A new trattoria is opening in Earls Court next week promising a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine, with pizzas and pastas served at a communal central table.

A Braccetto – meaning arm-in-arm or side-by-side – offers such contemporary flourishes as hand-crafted pasta, zero-waste pickled vegetables and organic wine. But more importantly, it is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple Italian food – “wholesome, honest, made with heart“.

The restaurant is founded by Luigi Lavarini, whose father Simone opened the first Spaghetti House restaurant (there are now nine of them) on Goodge Street in 1955 – with much the same ethos.

“Our family was part of the revolution that transformed London into becoming arguably the most exciting food city in the world,” Luigi says. “Back then, people simply fell in love with Italian food and culture – they still do today.”

A Braccetto’s signature dishes include pizza alla Romana with a thin, crispy base and a variety of toppings, and Orecchiette cime di rapa, starring Italian turnip tops cooked with Sicilian anchovies, chilli and lemon breadcrumbs.