Dreaming of authentic and tasty Italian fare in London? Look no further than Liverpool Street’s dazzling Italian market, Eataly.
Eataly is still relatively new to London, but the concept behind it has been around for a little longer– fresh, high-quality food at reasonable prices for all.
This two-story food market gives its neighbour in Spitalfields a run for its money, that’s for sure. You’ll find everything from cheese, fresh pasta, pizzas and sweet treats here for dine-in and takeaway.
Hungry? Us too. Read on to discover our guide to Eataly’s restaurants and unmissable market stalls…
What is Eataly London?
If you haven’t figured it out yet, Eataly combines Eat and Italy– the focus here is very much on eating Italian food. In fact, it’s the largest stand-alone food hall in the UK, so head here to eat, drink and shop at Eataly’s restaurants and various food market stalls.
Eataly has three restaurants serving high-quality and great-tasting dishes using produce from the market stalls. Up your cooking game with fresh pasta, handmade cheese, sustainably sourced meats and fresh seafood from Eataly’s market.
Eataly London: Top Picks
Pasta e Pizza
Pasta and pizza are two of everybody’s favourite foods, right? Pasta e Pizza is Eataly’s restaurant dedicated to serving the best cheesy dough and creamy pasta in the capital.
Located on the top floor of Eataly’s food court, Pasta e Pizza takes pizza-making very seriously and the dough is leavened for 50 hours before it reaches your plate.
Eataly brings a little taste of Italy’s finest traditional Roman-style pizzas, there’s Nduja & Burrata for your cheese fix and Diavola’s spicy salami is a dream in dough form.
Fresh pastas are served in true Italian style– al dente. Twiddle creamy Tagliatelle around your fork and devour Eataly’s deliciously unforgettable pasta.
Al Fresco
Fancy dining al fresco style? Head downstairs to the outdoor Al Fresco restaurant for more Italian goodness with city views.
Al Fresco’s menu offers a delicious selection of antipasti and nibbles, traditional Italian breadsticks and beef bresaola served with rocket and parmesan cheese are the perfect light bites. Fresh pasta from Eataly’s pastificio includes the tasty ravioli ricotta and spinach with dreamy butter and sage sauce.
Dining with friends? Size up to al grande size and share with up to three people– grab your pasta-loving gang and get ready to feast. Al Fresco is a great spot for drinks and enjoying the tagliere di salumi e formaggi sharing board featuring a selection of cheeses and cured meats.
And, however you like your spiritz, this Eataly London restaurant has you covered – from Aperol to Campari and the infamous Limoncello.
Terra
Italian wood-burning grill and bar, Terra, uses the ancient and most difficult method of cooking– fire.
Terra’s show-stopping artisanal grill steals the show at Eataly London. The sizzling grill brings to life a menu filled with simple, seasonal flavours that pair perfectly with cocktails from the bar.
Antipasti is a good way to start your feast at Terra, Calamari Fritti is expertly deep fried and served with lime and chilli mayo for dipping.
From the grill, fired with Calabrian wood, there are three options, from the sea, earth or farm. Grilled Swordfish, cornish leaves salad and gremolata bring the Italian smokiness to your plate. For a more meaty affair, grass-fed La Granda beef roast bone marrow is coated with melted onion and drizzled with red wine jus (drool).
If you’re feeling ambitious, all the produce used in Terra’s sumptuous dishes can be found in Eataly’s food market for you to try and replicate at home.
Gelateria
Question: Is there anything better than Italian gelato? Answer: No.
Simply nothing compares to the creamy goodness.
Gelateria is a counter in Eataly that you should stop by for homemade gelati and sorbetti made fresh in-house everyday. The counter serves a selection of seasonal and creamy gelato in all of the best flavours.
Dairy-free? Gelateria also has dairy-free gelato so no one needs to miss out on this occasion. Grab yourself a traditional coppa– it’s the Italian’s answer to the sundae.
Gran Caffe Bar
If you’ve ever tasted authentic aromatic Italian coffee, you’ll know just how good a cup Italians can brew.
Gran Caffe Bar’s coffee tastes like it was brewed in Italy, from Italian coffee roaster illy. The cafe, inspired by the elegant cafes of Rome, serves breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and late night bites for when you’ve had a few too many Aperol Spritz. Guilty.
La Via Del Dolce
La Via Del Dolce hits the sweet spot. This brightly lit market stall looks like it should be part of a Christmas market, walk underneath the rainbow-lit archway and discover Italy’s sweet side.
Bringing you the best brands that Italy has to offer via a huge selection of candies, biscuits and chocolates. The selection of artisanal brands incorporates flavours using ingredients from various Italian regions.
II Caseificio
II Caseificio is the house of mozzarella and fresh cheese. The best part about this market stall is that you can watch the experts turn local milk sourced from Devon into light, flavourful cheese from mozzarella to stracciatella.
Cheese is handmade daily here, and you can learn about the process in the mozzarella lab. Even better than watching the cheese being made is being able to eat the same fresh cheese in any of the Eataly restaurants… and you can take some home with you.
Eataly London: Practical Tips for Visiting
- Eataly is open seven days a week, including bank holidays. Terra is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5.30pm and Al Fresco and Pasta e Pizza are open every day from 11.30am.
- Book ahead to dine at one of Eataly’s restaurants to avoid disappointment. You’re welcome to enjoy drinks at Al Fresco, but you can’t book unless you’re dining, so be prepared to wait.
- When shopping in the market, make sure you ask the friendly and helpful staff for cooking suggestions– they’re happy to help
