Absolutely rounds up the best pasta restaurants in London…
By Abbie Schofield
Pasta is the hero of Italian cooking. Comforting, quick and delicious when paired with the right sauce, pasta is a dish many of us enjoy to cook in our own homes. But the humble pasta restaurant should not be overlooked – with some fantastic eateries creating innovative recipes and delicate handmade dough, all whilst providing a first class service, Londoners are spoiled for choice with pastarias. Here are Absolutely’s picks of the best pasta restaurants in London.
Padella, London Bridge
If you’ve ever ventured to London Bridge around 5pm, you’ll have noticed Padella; the unassuming pastaria at the edge of Borough market often has queues 20 people plus deep – and for good reason. Their fresh pasta dishes are affordable, authentic, and most importantly, delicious. The simple pici cacio & pepe and the rich pappardelle with beef shin ragu are dishes not to be missed.
Pasta dishes from £4, padella.co
La Tagliata, Fitzrovia
Combine fine dining with family recipes and seasonal ingredients and you have La Tagliata. A sophisticated restaurant which encourages taking your time over each course, the pasta menu features well-loved classics like tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and truffle oil and linguine with fresh crab, chilli and garlic. Bellissimo.
Pasta dishes from £13.50, la-tagliata.com
Berto, Holloway Road
North London’s new kid on the block Berto serves intricately handcrafted pasta with both traditional and inventive sauces. For a classic comforting dish, try the fettuccine with zucchini and tomato, and the more adventurous types should opt for the tagliatelle with white rabbit ragu, capers and black paesane olives. With gluten free and vegan pasta available upon request, Berto will satisfy every member of your WhatsApp group.
Pasta dishes from £8, berto.uk
Enoteca Rosso, Kensington
Self-declared ‘food and wine experience’ Enoteca Rosso prides itself on its selection of Italian wines, from hidden gems to familiar favourites. The menu changes depending on produce and the season, but their autumnal pasta offerings include gnocchi rossi – made with dried tomatoes – basil veluché and burrata, and pink beetroot spaghetti with peas, broad beans and cauliflower.
Small pasta dishes from £7, enotecarosso.com
Pasta Nostra, Old Street
A recently new carb-haven is Pasta Nostra which opened last summer. Traditional Italian eats and freshly made pasta make up a simple menu with excellently curated flavours. The tortello carbonara with crispy cured pork cheek is a winner and for vegetarians the orecchiette al pesto is delightful. Pasta Nostra also boasts an espresso bar serving Italian roasted coffee, the perfect accompaniment to a sicillian cannolo.
Pasta dishes from £7, pastanostralondon.com
Bancone, Charing Cross
At Bancone, meaning ‘counter’ in Italian, guests have the choice of sitting at the dining bar to watch the chefs in action in the open plan kitchen, all whilst sampling exceptional pasta creations. Not only does Bancone have an electric atmosphere, but it is surprisingly affordable. Dishes on the menu include silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and confit egg yolk, and bucatini with brown shrimp and seaweed butter.
Pasta dishes from £9, bancone.co.uk
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