North London’s hidden Italian gems

Italian food is probably the world’s favourite cuisine, so it’s no surprise that it’s everywhere. Whether it’s Pizza Express’ dough balls with garlic butter or Zizzi’s thin crust pizza, Italian food in the UK is really not that difficult to find.

But if you want that authentic, traditional Italian food, you’re barking up the wrong tree by heading to Strada on a Wednesday afternoon. There are hundreds of little Italian cafes and pizzerias dotting North London which offer real Italian food. It’s just the case of knowing where to go.

So to make your life easier and tastier, here’s a guide to North London’s best hidden Italian restaurants.

MezzoRoma, Willesden Green

There’s not just one MezzoRoma in Willesden Green, but three. But the biggest and nicest one is the MezzoRoma lounge on Walm Lane. Expect a dimly lit vibe with a relaxed atmosphere for dinner, or if you’re going for brunch you can look forward to a huge range of options on the menu, from eggs Royale to a full Mediterranean breakfast.

For dinner, there are plenty of Italian mains which are not just pasta and pizza. But if you want to stick with what you know and like, they have a make your own pizza option. And, despite being an Italian-run place, they also have plenty of non-Italian menu items if you fancy.

L’artista, Golders Green

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L’artista is a family and local favourite. If you’re heading there, be prepared for a bustling atmosphere and a full house, especially if you’re going on the weekend. It’s probably not for you if you’re looking for a relaxed, tranquil dinner. If you’d rather avoid their busy period, go for lunch there on a weekday.

Staff are super friendly and accommodating, and the food looks and tastes authentic. There are 25 different pizzas to choose from, and even more pasta options, so it’s basically pizza and pasta heaven.

Marine Ices, Chalk Farm

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The clue is in the name – Marine Ices is known for its Italian gelato. It’s ice cream, but not as you know it because it’s better. They’ve been making authentic Italian gelato since 1931, so they pretty much know what they’re doing by now.

You’d also be spoilt for choice because they have 50 different flavours, ranging from hazelnut cappuccino to speculoos to melon. They also have gelato sundaes, so there’ll always be something to tickle your fancy.

I recommend skipping lunch and eating ice cream instead. Not just here but in general.

Villa Bianca, Hampstead

A picturesque little restaurant in Hampstead, Villa Bianca is a little fancier than your average high street pizzeria. It’s tucked away on a little side street in Hampstead, so it really is a hidden gem.

The menu offers pastas, and meat and fish mains. There’s no pizza, but there’s a very extensive wine list to make up for that. The best thing is their al fresco dining which is on offer during the summer months, accompanied by live music.

Melange, Barnet & Crouch End

Melange is an interesting Italian, French mix (hence the French name) with two branches in Barnet and Crouch End.

The menu includes light pasta dishes, salads, and meat and fish dishes. They also have steaks and an extensive list of starters. The cocktail menu also boasts the Italian, French fusion with classics such as Aperol spritz and not so classics such as Paris Lady which is a mixture of cherry liqueur, fresh thyme and prosecco.

Il Funghetto, North Finchley

Similar to L’artista in terms of menu choice, Il Funghetto has a huge choice of pizzas and pastas, but without the loud and busy atmosphere. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t get plenty of customers though. The outside may not look like anything special, but never judge a book by its cover – the inside is modern and clean, and the food is hearty and delicious.

La Bottega di Anna, Willesden Green

This is a family-run cafe on the high road which stands out from the rest of the shabby high street shops with its cute decor and turquoise exterior. If you love homemade Italian pastries, this is where you need to be. They have cannoli in all the flavours you could dream of which will take you back to your classics trip to Sicily. They’ve also got freshly made amaretti biscuits, croissants, and other buttery, flaky goodness.

If you’re an avid Italian cook, this is also the place to get your freshly sliced mortadella and prosciutto, your Italian imported favourites, or your buffalo mozzarella which is much creamier and melty-in-your-mouth than regular mozzarella.

L’antica Pizzeria, Hampstead

L’antica Pizzeria‘s pizza bases are made from a fancy Italian ‘caputo’ flour, and the Neapolitan pizzas are cooked in a wood fired oven. Is there any other way? They have a generous range of pizzas on their menu, including 7 vegetarian options, and all the staff are Italian and very friendly.

It’s a small place, but does size really matter? It just means it’s cosy and homely.