Best Italian Restaurants Richmond and Twickenham

La Luna Di Luca, Richmond

With the London marathon only weeks away and summer just over the horizon, thank gawd! Finally we are starting to enjoy some sun filled days, even if it is a little chilly. On that note, I thought it would be a perfect timing for any carb loading folk to find out the best Italian restaurants in Richmond & Twickers. Its no secret pasta is the perfect fuel, but its not limited to runners, cyclists also need a fair bit of fuel too, and I just love pasta anyway sooooo, everyone wins!

In regards to proper Italian food - I suspect most of y'all think any truly authentic Italian restaurant is best found in Italy, well you'd be right if you understand that it is all regional based. It might be hard to believe that Italian food culture we see today was actually developed post WWII, when parts of Europe went through an economic boom, including Italy. The only food that is traditional (used 100 years) and is still used today is polenta. There's an interesting read on the authenticity of Italian food here.

Bruschetta and Arancini, Zizzi Twickenham

So with all the kurffufle about whats authentic and whats not authentic, I guess at the end of the day its what it means to you.  My first pick restaurant is a new eatery in Whitton called Mosaico not far from the station on the high street. They do delicious pasta, they have a gorgonzola and spinach ravioli that I enjoy. I also had their crab linguine and they do slow cooked meats as well. Their booze is a little pricey but they do have good wine. It is a little rough around the edges, very mellow but if you're not drinking its quite reasonable, decent food.

Warmed beans with beetroot salad, gorgonzola ravioli - Mosiaco, Whitton

Bacco Italian is in Richmond just across from the station. It's not immediately obvious but is next to Carluccio's (not bad here either) and they have a cosy restaurant, modern room and do a lovely octopus when its on the menu, this is more fine dining and pricey but they do pre Theatre and rugby day specials. There is another place worth a mention on Paradise road, Al Boccon Di Vino. This is popular place with very relaxed serving style - food comes out of the kitchen randomly and there is no set menu as such and it can get quite chaotic but has great atmosphere, even if service is disconcerting. Its a popular place and the food is great and very reasonably priced.

Ragu, Tiramisu - Bacco Italian, Richmond

Another hidden gem is La Luna Di Luca in Richmond. It is off the beaten track but has a lovely local setting and also serving very good Italian food. Another regular of mine is Jamie's in Richmond, their house wine is the best out of any of the other places, that have interesting plates and the service and ambience is always top notch, just avoid it like the plague on a Sunday, it gets mobbed by the stroller mafioso. There are many more so I'm going to list them below.

Superfood salad, Polenta - Jamies, Richmond

Prawn Linguine, Seafood Risotto, Zizzi Twickenham

Complete List:
Al Boccon Di Vino, Richmond
Bacco Italian, Richmond
Jamies, Richmond
Mosaico, Whitton
La Luna Di Luca, Richmond
La Salon Prive, Twickenham
Zizzi, Twickenham
Adesso, Richmond