Italian Restaurants in Oxshott
1. Sale e Pepe
Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge
9-15 Pavilion Road - SW1
Retired maître d’ Tony and his team created an atmosphere that was “mad, crowded, noisy yet still great fun” at this fifty-year-old Trattoria (est. 1974), long known for providing relatively good value for somewhere not far from the back door of Harrods. In February 2023, it was taken over by The Thesleff Group, whose press release promises ‘a revitalised energy and subtle changes’ to this old groover, which includes a trendified menu. No reports from the old regulars as yet on the new regime so we’ve left it un-rated for the time being.
2. Il Pampero
Italian restaurant in Kensington and Chelsea
20 Chesham Place - SW1X
2022 Review: A short walk from Sloane Street, this elegantly panelled Belgravia dining room is part of a luxurious five-star hotel. Perhaps because it’s tucked away in such an expensive ’hood, it doesn’t generate a huge volume of survey feedback, but such as there is says it successfully sets a superior standard of Italian cuisine.
3. Signor Sassi
Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge
14 Knightsbridge Green - SW1
2023 Review: Near Harrods, this Italian of 35 years’ standing is recently part of the San Carlo brand, but fits well into the glamorous, traditional mould of that Manchester-based group. “The food can be excellent, but is also erratic at times.”
4. Enoteca Turi
Italian restaurant in Pimlico
87 Pimlico Road - SW1
“The personal touch is invaluable” at Giuseppe & Pamela Turi’s “thriving” and “very confident” Italian stalwart, which “has gone from strength to strength since moving from Putney to Pimlico in 2015, and is always full” (often of long-term customers, who “happily make the trek” into the centre of town). “If Italian wine is your thing, this is the place to go”: Giuseppe’s all-Italian list is a “masterpiece in its own right” and even if “a ton of money is sometimes required, the vintages are not expensive for what they are”. To match it: “refined cooking, with classics, specials, and seasonal variations, reflecting the team’s heritage”. It’s a “grown-up” and “very confident experience, without bowing to fashion” – “the Turis be found at the restaurant every day, and there is always a smile to welcome you”. BREAKING NEWS – In August 2023, the Turis announced their retirement, thus rendering the above entry otiose. A month later, just before we went to press, experienced restaurateur, Dominic Ford, and Liberty Wines owner, David Gleave, were announced as the new patrons. Much of the team remains in place, as does the cellar. But – as our read feedback clearly demonstrates – this whole enterprise has always been a supremely personal one and the Turis will be a hard act to follow. We’ve maintained its rating (but taking service down a notch, reflecting the very personal style of the founders).
5. Caraffini
Italian restaurant in Pimlico
61-63 Lower Sloane Street - SW1
“Still as popular with its regular clientele as ever” – this “civilised old-favourite” near Sloane Square “doesn’t change much”, to the relief of its massive, silver-haired following (“you could do away with the menu, as all the customers know exactly what they will order before they arrive. It’ll be the same as they’ve been ordering for the last 25 years!”). The traditional, “comfort-Italian” food is “reliable”, but it’s the “extremely courteous service and wonderful greeting” that really carries the day. Top Menu Tip – “best calves’ liver in London”.
6. Clarke’s
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
124 Kensington Church Street - W8
“Terrific ingredients, cleverly but unfussily combined” has long been the hallmark of Sally Clarke’s “impeccably run restaurant” in Notting Hill, which has been at the cutting edge of promoting seasonal, Californian-inspired cuisine since 1984. “It’s on the pricey side, but quality remains superb”; the setting is “romantic”; and the service, from a loyal and seemingly well-looked-after contingent of staff is “excellent, all overseen by Sally herself”. The “marvellous” wine list has an “unusual emphasis on North American wines” and some “reasonably priced alternatives to famous names”. Top Tip – “the good-value daily lunch set menu is a fantastic way to try this restaurant out”.
7. Cent Anni
Italian restaurant in Merton
33 High Street - SW19
“Standing out from the chain restaurants in the area, this vibrant Italian-inspired restaurant in the heart of Wimbledon Village” has a big fan club drawn from neighbouring postcodes. The more cautious view is that “it’s nothing spectacular but the food standard is reliable with some good mid-week deals”.
8. A Cena
Italian restaurant in Twickenham
418 Richmond Road - TW1
With its “traditional tablecloths and a sense of comfort”, this “really strong and inventive neighbourhood Italian” close to Richmond Bridge in St Margaret’s appeals to a broad local constituency – “you can tell because it can be hard to get a table!”. The food is “always a treat” – and “the menu changes regularly, which makes eating here frequently even more of a pleasure”.
9. Al Boccon di’vino
Italian restaurant in Richmond
14 Red Lion Street - TW9
2021 Review: “Always a surprise” – you get what you’re given (there’s no menu choice) at chef Riccardo Grigolo’s set-price Venetian feast in Richmond: an unqualified delight, with multiple courses of “amazing, delicious food” and “excellent service”, creating “an atmosphere rarely found elsewhere”.
10. Bacco
Italian restaurant in Richmond
39-41 Kew Rd - TW9
“An excellent venue for a meal before a performance at Richmond Theatre” – this “good value” Italian restaurant near the station has long been a mainstay of the area. Top Tips – set menus are a feature for lunch and pre-theatre, and the wine list is extensive.
11. Al Forno
Pizza restaurant in Putney
349 Upper Richmond Rd - SW15
2021 Review: These “buzzing family-run Italians” in southwest London create “an exceptional atmosphere” for large parties of all ages – and “they won’t break the bank”. “Despite the celebratory brouhaha, they produce a very respectable menu of traditional dishes – fish stew, duck, pizza on demand” – “even the veggies are catered for”. “Expect noise and old people dancing.”
12. Riva
Italian restaurant in Barnes
169 Church Rd - SW13
“Really special cooking” – “simple, seasonal northern Italian dishes with excellent daily specials” – has won a star-studded following amongst food writers for Andreas Riva’s Barnes fixture of over 30 years standing (Fay Maschler, Nigella Lawson and the late AA Gill have all cited it as a favourite). The uninitiated sometimes find its attractions pass them by and even fans admit that the “ambience, while OK, could do with a bit of a spruce up”. “This is such an iconic restaurant” for its fan club though that all is easily forgiven – “I keep coming back year in year out and the quality of the food has not diminished and speaks for itself. Looking forward to our next meal already!”
13. Pappa Ciccia
Italian restaurant in Fulham
41 Fulham High St - SW6
2021 Review: “The best pizza in the area” – “thin, very tasty” and in “large” portions – wins fans for this “friendly” family-owned trio that has built a solid following in Fulham and Putney over two decades. SW15 is primarily take-out and delivery (but has some outside seating).
14. Nuovi Sapori
Italian restaurant in Fulham
295 New King’s Rd - SW6
Small and family-owned, this “always reliable quality Italian” near Parsons Green wins consistently high ratings for its “friendly service” and “cheerful ambience”.
15. Pappa Ciccia
Italian restaurant in Fulham
105 Munster Rd - SW6
2021 Review: “The best pizza in the area” – “thin, very tasty” and in “large” portions – wins fans for this “friendly” family-owned trio that has built a solid following in Fulham and Putney over two decades. SW15 is primarily take-out and delivery (but has some outside seating).
16. The River Café
Italian restaurant in Hammersmith
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd - W6
“Just keeping on delivering outstanding quality, year after year, with the highest-quality seasonal Italian food that’s not over-elaborate” – Ruth Rogers’ iconic Thames-side café in an obscure Hammersmith backstreet remains one of the most talked-about destinations in our annual diners’ poll. Since its debut in 1987, it has helped drive culinary fashion. “They take the best fresh ingredients and the open-plan kitchen allows you to watch them work their magic” – an “exceptional” ingredient-led approach that’s now practically ubiquitous in top kitchens. And it popularised the idea that top-notch food can be enjoyed in a “casual” setting, without flunkies and flummery: the bright, “noisy”, “packed-in” space having originally been created as the canteen for her late husband’s architectural practice (it helps that “it has a gorgeous riverside setting, especially outside on the terrace on a summer’s day”). But, “while it’s simply great, my God, do you pay for that simplicity”. Yet again, it tops our list of ‘most overpriced’ restaurants as its “absurd prices seem to be multiplied by the number of years it has been open”. As always our reporters have mixed feelings on this question of value. Some are unquestioning (“it’s expensive, but you never feel ripped off”). For others, it’s a struggle (“it never disappoints… so long as the heart attack when you get the bill doesn’t end the evening prematurely”). And this year, those who “find it increasingly difficult to justify the expense” are gaining ground, particularly as the “beautiful” servers have seemed “very flakey” or “impersonal” on numerous occasions this year. “If you live near an airport, consider a day trip to Milan for lunch instead: it would work out cheaper…”. Top Tip – “the winter weekday lunch is absolutely fantastic value and so delicious”.
17. Numero Uno
Italian restaurant in Battersea
139 Northcote Road - SW11
“Engaging service” is the strong suit at this “solid neighbourhood Italian” that has been a fixture on Clapham’s Northcote Road for many years. The menu offers “no surprises”, but the cooking is “more than adequate”.
18. Bravi Ragazzi
Pizza restaurant in Streatham
2a Sunnyhill Road - SW16
“Excellent Neapolitan sourdough pizza” has carved a legendary reputation for Andrea Asciuti’s cult Streatham pitstop, to which aficionados journey from far and wide. He also runs 081 Pizzeria – see also.
19. Tarantella Ristorante Pizzeria
Italian restaurant in
4 Elliot Rd - W4
2022 Review: A “lovely local” near Turnham Green, this “family-owned Italian” is “tiny but with terrific food and atmosphere”. There’s a good range of pizzas but the Puglian dishes are what makes it special.
20. Made in Italy
Italian restaurant in Wandsworth
59 Northcote Rd - SW11
“The sourdough base is slow-fermented for 48 hours”, and there’s “a great selection of toppings (but you can’t beat any with the burrata heart – so creamy, so addictive!”) at these rustic venues in Chelsea and Battersea.
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