Hampstead, Italian Restaurant Guide

With its starched white tablecloths, this “comfortable” stalwart Italian, down a picturesque alley, has been a feature of central Hampstead since the 1980s. It has the strengths and weaknesses that can come with such territory, which includes “a real old-school Mediterranean menu” and professional service (which “can be a bit snotty”). But by and large it’s “maintained its quality”.

“So much more than just a tapas bar” – this basement hideaway at the foot of a handsome Georgian terrace, near picturesquely located St John-in-Hampstead church, boasts a serious and eclectic wine list and a focused menu of Spanish and Italian small and sharing plates.