The best Italian restaurants in Nottingham

Italian food. Arguably the best cuisine there is. I mean, what more could you want than pizza and pasta? Oh great coffee, wine and ice cream? Still Italian. But whilst you can’t go to Italy every mealtime, you can check out the best Italian restaurants in Nottingham to indulge in the great dishes, desserts and drinks.  Here are some of our top picks for Italian restaurants in Nottingham city so you can pretend for an hour or so you’re right there in Rome. 

Pizza Punks

Pizza Punks may be a chain restaurant, but it is still one of the best Italian restaurants in Nottingham. Located just next to the Lace Market tram stop, so it’s easy to reach no matter where you are in the city. They take the best elements from Neapolitan pizza but make it their own unique pizzas. Plus, their main selling point is that you can create your own pizzas, with unlimited toppings, for just £12.95. And, as the name may suggest, your visit is accentuated by the punk, anti-establishment music within the venue. 

Address: 1 Fletcher Gate, NG1 4FS

Bistro 66

This one’s for the Uni Of students. Right in the heart of Beeston, you have Bistro 66. While it is not specifically an Italian restaurant, it does feature some excellent Italian food at a very reasonable price. All of their pizzas and pasta are between £10.90 and £14.90. That’s pretty reasonable if you ask me. There is outdoor seating, perfect for these hot summer days. While it can get a little loud at times, you’re right in the heart of Beeston as your food whisks you away to Italy.  

Address: 66 High Road, NG9 2LF

Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti

Located in the heart of Hockley, Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti is known for its somewhat minimalist Italian style. As you can assume by the name, the restaurant specialises in pasta, which is fresh and handmade. Their chalkboard menu changes frequently, so no two visits to this restaurant will be the same. There is outdoor seating available, so it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some pasta while watching the world go by. 

Address: 3 Heathcoat Street, NG1 3AF

Happy Dough Lucky

Happy Dough Lucky is another of the many pizza restaurants in Nottingham. The pizzeria is located on the outskirts of the city centre, just a 5-minute walk from the Lace Market tram stop. It has been voted Nottingham’s best pizza joint for three years in a row, so it might actually be the best Italian restaurant in Nottingham. While their menu may not have as much variety, their prices are somewhat reasonable. All eight of their pizzas are between £13 and £14, and that’s for a 12-inch pizza. It may be a bit much on a student budget, but you’re getting a lot for your money’s worth. 

Address: The Lacehouse, 14 Broadway, NG1 1PS

L’Oliva

Pretty much right next to Bistro 66 is L’Oliva, a pasta restaurant right in the heart of Beeston. It was named the most Their menu is a little small too, with only seven different options of pasta, but there is a significant breadth to the menu. This ranges from a spring risotto to a slow-cooked lamb ragu with pappardelle pasta and fresh tomato and mozzarella potato gnocchi. It is probably a restaurant for special occasions, as their dishes are in the £15 range, but again, the quality makes up for it.

Address: 62 High Road, NG9 2JP

Piccolino

If you’re craving carbs and cocktails – head straight to Piccolino, located right in the heart of Nottingham. This gem of a place features an open kitchen, a cocktail bar, and an alfresco terrace – talk about a triple treat! Whether you’re in the mood for carbonara or ravioli, you’re bound to have a fab time here. It’s also the perfect place if you’re celebrating too! Prices generally range from £15 – £41, so you can go budget or go big depending on the event!

Address: 7 Weekday Cross, Nottingham NG1 2GB

BrewDog

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t BrewDog known for its craft beer?” Yes, but hear me out. This place has a surprisingly wide selection of pizzas that will have your tastebuds singing. From the ‘Italian Medallion’ laden with nduja and buffalo mozzarella to the ‘Pop-Up Pecorino’, it’s a cheese lover’s paradise. You’ll find this unexpected pizza hub at 20-22 Broad Street, Nottingham. As for the meal cost, it’s in the mid-range, so you can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank

Address: 20-22 Broad Street, Nottingham, NG1 3AL

Casa Italian & Seafood Restaurant

If you’re looking for Italian food that isn’t just pizza and pasta- this place is great for you. They have lots of other dishes such as Agnello Toscana, Pollo Principessa, Beef stroganoff, fish stew, and much more. There’s also options for veggies and vegans too! But if you do still want pasta and pizza then you won’t be disappointed either, with plenty of choice! You can also get the food at a bargain price if you go for their fixed menu which is available daily until 6pm. It’s only £19.95 for two courses!

Address: 110 Upper Parliament St NG1 6LF Nottingham

With so many places to try, it’s difficult to know where the best Italian restaurants in Nottingham are. Fortunately our list breaks down the ones to try first.  If you’re looking for even more Italian restaurants in Nottingham, check out these articles for some of the best pizza and pasta places in the city.