The top three: Ravioli

For impressing a first date

Mele e Pere

46 Brewer Street, W1

(020 7096 2096; meleepere.co.uk)

This restaurant is a hidden gem. The little glass-fronted lobby belies the large dining space downstairs. They do wonderful things with pasta: it’s light, delicate and al dente. The menu changes daily but expect dishes such as pumpkin ravioli (£7 small, £13 large) or thick bigoli pasta with clams.

For rustic charm

Gustoso

35 Willow Place, SW1

(020 7834 5778; ristorantegustoso.co.uk)

A classic modern Italian trattoria and, although the prices are similar, better than many of the Italian-style chains. Great for a work outing or a weekend meal with the in-laws. The homemade ravioli (£8 or £11) is perfectly cooked — and look out for scallops with artichoke or pan-fried cod with lentils.

For lunch on the run

Pasta e Basta

(pastaebasta.co.uk)

Just to show that you can serve any food from a stall (as long as you know what you are doing) this street-food truck dishes up spot-on ravioli (from £5.50) to order. Recent specials include pear and gorgonzola with sage and walnuts, beetroot and goat’s cheese with blood orange and tarragon sauce, and basil ravioli filled with Devonshire crab.