find the best pasta in London. Coincidentally they're all pretty affordable, too!
Manteca (Shoreditch)
Not just my favourite pasta restaurant, but one of my current fave restaurants overall, I will literally sing the praises of Manteca to anyone I meet. The food is so, so good and the wine list is pretty great too. Serving up traditional classics with a twist, everything I've had off the menu (and I visit a lot, given my office is literally minutes away!) has been excellent. Make sure you book a few weeks in advance for a good reservation time.
My order: the ragu with crispy pig skin, nduja steamed mussels and crab cacio e pepe are unreal – but you really can't go wrong here.
Lina Stores (several locations)
I'll admit that part of the reason I visit Lina Stores so much is for the convenience – there are branches in some of the areas I frequently hang out in (the City; Marylebone; King's Cross). But the pasta is also always reliably great, the interiors are gorgeous (the duck-egg blue banquettes have become iconic), the atmosphere is laid back, and the prices are great. It's now a real go-to for me, particularly for a last-minute dinner, as you'll normally find a booking if you check across their various locations.
My order: I always get the pici all norcina – a deliciously creamy sausage & mushroom pasta – the duck ragu, and the truffle tagliolini.
Padella (Borough, Shoreditch)
I'm sure this place needs little introduction to most, but, just in case… Padella is the spot that sort of launched the concept of casual, affordable and authentic pasta (or at least, heavily popularised it) in London. The portions are super generous and the prices pretty unbelievable. The original Borough spot operates a virtual queue but in very welcome news, you can make reservations at the newer Shoreditch site. You'll need to do that well in advance!
My order: the perfect balance of soft and chewy, the pici cacio e pepe here is legendary. I also adore the beef shin pappardelle.
Pastaio (Soho)
Pastaio wins the award for best location; it’s super handy for a reliably tasty bite to eat in the West End – which is an area that I've found can be really hit and miss. There's a great selection of classic pasta dishes and antipasti here, and while the interiors are very pared-back, the prices are also streamlined, which is a welcome change for tourist-y Soho! Definitely one to have on your list for when you're in central.
My order: I've had some really great burrata here and – sorry to be predictable, but – yet more cacio e pepe…
Bancone (Covent Garden, Mayfair)
Another gem in central London, Bancone is probably the smartest on the list in terms of interiors and ambience. The cocktails are excellent, and the delicious pasta dishes feature really innovative flavour combinations. It's a great date night spot - plus you're perfectly placed for (more) cocktails and dancing, afterwards!
My order: the silk handkerchiefs are the stuff of legend – don't miss them!