The best local Italians

Arancia, 52 Southwark Park Road, SE16 (020 7394 1751)

A modern Italian in Bermondsey with the odd twist. The mascarpone-and-pumpkin risotto, lamb shank and crab pasta are all highly recommended. The decor ("Arancia" is Italian for orange) is simple: bare boards, exposed brickwork with abstract art by a local artist. Respectable portions, good service, very good value. The staff are friendly, if not West End swift. £45

A Cena 418 Richmond Road, TW1 (020 8288 0108)

This smart, upmarket local has a constantly changing menu which is fresh, seasonal and never ceases to surprise. Chunky polenta-and-anchovy fritters with tomato sauce, ribeye steak with rosemary roast potatoes and swordfish with braised aubergine, tomato and potato are just some of the dishes on offer. All are beautifully well-presented. Service is polite and efficient, if sometimes a little impersonal. £50

Florians, 4 Topsfield Parade, Middle Lane, N8 (020 8348 8348)

A cosy restaurant with genuine enthusiasm for wine and food. Grilled seabass; duck breast with honey; lemon and ginger and roasted vegetables are all mouth-watering, as is the nut tart with cinnamon ice cream. Head for the whitewashed dining rooms at the rear of the restaurant, past the bustling bar. The back doors open on to a pretty patio giving the restaurant an airy feel - perfect for summer dining. £45

Cibo, 3 Russell Gardens, W14 (020 7371 6271/2085)

The classy rustic cuisine is served on huge, colourful Italian plates, so don't over-indulge in the free extras - the gigantic olives, pizzetta or the bountiful bread basket. Typical dishes include deep-fried courgette flowers with ricotta and rocket, gnocchi with tomato sauce, roast monkfish and rabbit terrine. Expect a slow pace, laid-back mood and charming, efficient staff. £60

Osteria Antica Bologna, 23 Northcote Road, SW11 (020 7978 4771)

This is one place where the description "cheap and cheerful" is a fair one. This is a noisy, jolly restaurant specialising in authentic regional Italian dishes. Vegetable soups (such as pumpkin with onion and saffron), the home-made pasta dishes and seafood from the charcoal grill are excellent choices. Aim for the front section of the restaurant and not the echoey school-room at the back. And be warned, it can get very busy at weekends. £60

Vegia Zena, 17 Princess Road, NW1 (020 7483 0192)

Since it opened more than eight years ago, this Genoese restaurant has occasionally been recommended as someone's discovery. A residential location, homely decor and secret garden probably contribute to the notion. Some specialities, such as socca, should be ordered in advance, but there is usually the signature regional dish of trofie pasta with potato and green beans, dressed with pesto. £68.