This is why Padella is London’s most coveted Italian spot

Industrial-chic is the juxtapositional theme of the Phipp Street location. Exposed brick and fittings take up the perimeter of the indoor space, with an open-plan kitchen for your viewing pleasure. Inside is bustling and fast-paced, with the aroma of pasta sauces filling up the air. It’s chaotic without being overwhelming, an excitable experience with knowledgable and personable waitstaff walking you through your meal. By night, Padella is an Italian love affair. The lights come down, the candles are on, and the mood is set for a night in Italy.

However, we’ll argue when the sun comes out in the warmer months, Padella really shines. The outdoor courtyard sits street-side, optimal for a spot of people-watching in the ever-eclectic Shoreditch, and soaks up the all-day sun. Apperitivo hour al fresco remains unmatched, mixed with a few plates of seasonal dishes and summer in London begins to really feel like summer in London. On chillier nights, blankets and heaters are swiftly distributed, confirming that there is no undesirable table at Padella.

Don’t get us wrong, Padella does a stand-up cocktail and killer sides and starters, but you’re coming to Padella for the pasta. Following traditional Italian techniques, Padella has more than a thousand testaments to their perfectly executed pasta, as well as multiple awards under their belt including Winner of Best Dish, UK Top 100 Restaurants, #1 for Cheap Eats Under a Tenner, and Winner of Worth The Queue 2016.

The menu hosts nine pastas and seven antipasti (though, NB. the menu is updated daily), making it concise while still offering a good variety. Unmissable signatures are their pici cacio e pepe, a simple but divine peppery cheesy silky number, their tagliarini with a slow cooked tomato sauce, and their tagliarini with a generous helping of Dorset crab, freshened up with chilli and lemon. We have to insist on ordering a few plates for the table so you can sink your teeth into a majority of the menu. Portions are generous but you won’t be struggling to lick the plate clean.

Pad your pasta dishes with the likes of Nocellara olives (a must), sourdough with Le Ferre olive oil for soaking up any excess sauces, a fresh burrata ball, and bruschetta for some brightness on the palate.

It’s not an Italian feast without a spritz or two. Luckily, Padella doesn’t lack in drinks what they make up for in food – the quality carries into the drinks menu too. Their cocktails are created by Mr Lyan Studio, inspiring each tipple to tell the story of Padella, and ensuring there’s a drink for each and every type of guest.

Our go-to’s are the Padella Martini; a simple duo of Broker’s dry gin and Carpano dry, best paired with fresh citrus like that found in the fettuccine or crab tagliarini. As well as the Padella Negroni; a concoction of dry gin, Carpano bitters, and Padella vermouth blend, which we’d pair with something strong and salty such as the pappardelle with beef ragu and the Tuscan chicken liver crostini. Of course, any visit to Padella commences with the aromatic spritz to whet the palate.

For the dry-drinkers, the non-alcoholic cocktails are equally as tasty, as well as the range of Karma cola drinks and Italian coffees.

Outstandingly executing each hallmark of a great dining experience, it’s no wonder the demand for Padella keeps growing after eight years in the London scene. Frequented both by tourists ticking off their dining bucket list and London locals who keep coming back to an old reliable, Padella just is an icon. You’ll find Padella at 1 Phipp Street, EC2A 4PS. Gather your best crew and try your luck at booking a coveted table for an unforgettable Italian bash.