Spaghetti House

Exceptional Italian Fare with Friendly Service

Walking into this little Italian retreat, nestled comfortably in the midst of bustling London, feels like finding an oasis of culinary warmth and good cheer. The staff greets you with the kind of enthusiasm that suggests they’ve either imbibed too much espresso or genuinely enjoy seeing people waddle out of their eatery well-fed and decidedly jolly. Given the notable history of repeat visitors who consider it a constant companion on their life's journey from stag nights to wedding anniversaries, I suspect the latter. The atmosphere is suffused with the kind of familiar buzz typically associated with favorite old restaurants—a cross between comforting nostalgia and slightly dated décor—that some might call charmingly retro.

Dinner here is as much about hearty satisfaction as artful presentation. The menu brands itself as truly Italian without becoming a parody of itself—think steaming bowls of impeccable pasta, executed with skill if not breathtaking innovation. Is it the best spaghetti alla carbonara I’ve ever tasted? Well, not quite, but the earnestness of the potentially nightshade-prone staff who hustle over with tireless enthusiasm to ensure nothing muddles your experience makes up for it. The tiramisu, though—ah, now there’s a reason to plan ahead and skip the starter. Ultimately, it's the kind of place that's been around so long precisely because it delivers just what you’d wish for on a blustery, carb-craving evening: real comfort food, a welcoming smile, and a story or two baked into every mouthful. Keep room for that 13.5% “optional” service charge though; old Styx down the street might still need convincing of its place on your London itinerary. — Penelope Savory