8 of the best Italian-American restaurants in London

Britain's love affair with Italian cuisine is hardly new, with plenty of excellent Italian restaurants to be found across the capital. But recent months have seen a new take on the classic with a surge of Italian-American restaurants popping up across London. These spots offer eclectic decor and over-the-top plating that many can’t resist, combining everything we love about traditional trattorias with modernised takes on the cuisine. If, like us, you find yourself craving crispy NY-style pizzas and heaping bowls of spaghetti and meatballs smothered in cheese, then you’ve come to the right place.

The history of Italian-American cuisine stretches back to the late 19th century, when waves of Italian immigrants crossed the Atlantic, bringing their recipes with them. This continued throughout the 20th century as more made the journey, adapting their dishes to the ingredients available in their new homeland and suiting the new tastes of their surrounding communities. And so a hybrid was born, retaining the essence of the original recipes but now with new twists. 

Nowadays, across the States, you’ll find plenty of neighbourhoods dubbed ‘Little Italy’ where these groups set up shop, serving dishes such as chicken parmigiana and fettuccine alfredo - creations that, while beloved, are not typically found in Italy itself. New styles of pizzas were also born, from the crispy but chewy varieties of the east coast, all the way to the deep-dish pies found in Detroit and Chicago. 

Recent months have seen an influx of Italian-American restaurants in London, bringing that vibrant ambience and warm hospitality back across the pond. If you’ve got a hankering for doughy delights, then we might have exactly what you’re looking for. From boujee Mayfair joints to classic Soho ristorantes, these are the best Italian-American restaurants in London, offering deep-dish pizzas and cheesy pastas in that classic American style. One spot even features reruns of The Sopranos - what’s not to love? 

Grasso, Soho

What: Embossed plates, over the top designs and tasty food are all part of the package at Grasso. It may have only opened at the end of 2023, but it's likely you've seen Grasso across social media with its bright, neon lights and decorative corridors to the eye-catching plates of food. Menus here focus on the best of Sicily and New York with chicken parm and mozzarella sticks alongside a meatball recipe that's been in the family for generations. If you’ve got room, be sure to tuck into a pretty hefty homemade tiramisu which is about 90% cream - delicious!  
Where: 81 Dean Street, W1D 3SW
Book now: Grasso 

Sette, Knightsbridge

What: Straight across the pond, Sette comes from American hospitality group Scarpetta which is known for its boujee Italian dining in the big apple. Following the menus of the New York spot, here you’ll find similar favourites on the menu such as the ravioli cacio e pepe and the 'Scarpetta' spaghetti made with a classic San Marzano tomato sauce. There’s also a pretty spectacular New York Brunch that’s not to be missed, serving up all your Italian favourites alongside bagel towers and fried chicken and waffles. 
Where: 4 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QA
Book now: Sette 

Carlotta, Marylebone 

What: Raising the ranks from your classic Italian-American eateries, Carlotta comes from the Big Mamma Group, boasting that suave and over-the-top style that you’d expect from them. Paying homage to both the traditional trattorias of Italy and the family-run joints of America’s east coast, you can really enjoy the best of both worlds here. Monthly changing menus span antipasti, primi, secondi, dolci, and more, with classics of spaghetti and meatballs or fettuccine alfredo, and the interiors are fifth gear Goodfellas chic.
Where: 77-78 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5JX
Book now: Carlotta 

Crisp Pizza, Hammersmith

What: Crisp Pizza really took London by storm last year, quickly solidifying itself as one of London’s best restaurants. Taking up permanent residency at The Chancellors pub in Hammersmith, at Crisp you'll find menus inspired by the famous pizza ‘pies’ of New York. There's only a handful of options to choose from, including the 'nduja pie with mozzarella, parm and 'nduja or the famously named vecna pie topped with burrata and hot honey. Crisp is a ‘walk-ins’ only spot, so you might need to fight to get yourself a slice here.
Where: 25 Crisp Road, W6 9RL
Book now: Crisp Pizza 

Ria’s, Notting Hill

What: A natural wine bar serving up detroit-style pizzas sounds like a pretty good mix to us. Ria’s, with its neutral decor and calming blue walls, offers a soothing ambiance that complements the hearty menu. Since opening at the end of last year, this cosy spot has quickly made a splash in the heart of Notting Hill. Pizzas are available whole or by the slice, made with a dough that’s been left to ferment for 72 hours to ensure it’s perfectly crisp and chewy. Choose from a vast range of toppings from king prawns, lardons, wild mushrooms and plenty more. 
Where: 29 All Saints Road, W11 1HE
Book now: Ria's

Alley Cats, Marylebone

What: It doesn’t get much more NY than Alley Cats with its chequered tablecloths and stands of cripsy pizzas, not to mention the episodes of The Sopranos that are projected onto the walls as you eat. You’ll often find queues of hungry diners outside the doors waiting to get a seat at one of the cosy tables, and we can understand why. Succinct menus of NY- style pizzas are available, keeping things simple but delicious. Tuck into a classic pepperoni with jalapeno and honey or a vodka sauce based option doused in stringy mozzarella.  
Where: 22 Paddington Street, W1U 5QY
Book now: Alley Cats 

The Dover, Mayfair

What: Whilst Italian-American might spark images of a slightly-run down and casual NY-style ristorante, The Dover elevates all expectations with its plush maroon curtains and ornate chandeliers befitting its Mayfair surroundings. But that doesn’t stop it showcasing the very best of New York-style drinking and dining. Here, you can start with snacks of mini hotdogs and lobster rolls followed by parmigiana ‘Americanata’ and, of course, spaghetti and meatballs. Be sure to pop in for the monthly Sunday Lunch Club, inviting diners to enjoy ‘all-you-can-eat’ Italian alongside extensive menus of wines, bubbles and cocktails. 
Where: 33 Dover Street, W1S 4NF
Book now: The Dover 

Detroit Pizza, Islington

What: Another one for the deep-dish lovers, Detroit Pizza does exactly what it says on the tin. Pies here are baked in traditional steel pans ensuring that each is as fluffy and crispy as the last with meat and vegetarian options that each come doused in a hefty sprinkling of parmesan. The Cadillac combines pepperoni, bacon, banana peppers and honey whilst the Maui Wowee offers ham, pineapple, bacon and jalapenos. Not in the mood for pizzas? You'll also find indulgent chicken or eggplant parms or you can keep it classic with spaghetti and meatballs. 
Where: 137 Upper Street, N1 1QP
Book now: Detroit Pizza Islington 

Like to keep up with the trendiest foods in the city? Be sure to check out our guide to all the viral dishes and desserts across London.