Independent Business Awards

Best Italian Restaurant in Nottingham (2026)

Finding the perfect space is no easy task. We’ve analysed local options in Nottingham, cross-referencing public review signals and independent business checks to curate this recognised shortlist of the best Italian Restaurant for 2026 (not winner status).

Recognised shortlist: listings are based on public review signals and independent checks (not winner status).
#1

Pizzamisú

⭐ 4.7 1308 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Highly praised for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas and genuine Italian atmosphere.

What they do: Pizzamisú offers a 'Slice of Naples In Nottingham', specialising in authentic Neapolitan pizzas available for order and collection or delivery. They also feature special menus for occasions like Valentine's Day.

What customers say: Customers consistently praise Pizzamisú for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, describing them as 'incredible', 'fresh', 'tasty', and with 'airy crusts'. The atmosphere is noted as having 'good vibes' that transport diners back to Napoli. Service is also highlighted as lovely and very kind.

Pizzamisú brings an authentic 'Slice of Naples In Nottingham', specialising in Neapolitan-style pizzas with fresh, tasty ingredients and airy crusts. Customers rave about the incredible food and the genuine Neapolitan vibe, complemented by lovely and kind service, making it a highly recommended spot for a true taste of Italy.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#2

Farro's Grillhouse

⭐ 4.5 1730 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: The restaurant is shortlisted for its highly praised food quality and exceptional customer service in an alcohol-free setting.

What they do: Farro's Grillhouse offers a newly refurbished, alcohol-free venue perfect for special occasions, private events, or casual dining with friends. They aim to provide delicious food, excellent value, and quick, friendly service, with options for takeaway and desserts.

What customers say: Customers praise Farro's Grillhouse as a fantastic spot for relaxed family meals, highlighting the fresh, flavorful food, especially the perfectly cooked beef. Many commend the brilliant, quick, and friendly service, along with the high quality and excellent presentation of dishes. The mocktails and desserts also receive positive mentions, though one review noted chewy steak and lamb.

Farro's Grillhouse is an easygoing, alcohol-free venue in Nottingham, celebrated by customers for its fresh, flavorful grilled meats, burgers, pizzas, and pastas. Diners consistently commend the quick, friendly service and the overall welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for family meals and special occasions.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#3

Solo Grano

⭐ 4.6 1150 reviews Recognised

What they do: Information not currently available.

What customers say: Recognised for excellence based on public review signals.

Recognised for excellence based on public review signals and independent operational status.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#4

Dino

⭐ 4.7 740 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: This establishment is shortlisted for its consistently positive customer reviews and diverse menu offerings.

What they do: Dino operates as a wine bar and restaurant, offering lunch, evening, and dessert menus, with options for booking and vouchers.

What customers say: Customers consistently praise Dino for its delicious food, friendly and attentive staff, and fabulous atmosphere. Many highlight the good prices, especially for a city establishment, and appreciate the warm, stylish setting. Some minor feedback included cocktail presentation and a desire for small birthday gestures.

Dino is a stylish and warmly lit Mediterranean bar and restaurant in Nottingham, also featuring fajita and steak menus. Customers rave about the delicious food, excellent service, and vibrant atmosphere, often noting the great value for money. It's a highly recommended spot for a delightful dining experience.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#5

Compa Nottingham

⭐ 4.8 546 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: This establishment is shortlisted for its authentic Italian Sicilian cuisine and exceptional customer reviews.

What they do: Compa Nottingham offers a menu and booking services, inviting customers to learn more about them or join their team.

What customers say: Customers describe Compa Nottingham as a brilliant, intimate, and cosy restaurant with flavourful, authentic Sicilian food. Reviewers consistently praise the high quality of the dishes, the attentive and friendly staff, and the pleasant atmosphere. Many highlight the genuine Italian taste and the freshness of ingredients.

Compa Nottingham is a charming and intimate restaurant offering genuine Italian Sicilian food in a cosy environment. Customers consistently rave about the authentic flavours, high-quality fresh ingredients, and the attentive, friendly service. It's celebrated for its rustic simplicity and warm welcome, making it a highly recommended spot for an authentic dining experience.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#6

Casa Italian & Seafood Restaurant

⭐ 4.6 686 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Recognised for its consistently high-quality Italian food and outstanding customer service in a stylish setting.

What they do: This modern bistro offers a range of Italian dishes, including A La Carte, desserts, and drinks, with options catering to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dietary requirements. They also provide collection, delivery, and gift cards.

What customers say: Customers consistently praise the fantastic food, highlighting dishes like sea bass and carbonara, and describe the service as first-class, attentive, and friendly. The restaurant is noted for its atmospheric, lovely, clean, and nicely decorated setting, making for a truly memorable dining experience.

Casa Italian & Seafood Restaurant is a highly recommended modern bistro in Nottingham, celebrated for its fantastic Italian cuisine and exceptional service. Diners enjoy a memorable experience in an atmospheric setting, with many praising the attentive staff and delicious food, though one review noted issues with a starter and dessert.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#7

The Pelican Club

⭐ 4.6 623 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Shortlisted for its unique blend of authentic Italian cuisine, live jazz, and exceptional atmosphere.

What they do: The Pelican Club is an Italian restaurant and jazz bar specializing in rustic, traditional Umbrian dishes made with fresh local and imported Italian produce. They offer a regularly changing seasonal menu, including separate vegetarian and vegan options, alongside a fine selection of Italian wines and cocktails, complemented by live jazz performances.

What customers say: Guests rave about the fantastic live jazz music and the cosy, intimate ambience, enhanced by charming decor. The cocktails are highly rated, and the staff, including Dan and Emilia, are consistently described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, contributing to a 'heavenly' and memorable experience.

The Pelican Club stands out as a beloved Italian restaurant and jazz bar in Nottingham, celebrated for its authentic Umbrian cuisine, outstanding cocktails, and vibrant live music. Customers consistently praise the intimate atmosphere and the friendly, accommodating staff, making it a highly recommended spot for a delightful evening.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#8

Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti

⭐ 4.3 949 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Nominated for its authentic Italian pasta dishes and cosy, intimate dining experience.

What they do: Information not currently available.

What customers say: Customers describe the food as authentic Italian, with freshly made pasta and a small menu ensuring quality. Dishes like beef tortellini, anchovy pasta, tiramisu, and garlic and chilli prawns receive high praise. The venue offers a cosy, homely, and family feel, with generally attentive and friendly staff, though some recent reviews noted a decline in service and food quality.

Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti is a cosy Nottingham venue known for its authentic Italian fare, particularly its freshly made pasta and delicious desserts. While many appreciate the homely atmosphere and quick service, recent feedback suggests some inconsistency in service and food quality, with one reviewer noting a 'watery ragu'.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#9

café cchino

⭐ 4.4 384 reviews Recognised

What they do: Information not currently available.

What customers say: Recognised for excellence based on public review signals.

Recognised for excellence based on public review signals and independent operational status.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#10

Pici

⭐ 4.7 250 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Shortlisted for its dedication to fresh, high-quality pasta and vibrant dining atmosphere.

What they do: Pici offers fresh pasta made daily, pizzettes, and small plates, inspired by European and UK restaurants. They focus on simple dishes with bold flavours and quality ingredients, paired with low-intervention wines, great beers, and classic spritzes, providing a relaxed and lively dining experience in Hockley.

What customers say: Diners praise Pici for its amazing cocktails, lovely reception, and helpful staff. The pasta dishes, such as Pici Cacio e Pepe and mutton ragu, are consistently described as perfect and high quality. The restaurant is noted for its cool, relaxed vibe, great atmosphere, and good energy, making for a delightful dining experience.

Pici in Nottingham is celebrated for its fresh, daily-made pasta, pizzettes, and small plates, offering simple dishes with bold flavours in a relaxed and lively setting. Customers consistently commend the amazing cocktails, high-quality food, and the attentive, friendly service, making it a highly recommended spot for Italian dining.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#11

Corner Stone Pizza

⭐ 4.9 198 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Recognised for its highly praised, authentic Italian-style pizzas and friendly service.

What they do: Information not currently available.

What customers say: Customers consistently praise the excellent, Italian-style pizza for its amazing flavours, fresh preparation, and outstanding crust. Staff are described as very pleasant, friendly, and welcoming. While some note the food is tremendous, there were mentions of service being a little slow and pricing being quite expensive. The option to bring your own alcohol for a 10% charge is appreciated, though the entrance was noted as not wheelchair accessible.

Corner Stone Pizza is highly regarded for its delicious, freshly made Italian-style pizzas with outstanding crusts and amazing flavours. While service can sometimes be slow and prices on the higher side, the friendly staff and quality food make it a top choice for many. Customers also appreciate the BYOB option, despite some accessibility concerns with the entrance.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#12

Restaurant Bar Gigi

⭐ 4.6 233 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Shortlisted for its exceptional modern Italian dining experience, high-quality ingredients, and outstanding customer service.

What they do: Established in September 2021, Bar Gigi is an independent modern Italian restaurant located above the Gigi Bottega boutique in Nottingham. It offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience that celebrates simplicity, seasonality, and exceptional quality, reflecting the cosmopolitan spirit of Milanese dining.

What customers say: Customers rave about the incredible and delicious food, with specific praise for dishes like scallops and gnocchi being 'out of this world.' The staff are consistently described as friendly, welcoming, attentive, and helpful, with the owner Angelo receiving special mention. The restaurant's setting in a 'stunning' and 'beautiful and historic building' also contributes to a fantastic experience.

Bar Gigi offers a modern Italian dining experience in Nottingham, celebrated for its exceptional quality and refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Customers consistently highlight the delicious and beautifully presented food, from antipasti to fish and meat dishes, alongside outstanding service from the welcoming and attentive staff. Its setting in a stunning historic building further enhances the appeal of this independent, family-owned establishment.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#13

Navarra

⭐ 4.5 131 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Recognised for its authentic Italian deli and restaurant experience, offering great food and exceptional service from its family owners.

What they do: Information not currently available.

What customers say: Navarra is praised for its 'fantastic' Italian deli shop and restaurant, run by 'Italian family owners.' Customers commend the 'great quality' food, 'fabulous fillet steaks,' and 'very generous portions' in the restaurant, alongside 'exceptional service.' The deli is noted for its helpful service and good prices on wine, though one customer mentioned 'shrivelled up and dry grapes' from outside.

Navarra is a well-loved Italian deli and restaurant, run by an Italian family, offering both a shop with quality products and a dining experience. Customers consistently praise the delicious food, particularly the 'fabulous fillet steaks' and generous portions, complemented by exceptional service. The deli is also appreciated for its helpful staff and good value, making it a local gem for authentic Italian goods and dining.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#14

canotto PIZZA

⭐ 4.7 93 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Shortlisted for its popular, value-for-money pizzas and friendly service, despite a noted shift in style.

What they do: Canotto Pizza is described as a Nottingham favourite offering authentic Italian pies at great prices, including a variety of pizzas, desserts, and drinks.

What customers say: Customers frequently praise the pizzas for being loaded with toppings, fantastic, and offering great value for money, with quick and friendly service. While some note a shift from Neapolitan style to a 'street food shawarma style take out' or 'kebab pizza place', they still recommend it, highlighting delicious chicken shawarma and light, fresh pizza dough.

Canotto Pizza is known for its authentic Italian pies, offering a range of pizzas, desserts, and drinks. Customers consistently commend the delicious, value-for-money pizzas and friendly service, even as some observe an evolution towards a street food style that includes popular items like chicken shawarma.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#15

Taste Italian

⭐ 4.8 59 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Shortlisted for its consistently praised authentic Italian cuisine, warm atmosphere, and excellent service.

What they do: Information not currently available.

What customers say: This 'lovely little place' is celebrated for serving authentic Italian food with a warm welcome and excellent service, often highlighting passionate staff like John and attentive Anya. Customers consistently praise the beautiful, cosy atmosphere, great menu, good quality food, and impressive wine list, making it a highly recommended 'hidden gem'.

With its website information currently unavailable, Taste Italian shines through customer reviews as a beautiful, cosy, and authentic Italian restaurant. Patrons consistently laud the warm welcome, passionate staff, excellent service, and high-quality food and wine, establishing it as a highly recommended 'hidden gem' in Nottingham.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#16

Da Vinci's Dough

⭐ 4.9 42 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: Shortlisted for its highly-rated pizza and calzone quality, despite some mixed feedback on portion value.

What they do: Information not currently available.

What customers say: Customers frequently praise the pizza and calzone for their perfect, light dough, rich condiments, and super taste, often highlighting them as high-quality products for an honest price. While many find the food delicious and great value, one significant review expressed shock at a 'half-meter pizza' deal consisting of only 'six tiny, limp slices', deeming the description highly misleading.

With no website information available, Da Vinci's Dough receives high praise for its delicious, high-quality pizzas and calzones, noted for their perfect dough and rich flavours. However, customer sentiment is mixed regarding value, with strong positive feedback on individual items contrasted by a notable complaint about misleading portion sizes for a specific deal.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.
#17

Cheese & Pasta Co

⭐ 4.4 44 reviews Recognised
Why Shortlisted: The business is shortlisted for its highly praised fresh pasta dishes and exceptional tiramisu, complemented by excellent customer service.

What they do: Information not currently available.

What customers say: Customers generally praise the fresh pasta, especially when swirled on cheese, and the delicious tiramisu, often described as nutty, soft, and rich. Many highlight the friendly staff, good value, and generous portions. Some experiences mention minor issues like cold sides or pasta lacking flavor, but overall sentiment is positive, with staff often resolving issues proactively, for example, by offering replacement items or a tiramisu on the house.

Cheese & Pasta Co is praised for its fresh, delicious pasta, often highlighted for being swirled on cheese, and its amazing, nutty tiramisu. Customers appreciate the friendly and charming staff, generous portions, and good value, including a lunch deal. While some minor issues like cold sides or occasional flavor concerns have been noted, the overall experience is highly regarded.

Data compiled from publicly available business information and review platforms.