+44 20 7928 5535+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Mon
12:00 - 2:1518:00 - 21:00
Tue
12:00 - 2:1518:00 - 21:00
Wed
12:00 - 2:1518:00 - 21:00
Thu
12:00 - 2:1518:00 - 21:00
Fri
12:00 - 2:1518:00 - 21:00
Sat
17:30 - 21:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Does this restaurant accept bookings?
Details
CUISINES
Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
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4.0
779 reviews
Excellent
376
Very good
184
Average
68
Poor
61
Terrible
90
SBRaistrick
4 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Me and my girlfriend visited Cotto after discovering it provided gluten free dishes! This was fantastic for me being a coeliac, as on a few occasions I had struggled to find good quality eateries that served gluten free food. We was welcomed into the lovely authentic Italian restaurant (right next to the closest tube station) by the owner, who was a lovely man and very friendly, making us feel at ease right away. The food was AMAZING, me and my girlfriend ordered a gluten free dish each so that I could try both meals and I was blown away by the different tastes. To make things even better, bottled gluten free peroni was also available. The owner took lots of time making us feel welcomed and shared plenty of stories with us, creating a lovely and light-hearted atmosphere. I would 100% recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting an extremely tasty and well-priced Italian, especially those, who like my self want to find amazing gluten free pasta dishes and pizza. Will definitely be returning when we go to London next!
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mia M
6 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
Went to Cotto this evening with my boyfriend for the first time as had read good reviews. The food was very good and great gluten free options. The young waiter who served pur food and drink was lovely.
However the older man and lady working there (I think the man must be the owner?) were very rude. As soon as we were sat down they were arguing with each other loudly in Italian using some quite foul language. Then the man was telling another table off for having been a few minutes late and having to wait for some of the party.
The whole meal was very rushed, and as soon as our dessert was served the man said he needed the table back in a few minutes. The lady pretty much threw the bill on our table (we had not asked for it) and didn't even say anything.
I know some restaurants have a time limit on tables, but this wasn't even 1.5 hours! Not enough time to actually eat 3 courses. I felt on edge and like I had to rush my food.
This is definitely the opposite atmosphere to most Italian restaurants where it is relaxed and you are encouraged to actually take your time and enjoy the food.
It's a real shame because the food is very good and it's rare to find a good Italian as a coeliac. Will not be returning.
Written 27 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Littlemouse & badger
Barnsley43 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Love Cotto. I’ve been eating here 3 times a week for 6 months whilst working away from home. It is friendly and welcoming and more importantly, gluten free across the menu not like other restaurants where you only have the choice of 2 or 3 dishes. I loved the homemade pasta - delizioso!
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
76susie
Carlisle10 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Very rarely write a negative review but feel this one is very justified. Called in on Wednesday evening (12 Feb’20) for a meal with my son. Olives and bread were brought to the table...but no mention that they were extra until we paid. Ordered a lemonade and a tonic water...which was fine...but that’s where it ends. We ordered chips but when they arrived it was just a bowl of sloppy potatoes that we couldn’t eat. My pizza was soggy and just running in a horrible tasting sauce. When we complained to the owner he was quite nasty and said they were an Italian and they don’t do chips. I found this strange as the waitress took the order and she didn’t say anything about not doing chips. (We ate in another Italian the previous night and the ‘chips’ were beautiful). Very rude owner indeed and terrible food. Very expensive and went away still hungry. Thankfully found a lovely place nearby to eat. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dani B
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • friends
I am not one to complain but this was the worst meal out I have had in a long time. On arrival, was offered bread which at the end when we went to pay was charged on our bill. Asked the waitress for no cheese as I have a dairy intolerance. She said that would possible. When the food came out, it was covered in cheese. Politely said I asked for no cheese. 5 minutes later the same plate came back but with the cheese picked off. Waitress seemed annoyed when she brought it back. The parts I could eat were luke warm and for an Italian restaurant the sauce wasn’t brilliant. It was by far the worst and most over priced meal I have had in a while. Would never go back there.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex
Preston8 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
In a big city like London, authentic restaurants are few and far between. Therefore when my girlfriend and I came across ‘Cotto’ we were amazed at the warm and friendly welcome, followed by an evening of excellent customer service. The staff cared deeply about allergens and special requirements when it comes to food intolerances, this was a bonus as I am lactose & gluten intolerant. Without a doubt, I can firmly say that the gluten free Tommasino pizza with lactose free cheese was truly outstanding and by far the best pizza I have ever had! Thank you so much to this family run business, your top quality service was much appreciated. We will be back very soon!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mateyboy75
Cardiff19 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Staying in the Park Plaza round the corner we were hoping for a Pizza Express or something similar as didn’t fancy going into the West End. We saw this little Italian and thought that will do. Oh my goodness what an amazing little restaurant. Yes the choice of bread delivered immediately to our table as we sat down was deliciously fresh. Yes the home marinated olives were a tasty bonus. Yes the wine was perfect. Yes the mixed meats were melt in the mouth tongue tantalisingly tasty. Yes the seafood pizza was quite simply the best I’ve ever tasted. BUT the best thing about this unassuming little Italian restaurant around the corner from the Park Plaza Hotel and across the road from the Lambert North Tube station is the welcome, the engagement and the genuine hospitality of the people who work there and the owner who is so passionate about what he does. Absolutely blown away. Thank you! Best UK restaurant experience we’ve had in years! Cheer Dave and Jason
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy R
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • family
We arrived and the front of house was rude about us booking through open table and not direct, even though they have advertised on open table. We arrived with our 19 month old daughter and the front of house told us she wasn't allowed to cry, people come here to eat and she will have to leave if she cries. Daughter didn't cry luckily but we were made to feel very unwelcome. There was no pizza, spaghetti or garlic bread the night before a marathon and there was no apology. After eating our dinner and being rushed the whole time we were told we had to leave because they needed the table back a whole 40 minutes after sitting down.
I have never felt more unwelcome at a restaurant, it is advertised as family run so I thought it would be family friendly, and high chairs would suggest so too. This was all the front of house manager, the rest of the waiting staff were lovely
Written 3 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve B
392 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
I took my daughter to this Italian restaurant for some authentic food . We was not disapointed.
Looking from the outside it does not look up to much but once you enter and get greeted by the staff it totally changes.
You walk into a lovely restaurant that you would expect to see in a small Italian village. Lots of wall art and decor. You are shown to your table and given time to look over the menue.
You are given complementy olices of pick over (not for me but still nice gesture) we also got the pick of some lovely bread and butter . Funny enough I took the olive bread and I loved it 😋.
The menu was not over welming but was reasonably priced . I had the tagliatelle and salmon was very nice my daughter had the penne pasta and chicken that was very nice as well
The drinks was probably the only let down . My daughter had a glass of lemonade but that was dead flat no fizz left not sure if it was from a bottle or not and my Italian beer was vastly over priced at a £5 for a bottle maybe just london prices but not worth it. Other then that it was nice enough not to say anything about drinks.
Would I go back .. yes I would and would highly recommend it
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NJ_Visitor
Pittstown179 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
A last minute, first time visit. I wanted to go to another restaurant, but it was unexpectedly closed. Plus it was close to my hotel.
Customers were coming and going, but it was not that crowded when there, about 20:00. I had a daily soup special and a pasta dish. The food was good, but I thought very expensive, especially for the area. (£6.50 for a cup of soup!? £1 for bread!? I was surprised the glass of tap water was free.)
Service was dodgy at best. This point completely turned me off about the restaurant. I was seated quickly, but I had to summon the attendant every time I wanted something (order, ask for the bill, etc.) Part of the reason for the poor service, I think, was that everyone in the restaurant was constantly engaged talking with each other. I had the impression that I, the customer, was somewhat a nuisance disturbing their conversations.
On top of the expensiveness of the menu, a 15% service charge was added to the bill, which honestly I did not notice until after I left.
I will not be visiting here again.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia F
1 contribution
May 2022 • none
Tucked away in Lambeth North is the best Italian place in London. It can seem a little off putting from the outside, but don’t let that discourage you. It is ran by an Italian family. The husband is celiac and has created gluten-free alternatives for nearly everything on the menu. He is very cordial and welcoming. His daughters are the waitresses while his wife and son work in the kitchen. The atmosphere is truly like taking a step into Italy. The dishes are extremely reasonable prices which can be hard to find in London. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente and fresh marinated olives are on every table for each group of patrons. The wine list is extensive and reasonably prices glasses and bottles. Truly cannot recommend enough if you are gluten-free or not, it is one of the best authentic restaurants with genuine people
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globetraipser
Denver349 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
This is a cute family-run neighborhood place that is especially good for people who eat gluten-free, like my guest. The service was very friendly, and the owner was an absolute delight. The menu is not huge, but it does have a little bit of everything. The pastas were cooked perfectly and my guest said the gluten free pasta was the best she had ever had. The sauces were well proportioned and tasted of fresh, natural ingredients. The lasagna and carbonara were excellent. The caprese salad had fresh juicy tomatoes and was a generous portion. The bill for two which included a starter, two entrees, one dessert and three glasses of wine was £84/$98 USD. We enjoyed it so much that we returned a few nights later. The second time we had a starter, pizza, gnocchi and one glass of wine, and the bill was £58/$68 USD.
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
London13 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
We booked online for 8pm on a Saturday night and travelled from the other side of London to visit this restaurant. For context both me and my partner are strictly gluten free so this journey was made especially and there were limited other options for us in the area. When we walked in two members of staff shouted CLOSED very loudly in our face with no explanation whatsoever (despite there being other customers still sat at tables). When I explained that we had a booking I got the same CLOSED shouted at me and so we left with no explanation. I have never felt more unwelcome! Please avoid this place if you are travelling especially or with a group as they are unreliable and will not treat you with respect
Written 21 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte B
Newcastle-under-Lyme32 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
We found this restaurant online through Coeliac UK and booked for our last night in London, as I love Italian food but never get to have it properly due to being gluten free.
After a mix up with bookings that was totally our fault, the owner welcomed us to his restaurant anyway and sat us down, making us feel comfortable and welcome. I'm still a fairly new coeliac (5 months now!) and he explained how he too is coeliac, before pointing out half a dozen coeliacs sat enjoying meals at other tables. It appears this restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem and a total coeliac sanctuary!
In terms of the food, I went for some home made gf pasta and genuinely couldn't tell the difference. It was a generous portion and was rich and creamy - I'd eaten it by the time my partner was half way through his pizza! We also had starters and deserts, with bread and olives when we sat down. We were full to the brim by the time we left but I knew I had to make the most of having such a choice of food!
I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone traveling who is coeliac or has any other allergies - they 'get it' at this place, and cater to us because it's the right thing to do, not just so that they can profit. I had the pick of the menu which is a total luxury these days, and the food was to die for.
Written 8 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Omagh4 contributions
Feb 2023 • family
The most disgusting food I've ever tasted. The beef was like rubber just couldn't eat it. They have a cheek to add a 10% service charge for a rude owner to swan about and sit with customers. Never again total waste of £130. AVOID AVOID AVOID
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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