Review of Emilia’s Crafted Pasta in Victoria
Opened last August, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta Victoria marks the brand’s fifth and largest restaurant to date, bringing its much-loved fresh pasta to the heart of Westminster. Just moments from Victoria Station and within easy reach of Parliament, it feels perfectly placed for everyone from suited office regulars to weekend wanderers.
Set across two floors, the space is airy yet inviting. Large floor to ceiling windows flood the restaurant with natural light, while earthy tones and a bar inspired by early 20th century Italian design add warmth and character. Downstairs, the chef’s counter offers front row seats to the pasta making in action, while banquette seating makes for more relaxed, intimate dining. It feels polished but never formal, true to Emilia’s unfussy charm.
We visited for lunch last week and the room was buzzing. To start, we opted for burrata with heritage tomatoes, a simple classic done well, creamy and fresh with just the right balance of sweetness and acidity.
For mains, the special winter dish of potato gnocchi with slow cooked lamb shoulder ragù was pure comfort, soft pillows of pasta coated in a deeply savoury, rich sauce that felt made for colder days.
We also ordered the signature homemade four hour slow cooked béchamel Bolognese with grated Parmesan and pappardelle. It is easy to see why it remains a bestseller. The pasta was perfectly al dente, the ragù layered and indulgent without being heavy, finished generously with Parmesan that brought everything together.
What Emilia’s continues to do so well is consistency. Portions are generous, prices remain refreshingly accessible for the area and the service is warm and efficient, striking that balance between quick City lunch and relaxed Italian meal.
Nearly a year on, the Victoria site already feels firmly established, confidently delivering the handmade pasta and welcoming hospitality that have made Emilia’s such a London favourite.
Address: 56 Victoria St, Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6QW
For more information click here
Written by Grace Ko
Photography courtesy of Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
