The Best Italian Restaurants in Waterloo, London
I’ve been exploring London for a couple of years now and I can definitely say that Italian food is absolutely my favourite and I also noticed that Waterloo is a fantastic area to get them!
Here’s my list of favourite Italian restaurants in Waterloo, London’s wonderful little neighborhood.
What Makes Waterloo a Good Area for Italian Restaurants
- Location – Waterloo is a major transport hub in central London, making it easily accessible for diners. It has Waterloo train and underground stations, as well as bus connections
- Dining Scene – Long-running favorites like La Barca, Firezza, and Cantina have provided authentic Italian fare in Waterloo for decades.
- Ambiance – Many restaurants reside in charming converted buildings that give an authentic trattoria vibe with exposed brick, wood beams, etc.
- Value – Many restaurants offer good-value pre-theater set menus, lunch deals, Aperol spritz happy hours, etc.
Italian Restaurants Close to Waterloo That You Should Explore!
1. La Barca Ristorante
La Barca is a charming, traditional Italian restaurant located right next to Waterloo station. It’s been a fixture in the area for over 40 years. The interior has a cozy, rustic vibe with tiled floors, wooden tables, and walls decorated with photos of celebrities who have dined there.The food is authentic Tuscan-inspired cuisine using high quality ingredients.
Their chef Nicola takes a traditional approach to cooking. I’d highly recommend starting with the bruschetta, made fresh with tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. For mains, the seafood linguine and osso bucco are excellent. And don’t miss the tiramisu for dessert – it‘s homemade and just absolutely delicious!
Good For: Groups of Friends, Close Friends
📍80-81 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AB, United Kingdom
2. Ristorante Olivelli
Olivelli is a relaxed Italian trattoria near Waterloo serving Sicilian specialities in a casual setting. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, reminiscent of a neighborhood joint in Italy.
The desserts are also scrumptious, especially the cannolis and tiramisu. The service is friendly and attentive. Olivelli uses quality ingredients sourced from Sicily and local markets, so the flavors are authentic. It’s great for a casual meal before catching a show at the nearby Old Vic theatre.
Good For: Groups of Friends, Close Friends
📍61 The Cut, London SE1 8LL, United Kingdom
3. Locale
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Locale in County Hall is a lively Italian restaurant with a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. It has an extensive menu of Italian favorites like pastas, pizzas, salads and grilled meats. I’d highly recommend starting with their bruschetta – it’s made fresh to order. For mains, the seafood linguine is excellent and I also love their crispy thin-crust pizzas.
In nice weather, definitely try to get a table on their outdoor terrace overlooking the Thames – the view is spectacular. They also have an adjacent cocktail bar that’s perfect for drinks before or after your meal.
Good For: Couples, Catching up with Friends
📍County Hall, 3B Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP, United Kingdom
4. Caprini Restaurant
Caprini is a cozy, family-run Italian restaurant located near Waterloo station. It has a charming, old-school ambiance with dark wood, white tablecloths and antique décor. The cuisine focuses on Southern Italian dishes made with fresh, quality produce.
I’d suggest starting with their Caprese salad or fried calamari. The pasta dishes like linguine vongole and pappardelle Bolognese are excellent. For mains, I love their veal scaloppine and seafood options like grilled salmon.
Good For: Groups of Friends
📍77 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UD, United Kingdom
5. Cotto
Cotto is a stylish Italian restaurant on the South Bank serving innovative takes on classic dishes. The sleek, minimalist interior creates an elegant vibe. The menu features fresh handmade pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas and a variety of meat and seafood main courses.
I’d recommend starting with their burrata appetizer served with grilled bread – it’s creamy and delicious. For mains, the braised short rib ravioli and the sea bass are standouts.
Good For: Groups of Friends, Solo, Couples
📍89 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7HR, United Kingdom
6. Luci
Luci is a cozy neighborhood eatery near Waterloo station known for its friendly service and excellent value. The interior is warm and inviting with exposed brick walls, wood tables and dim lighting.
The overall vibe made us feel right at home. What I really appreciate about this place is every time we go for a visit, the staff are always super attentive to their guest, they are always ready to recommend the best wine, or the best food to order for the season.
Good For: Groups of Friends, Solo, Couples
📍136 Long Acre, London WC2E 9AA, United Kingdom
7. Sycamore Vino Cucina at Middle Eight
Sycamore is a contemporary Italian restaurant located inside the stylish ME London hotel near Waterloo. It has a chic, upscale ambiance with floor-to-ceiling windows, modern decor and dramatic lighting.
The menu features creative Italian small plates along with handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Standout dishes include the burrata with grilled peaches, the lobster ravioli, and the pizza with truffle and egg.
Good For: Couples, Groups of Friends
📍66 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5BX, United Kingdom
8. Bustronome
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Bustronome is not actually an Italian restaurant, but rather a French contemporary and fusion cuisine restaurant located in Paris and London. It offers a unique dining experience aboard a double-decker bus that tours famous landmarks while serving gourmet meals.
Not only do they offer a variety of dishes that are sure to match the taste of everyone, they bring their guests around the city to tour. Let me tell you, it doesn’t get much better to have dinner with a view. This is a special experience to enjoy with your partner or to impress a first date!
Good For: Couples, Close Friends
📍Coach Bay, 40B Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 6PB, United Kingdom
9. La Cucina Di Mama
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La Cucina di Mama is a delightful family-run Italian restaurant near Waterloo station known for its cozy trattoria ambiance and authentic homestyle cooking. The interior is warm and charming with gingham tablecloths, exposed brick and Italian memorabilia on the walls.
The menu focuses on classic Roman dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, oxtail stew and grilled seafood. Everything is made from scratch using family recipes passed down through generations.
Good For: Couples, Close Friends
📍3j, 3K Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP, United Kingdom
10. Fifth Element
I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Fifth Element, a charming Italian restaurant located right next to the bustling Waterloo Station. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with the warm aroma of fresh bread and the lively chatter of happy customers.
The cozy interior immediately made me feel at home with its rustic brick walls, candlelit tables, and fairy lights strewn across the ceiling. The excellent service, cozy ambiance and delicious homemade food make this restaurant a perfect choice for Italian cuisine in the Waterloo area. I can’t wait to return!
Good For: Couples, Close Friends, Catching up with Friends
📍1 Valentine Row, London SE1 8QW, United Kingdom
Looking for More Guides?
If you’re ever looking for more places to eat out, we’ve got all kinds of guides of our personally selected restaurants, cafes, bars, and a lot more, complete with our reviews and their locations!
Feel free to choose any of our other articles for more details on how to find the perfect location for your next booking!
FAQ
Which Italian restaurant near London Waterloo has the most authentic food?
La Barca and Olivelli Waterloo are two of the most authentic Italian restaurants near London Waterloo. Both offer classic regional Italian dishes made with high quality ingredients. La Barca specialises in Tuscan cuisine while Olivelli has food from across Italy.
Which Italian restaurants near London Waterloo offer al fresco dining?
Azzurro Italian Bar & Kitchen has a lovely sun-drenched terrace perfect for outdoor dining and drinking. Other Italian restaurants with outdoor seating include Olivelli Waterloo, La Barca, and Piccolino. During summer, My Italian Friends offers al fresco dining.
What is a good Italian restaurant near London Waterloo for families?
La Barca is a great family-friendly Italian restaurant near Waterloo. With its casual trattoria ambience and classic pasta dishes, kids and adults will find something to love on the menu. Other kid-friendly options include Azzurro, Firezza for pizza, and chain restaurants like Pizza Express, Zizzi and Ask Italian.
Where can I find the best pizza near London Waterloo?
Firezza and Cotto serve excellent authentic Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. Other top spots for pizza near London Waterloo include Pizza Pilgrims, Franco Manca, Pizza Express, and Bella Italia.
