Luxury Italian Restaurants

Italians are renowned for making the most of lunchtimes, often spending hours savouring their food.

And the reason is simple: because it's so good!

It's no secret that Italians love their pizza and pasta, but you may be surprised at how the best Italian restaurants can transform these simple, traditional recipes into innovative, contemporary creations.

Dolada

Enjoy authentic and beautifully-presented Italian food accompanied by immaculate service at Dolada. The Mayfair venue opened in February 2009, as a sister restaurant to Ristorante Albergo Dolada, a boutique hotel with a Michelin one-star restaurant nestled on the slopes of Dolada Mountain in Pieve d’Alpago, Italy. If you're a grappa fan, make sure you check out their large selection!

Brunello

This impeccable Italian restaurant in the Baglioni Hotel ships its ingredients over from Italy itself - and you can't get more authentic than that. Head chef Andrea Vercelli then works his magic on the fresh pasta, meat, seafood and finest olive oil, preparing classic Italian dishes of the highest quality.

Cecconi

When designer Ilse Crawford set about creating Cecconi's in Mayfair, her objective was simple: to make it the perfect place for a date. The smart interior combines 1930s, Cotton Club glamour with black-and-white-striped Venetian flooring and green-leather seating. The menu is remarkably healthy, with lots of salads and light options, as well as classic meat and fish dishes.

Locanda Locatelli

The Italians are fine purveyors of luxury interior styling, and they wouldn't be disappointed with what design honcho David Collins has done to Locanda Locatelli. The look is sleek, sexy and modern, with cream-leather banquettes, mirrors and low lighting. And if you can't get enough of its fresh and simple recipes, you can buy the book and create them at home.

River Café

It's unlikely you would ever get bored at this converted warehouse, as the River Café menu changes twice a day! Not that you could ever tire of watching the boats drift along the Thames as you tuck into yummy favourites like chargrilled squid with fresh chilli and rocket, and the famous Chocolate Nemesis.

Zafferano

Award-winning Michelin Star restaurant Zafferano opened in Belgravia in 1995. The restaurant has an informal feel, with two rustic rooms and casual furniture, which encourages you to relax and enjoy the fine food. The menu features Italian delights such as tortellini in clear broth; homemade pasta with crab, courgettes and chilli; and ever-popular tiramisu.