Padella

Padella is a fresh pasta restaurant at 6 Southwark Street in London SE1, beside Borough Market. It was opened by the founders of the nearby restaurant Trullo and quickly became one of the best-known pasta bars in London, largely because it offers handmade pasta at prices far below those of most central London restaurants. The cuisine is Italian, focused on a short menu of pasta dishes made on site, with the pasta rolled and shaped by cooks in the front window where passers-by can watch.

The signature dishes are the pici cacio e pepe, a thick hand-rolled pasta with pecorino and black pepper, and the slow-cooked beef shin ragu served with pappardelle. The menu changes regularly, with specials that follow the season and a small selection of starters such as burrata and a daily antipasto. Portions are designed for a single course, so many diners order two dishes or add a side. Desserts are limited and simple, often an Italian-style tiramisu or a seasonal item.

The room is compact, bright and busy, with counter seating, small tables and a fast turnover. The mood is energetic and informal, with noise rising during the evening rush. There is no dress code. The drinks list is short and focused on Italian wines by the glass or carafe, plus beer and soft drinks, which keeps the bill modest.

Padella does not take reservations for most of the dining room, which means queues form outside, sometimes exceeding an hour at peak times on Friday and Saturday evenings. The restaurant has used a queueing system that allows visitors to be notified when a table is ready, but this should be confirmed on arrival. Listed hours are Monday to Saturday 12:00 to 22:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 21:00, though visitors should check current times. A pasta dish costs roughly a low-to-mid teens amount in pounds sterling at most, making the restaurant one of the best-value sit-down meals in London.