Five of the best places to carb load in London this winter

Italy’s most famous dish is having a moment after the clean eating movement

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

What could be better than a cosy bowl of pasta over the colder and darker months? Here we tell you about our five favourite places in London for pasta.

Padella, SE1

If you hate queuing, this one’s not for you. But it’s worth it to see the team behind Trullo roll out sheets of pasta in the marble-decked window, for the eight-dish only menu. The worm-like pici with nowt more than black pepper and parmesan has been the most lauded, but it’s a tough call between that and sage butter drenched ravioli.

Lina Stores, W1

This old-timer has provided Soho with a taste of Italy for over 70 years, but, for the first time, you can now eat in. Homemade pasta is essential but you must also order a few slices of Ubriaco al Vino Rosso, a cow’s milk cheese with a rind washed in remnant grape skins left from the wine-making process, and a cynar spritz, essentially an aperol spritz but using booze containing the bitter extract from artichoke leaves.

Pastificio, WC2

Wish Angela Hartnett would cook for you at home? Pop into her Pastificio next to the Café Murano on Tavistock Street and take home a daily changing selection of pasta. If you get peckish while choosing, sink into a board of salumi, formaggi or a hot bowl of minestrone. Visit on Mondays to BYOB, or sample something from the bins, which focus on artisan producers that use biodynamic techniques.

Bocca di Lupo, W1

The ever popular Soho spot is perfect for authentic Italian dishes. whether you go for a big bowl of pasta or sharing plates, everything is delicious and the atmosphere is relaxed and chilled. Perfect for cosy winter evenings. Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan.

Trullo, N1

Forget you’re in London with this Tuscan treasure in Islington. Fresh home made pasta with beef shin ragu, or buffalo ricotta with sage butter will definitely hit the spot. The charcoal grill is pretty special too.