The Best Italian Restaurants in Knightsbridge and Belgravia
The best Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge for you depends on the mood: a coastal seafood menu opposite Harrods, a New York import inside the Bulgari, a Tuscan wine family's London table, or one of the neighbourhood trattorias that have served the area for decades. These six are open now and within a short walk or tube hop of Knightsbridge station. Each entry covers what to order, the address and the nearest tube. Three are newer arrivals and three are long-standing local institutions, and the older ones in particular reward regulars, so do not be surprised to see the same faces at the same tables.
Alba
Alba looks to the southern Italian coast. Italian Head Chef Cristian Ianni cooks recipes in the spirit of della nonna with a modern touch: lobster linguine, pink prawn carpaccio, crab ravioli, octopus alla Luciana and Amalfi tagliolini with red Mazara prawns are the dishes to know. The same room has a ten-seat Japanese omakase counter led by Takuya Kaneko, and the window tables look straight across to Harrods. Address: 70 Brompton Road, SW3 1ER, opposite the Harrods main entrance. Nearest tube: Knightsbridge.
Sette
Sette, inside the Bulgari Hotel London, is the seventh restaurant from New York's Scarpetta family and its first outside the US. Pasta and bread are made daily, and the dish to order is the Scarpetta classic, spaghetti with tomato and basil. Dinner runs Tuesday to Saturday, with brunch at weekends, breakfast daily and Nolita Social as the bar. Address: 4 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QA. Nearest tube: Knightsbridge. Menus and reservations.
Cantinetta Antinori
The Antinori family, Florentine winemakers, opened Cantinetta Antinori in 2023 in a historic building off Sloane Street. The menu covers traditional and contemporary Tuscan recipes, matched with wines from the family's own estates, and there is live jazz every Friday evening. The wine bar is open all day for salami and a glass, which suits a quick stop as much as a long lunch. Open daily from noon to 10.30pm. Address: 4 Harriet Street, SW1X 9JR. Nearest tube: Knightsbridge. Book a table.
Sale e Pepe
Sale e Pepe started in 1974 in two shop fronts on Pavilion Road and added its bar in 1985. It is a classic, bustling Italian with a modern edge to the menu, including tagliatelle with caviar and a wide selection of crudi. It is a two-minute walk from Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and takes group bookings and events. Lunch is usually the easier time to find a table at short notice. Address: 9-15 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0HD. Nearest tube: Knightsbridge.
Scalini
Scalini has been a Chelsea neighbourhood favourite since 1988, and has since opened in cities including Dubai, Doha and Cannes. The long seasonal menu mixes regional dishes with Scalini classics, and the room is lively and old-school in the best sense, with the feel of a proper family trattoria. It opens Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 10.45pm. Address: 1-3 Walton Street, SW3 2JD. Nearest tube: South Kensington or Knightsbridge.
Daphne's
Daphne's has served Italian food between Chelsea and South Kensington since 1964. Vintage Murano chandeliers, modern European artworks and plush leather upholstery set the tone, there is a small terrace in summer and a fire in the conservatory in winter. The menu follows the classic Italian order of antipasti, handmade pasta and risotto, then fish and meat, with ice cream made in house. It is a good choice for a long weekend lunch. Address: 112 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE. Nearest tube: South Kensington.
Good to know
Sale e Pepe, Scalini and Daphne's fill up with regulars at weekends, so book ahead for Friday and Saturday nights. Sette and Alba are the strongest choices for a special occasion, and Cantinetta Antinori's all-day wine bar suits a lunch between shops. All six offer private or group dining on request. Ask about seasonal specials when you book, as several of these kitchens change menus with the produce, and in white truffle season Alba runs a dedicated white truffle menu.
