A Cena
418 Richmond Road, East Twickenham, 020-8288 0108

Excellent innovative, modern Italian food on a regularly changing menu. Risottos are creamy and delicious, or try the fresh crab salad summer starter. Fish dishes are reliably good. Service is discreet, pleasant and attentive. Since it opened a few years ago, its popularity with locals has soared, so it's essential to book. Never mind Italian, this is one of the best restaurants in the area full stop.
Gill Arconian
Twickenham

Arancia
52 Southwark Park Road, SE16, 020-7394 1751

We had calzone stuffed with smoked cheese and Parma ham on a bed of baby spinach, pork chops with aubergine and fresh tomato, lamb chops with tomato salsa and salad, orange and almond Sicilian tart, washed down with Moscato d'Asti, two grappas, a bottle of Grillo, a bottle of water, and coffee - all for £51.40. My favourite restaurant.
Jean Allen
SE1

Pane Vino
323 Kentish Town Road, NW5, 0871 332 7232

The decor is plain and pragmatic, with just a hint of the upmarket local. House special linguine with bottarga was delicate, unfishy and distinctly moreish. Gnocchi tasted very freshly made, while calamari fritti were melt-in-the-mouth perfection. What really made the meal was owner Stefania's willingness to share her knowledge of Sardinian cuisine: she was quite happy to discuss the secrets of cucina povera until the last drop of wine was drunk.
Stephen Emms
NW5

Philpott's Mezzaluna
424 Finchley Road, Childs Hill, NW2, 020-7794 0455

David Philpott is a superb chef who provides a manageable prix fixe menu. The cooking and presentation are first rate. Favourites are calves' liver with onions and balsamic vinegar, and roast sea bass. The starters, pastas and desserts are always tempting.
Steven Henning Sieverts NW6

Vasco & Piero's Pavilion
15 Poland Street, W1, 020-7437 8774

Umbrian cookery is about fresh produce and simple ingredients, well cooked, and nowhere in London pulls this off better. There's always fresh pasta with simple, delicious fillings and sauces and mains tend to feature grilled fish or meat served with potatoes, beans, lentils and seasonal vegetables. The predominantly Italian wine list concentrates on quality rather than fashion.
Tim Walker
NW6

Locanda Locatelli
8 Seymour Street, W1, 020-7935 9088

Giorgio Locatelli has an unfailing ability to tempt my palate. As soon as I slip into the moden leather banquette and nibble a sublime Parmesan grissini, I'm relaxed and anticipating the treats to come. This discreet, caring restaurant is used to dealing with famous faces, but treats all its customers in the same charming manner.
Michael Forte
SW13

Trattoria La Ruga
59 Orford Road, E17, 020-8520 5008

At the risk of blowing a Walthamstow secret wide open, I've yet to find a better Italian in London. The food is old-school - hearty and full of flavour - and the atmosphere languid, romantic and chatty. In other words, don't expect to be in and out in two hours - linger over a marvellous meal, often including melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi with cream and sage sauce, tender butterfish, homemade bread, great wines and a decadent tiramisu.
Simon Munk
E17