People choice of comfort food varies but one things for sure there is some kind of pasta that makes the cut every time. Whether it is a big bowl of spaghetti Bolognese or a carbonara or a classic lasagna there is a pasta go to for everyone. On the 17 October is National Pasta day and that is something to celebrate if you ask me. Now because there is so many options for pasta, there are also countless restaurant serving those choices, but I have found the creme de la creme of pasta bars in London.
Padella
Location: 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Website: www.padella.co
Padella is one of the most popular restaurants in London, and the easiest way to tell is by the constant queue outside. They work on a first come first served basis but it’s worth the wait. Created by two friends Tim and Jordan, they dreamt about opening their own pasta bar after being inspired by a trip to Italy. They really have brought a touch of Italian magic to their dishes, with freshly hand rolled pasta and delicious sauces. After braving the que be sure to try the classic pappardelle and beef shin rage.
The Cheese Wheel
Location:West Yard, Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF
Nearest Tube: Camden Town
Website: www.camdenmarket.com/food-drink/the-cheese-wheel
You have probably seen a video of pasta being made in a giant cheese wheel, after it took the internet by storm. Well if you’ve seen it on your phone and now you can experience yourself at The Cheese Wheel where they make your cheesy dreams come true. The stall douses fresh hot pasta in a sauce of your choosing before taking it for a spin around the inside of the 40kg wheel of Grand Padano, because why not? It’s a dinner AND a show, what more could you want.
Flour & Grape
Location: 214 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3TQ
Nearest Tube: Borough
Website: www.flourandgrape.com
Flour and Grape is here and they are taking gluten free pasta to the next level. The vast majority of their dishes can be made with gluten-free penne on request; and sauce-wise, the sky’s the limit. Not only are their dishes gluten-free but they are truly delicious, still freshly made and hand rolled. Regardless of your wheat intolerance I would be sure to check this place out for some good Italian food. You can reserve for Lunch but Dinner is walk-ins only, however they operate a virtual waitlist with no queuing. Just drop in, leave your details, and they’ll get in touch when your table is ready.
Bancone
Location: 9 William IV St, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4DD
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square
Website: www.bancone.co.uk
Bancone has three dining bars where you can enjoy delicious freshly cooked pasta and watch the world go by. The pasta is made fresh every day before service and you can watch the chefs prepare your meal from your seat. Their dishes have a been influenced greatly by classic Italian greats, but they have pushed the boat out with what you can do with pasta with experimental combinations and flavours. Any dish is to die for, so try something different for something really phenomenal.
Popolo
Location: 26 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3DU
Nearest Tube: Old Street
Website: popoloshoreditch.com
Popolo directly translates to ‘people’ in Italian and this really is the pasta bar for the people. It is a small independent restaurant, cooking the highest quality Italian food for the people. Their dishes have middle-eastern and moorish influences while still maintaining the classic Italian flavours. If fresh hand roll pasta in a beautiful romantic setting sounds good to you , then Popolo is perfect!
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