Il Cucciolo

Il Cucciolo is a warm, family-run Italian on Old Compton Street, the kind of unshowy trattoria that Soho does quietly well. Away from the flashier openings around it, it trades on friendly service and a familiar Italian menu done properly, drawing regulars back for a comforting plate of pasta in the middle of town.

As a dependable Italian restaurant in Soho, it keeps to the classics: handmade pasta, wood-fired-style pizza, antipasti and a handful of meat and fish mains, backed by an all-Italian wine list. It is relaxed and fairly priced, well suited to a pre-theatre dinner or an easy midweek meal rather than a special-occasion splurge.

What to expect from this Italian restaurant in Soho

Expect trattoria staples done with care: pasta and risotto, pizza, antipasti to share and simple grilled mains, with tiramisu to finish and Italian wines by the glass. Portions are generous and the welcome is warm. It is a comfortable, no-fuss choice on a busy stretch of Old Compton Street.

The kitchen and the setting

Il Cucciolo leans on hospitality and honest cooking rather than trend, a neighbourhood Italian in the thick of Soho. It sits near Cecconi's, with more of the area's tables in our Soho restaurants listings.

How a visit works

Il Cucciolo serves lunch and dinner on Old Compton Street, taking walk-ins and bookings. Menus are on its official site, with reviews on Yelp.