Babbo
Located in the elegant neighbourhood of St John’s Wood, Babbo at 29-31 St John’s Wood High St, London NW8 7NH offers a dining experience that blends traditional Italian charm with a modern, upscale touch. Known for its stylish atmosphere and carefully curated menu, it has become a go-to destination for those who appreciate authentic Italian flavours presented with sophistication.
The first impression at Babbo is its warm yet refined décor. With crisp white tablecloths, ambient lighting, and tasteful artwork, the restaurant strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and fine dining. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening, a family gathering, or a business lunch, Babbo provides a setting that feels both inviting and polished.
The menu is the heart of Babbo’s appeal. Starters range from bruschetta al pomodoro with fresh tomatoes and basil to delicate carpaccio di manzo, showcasing the kitchen’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The antipasti sharing platters are particularly popular, offering a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables—perfect for groups to enjoy.
When it comes to mains, the pasta dishes are undeniable highlights. Classics like spaghetti alle vongole and tagliatelle al tartufo showcase both authenticity and flair, with pasta made fresh and sauces that deliver rich, balanced flavours. The risotto dishes, often seasonal, are equally praised for their creamy texture and bold taste. For those seeking heartier options, mains such as grilled sea bass, veal Milanese, or Florentine steak demonstrate Babbo’s versatility beyond pasta.
Desserts at Babbo are indulgent and memorable. The tiramisu, often called one of the best in London, is light yet decadent, while the panna cotta delivers the perfect sweet finish to a meal. The extensive wine list, featuring Italian regional selections, complements the menu perfectly, allowing diners to pair their dishes with the ideal bottle.
Service is another standout feature. Staff at Babbo are professional, knowledgeable, and approachable, often going out of their way to recommend dishes or suggest wine pairings. This attention to detail adds to the overall dining experience, ensuring guests feel cared for from start to finish.
For anyone seeking a refined yet welcoming Italian dining experience in London, Babbo delivers. With its authentic dishes, elegant setting, and attentive service, it’s a restaurant that embodies the best of Italian hospitality in the heart of St John’s Wood.
Reviews
We just discovered this new Italian menu! It was a lovely evening and the weather was perfect to sit outside. The menu is quite satisfying. Portions are good. Taste of the food was also good. We been served so nicely. Excellent welcoming and great chat with Diego and Patrick. Thank you all and definitely will be back soon!
A Truly Exceptional Italian Dining Experience at Babbo From the moment we stepped into Babbo, we were surrounded in a warm, stylish ambiance that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The service was impeccable, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu. Aperitivi & Antipasti We began with the Arancini al Tartufo Nero—hand-rolled rice balls filled with squash purée and topped with black truffle. These were nothing short of divine, offering a perfect balance of earthy flavours and creamy texture. Accompanying this were the Babbo Meatballs, tender veal meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, and the Cestino di Pane, a selection of freshly baked breads that paired wonderfully with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, the Olive Nocellara e Parmigiano Reggiano—a delightful combination of green olives and chunks of aged Parmesan. Insalata The Carciofi salad was a revelation. Charred artichokes combined with mixed greens, red onions and cherry tomatoes, all dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, created a refreshing and flavourful start to the meal. Babbo’s Pizza The Babbo-Amo pizza was a standout. The crust was perfectly thin and crisp, topped with mozzarella, courgette, caciocavallo, and onions. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavours that showcased Babbo's commitment to quality ingredients. Primi The Ravioli Ricotta e Spinaci was exquisite. Delicate ravioli filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, served with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, offered a comforting yet refined taste of Italy. Mains For the main course, we opted for the Branzino and Veal Milanese. The Branzino was a beautifully cooked seabass fillet, accompanied by grilled vegetables that complemented the fish perfectly. The Veal Milanese featured a pan-fried veal ribeye served with a mixed salad—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and utterly satisfying. Piccata di Vitello al Limone was perhaps the most surprising delight — the veal was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a sharp, buttery lemon sauce that was utterly addictive. It was bright, bold, and beautifully balanced accompanied by a creamy mash potato. Contorni The side dishes were equally impressive. The Patate al Forno (roasted potatoes with rosemary) and Broccoli con Aglio e Peperoncino (broccoli with garlic and chili) were the perfect accompaniments, adding depth and flavour to the meal. Desserts We finished with two desserts that beautifully captured Babbo’s balance of classic Italian and creative flair: Crème Brulé, Arancia e Cannella: silky vanilla custard with a perfectly torched sugar crust, subtly infused with orange and cinnamon. The accompanying red plum sorbet was tart and refreshing — an inspired pairing. Baked Vanilla Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis: smooth, rich, and not overly sweet. The raspberry coulis and the hazelnut gelato added just the right touch of acidity freshness, and brightness to round off the meal. Final Thoughts Babbo offers a dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. The attention to detail in every dish, the exceptional service, and the inviting atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone seeking high-quality Italian cuisine in London. We left with full stomachs and happy hearts, already planning our next visit.
Two decades in St John's Wood and we finally have a proper Italian restaurant in the area. Fantastic food and service lead by Patrick the incredible manager and his team (Mr. T is a legend) The meatballs and the fried calamari was one of the best I've had in London. The Lobster Tagliolini was amazing and the roast potatoes were the best I've ever had. Well done and keep it up!
Lovely restaurant! About the starters: the bread basket and parmesan with olives were incredible (although the bread was too much for two people). The tuna tartare was a bit disappointing. Mains: the lasagna was very nice but a bit too salty for my taste. The truffle pasta was perfection!!! Dessert: incredible tiramisu! Overall very nice experience - only a bit loud and a bit expensive
I loved Baboo. The delicious food, the friendly staff, the amazing place itself. Everything was perfect. We had an amazing time celebrating my mum’s 70th birthday and that day will be in my memory forever. Thanks to Baboo and all the fantastic guys working in there for making the day so special.