London’s relationship with Italian cuisine has always been lively, but in the last decade the capital has sharpened its appetite for genuine regional cooking. From silky strands of pasta to blistered-edge pizzas, the city’s diners look for authenticity, seasonality and a touch of la dolce vita in every plate. Italian food in London has evolved well beyond the clichés; today’s kitchens celebrate provenance, sustainability and the theatre of open cooking.
In 2025, the demand for quality Italian fare remains robust. Office workers in the Square Mile search for a quick yet satisfying bowl of tagliatelle at lunch, while families in the suburbs book ahead for special-occasion suppers. Against that backdrop, one neighbourhood restaurant has quietly become the name locals type into their map apps whenever the query is “Italian near me”.
Tucked just a short stroll from Highbury & Islington station, Friends of Flavours blends the warmth of a family-run trattoria with the polish of a modern London dining room. Pale terracotta walls, hand-painted tiles and hanging copper pans create a scene straight from an Umbrian postcard, yet the atmosphere remains unmistakably local. There is no corporate sheen here; the welcome is genuine, the service attentive without fuss and the cooking the star of the show.
Friends of Flavours began life as a modest thirty-cover spot in 2014. A decade later, it has doubled in size yet held firmly to its founding principles: fresh pasta rolled every morning; extra-virgin olive oil shipped directly from a small co-operative in Puglia; and a concise menu that changes with the seasons while keeping crowd-pleasing favourites on standby.
The kitchen is led by Chef Patrizia Romano, whose culinary roots trace back to her grandmother’s farmhouse in Emilia-Romagna. Patrizia’s guiding philosophy is simple: “Start with ingredients you’d proudly serve your family, and treat them with respect.” That ethos runs through every corner of the menu, from nibbles to desserts.
The pasta station sits in full view of the dining room, allowing guests to watch as dough is kneaded, rested and rolled into inviting ribbons. Signature dishes include the Pappardelle al Ragù di Manzo, where broad strips of egg pasta cradle a slow-cooked beef shin sauce scented with rosemary and aged Barolo. Equally popular is the Ravioli di Spinaci e Ricotta, parcels stuffed with baby spinach, lemon zest and ricotta from Lombardy, finished in a sage-butter emulsion that balances richness with herbal lift.
Seasonal specials keep regulars on their toes—think Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe in spring, where coarse black pepper perfumes a glossy pecorino sauce, or Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa in early autumn when turnip tops are at their peppery best. Gluten-free diners are thoughtfully catered for with a maize-based tagliatelle that retains the perfect al dente bite.
Central to the dining room is a dome-shaped oven tiled in deep emerald green. Burning a mix of kiln-dried ash and beech, it reaches the coveted 450 °C mark that produces leopard-spotted crusts in under sixty seconds. The Pizza Margherita Classica showcases what simplicity can achieve: San Marzano tomatoes, creamy fior di latte and just-snipped basil. For something heartier, diners gravitate towards the Salsiccia & Friarielli, crowned with fennel sausage made in-house and garlicky Neapolitan broccoli.
Those craving a touch of indulgence rarely look beyond the Tartufata, an earthy combination of truffle cream, wild mushrooms and shaved aged parmesan. Vegetarian and vegan choices feature just as prominently, with the Verdure Grigliate layering chargrilled courgette, aubergine and red pepper over a tomato base brightened by oregano.
Friends of Flavours encourages tables to start with a spread of antipasti, each designed for sharing. A perennial favourite, the Carpaccio di Manzo pairs wafer-thin beef fillet with rocket, lemon and shards of 30-month Parmigiano Reggiano. Meanwhile, the Burrata al Pomodoro arrives on a wavy ceramic plate, the creamy centre oozing into a salad of Isle of Wight tomatoes dressed in basil oil.
Another star is the Arancini al Ragù, crisp saffron rice balls hiding a molten core of ragù and mozzarella. Diners looking for lighter options lean towards the Misticanza di Campo, a wild-leaf salad tossed in aged balsamic and extra-virgin olive oil so fragrant it could double as perfume.
No visit is complete without a spoonful (or three) of the Tiramisù della Casa, served in wide-rimmed glasses to showcase distinct layers of espresso-soaked savoiardi and mascarpone lightened with freshly whipped cream. The Panna Cotta al Pistacchio offers an alternative—silky, wobbly and crowned with toasted Sicilian pistachios. For those favouring tang over sweetness, the Sorbetto al Limone cleanses the palate with Amalfi lemons in crystalline form.
Competition among Italian restaurants in London is fierce, yet Friends of Flavours continues to draw packed services for reasons that go well beyond the food. First, ingredient sourcing is transparent: cured meats arrive weekly from a family salumeria in Modena, while vegetables come direct from New Covent Garden Market each dawn. Second, the wine list is curated by sommelier Alessio Montanari, who champions small Italian producers working sustainably; expect crisp mineral Vermentino from Liguria and velvety Montepulciano d’Abruzzo poured with equal enthusiasm.
Sustainability also takes centre stage. The team filters water on-site to eradicate single-use bottles, composts kitchen waste and offsets its remaining carbon footprint through a certified Italian reforestation project. Service strikes a balance between knowledgeable and relaxed, so whether guests are seasoned Italophiles or complete newcomers, they feel instantly at ease.
Friends of Flavours sits at 78 Milton Grove, a leafy residential street roughly eight minutes’ walk from Highbury & Islington station (Victoria line and London Overground). Multiple bus routes stop nearby, and on-street cycle bays make it easy for cyclists to park securely. The dining room opens at noon Tuesday to Sunday, closing after an unhurried lunch before reopening at 5 pm for dinner service. Friday and Saturday evenings tend to book out a fortnight in advance, so reservations are strongly advised.
For those organising group gatherings, a semi-private mezzanine seats up to twenty and offers a dedicated feasting menu. The set-price format includes four courses plus coffee, ensuring transparent costs with no surprises on the bill. Younger diners are welcome too—high-chairs are available on request, and a children’s menu presents half-portion pasta dishes minus the chilli heat.
True to its community ethos, Friends of Flavours hosts monthly pasta-making workshops where guests learn to shape tortellini under Chef Patrizia’s guidance, as well as seasonal wine tastings featuring vintners who fly in specially to pour their bottles table-side. Live acoustic jazz on the first Thursday of each month turns the dining room into a softly lit supper club, proving that great food tastes even better when paired with toe-tapping melodies.
Londoners may be spoiled for choice when hunting for Italian food, yet the combination of heartfelt cooking, genuine hospitality and mindful sourcing found at Friends of Flavours sets it apart. Whether the craving is for a quick plate of cacio e pepe after work or an unhurried family feast complete with antipasti, pizzas and dolci, the answer to the perennial question “Where can I find excellent Italian near me?” is delightfully straightforward: book a table at Friends of Flavours and arrive hungry.
Ready to indulge in the authentic tastes of Italy right here in Penge, London? At Friends of Flavours, we're not just passionate about food; we're dedicated to bringing you the finest Italian culinary experience. Our award-winning restaurant, recognized with a Diner's Choice Award from Open Table, is a testament to our commitment to excellence. Let our experienced Italian chefs, under the expert guidance of owner Angelo Gobbi, transport you to Italy with every bite. Don't just read about the best Italian dining—experience it for yourself. Book a table today and join us for a meal that celebrates the true essence of Italian cuisine.