The best independent restaurants for pasta and pizza in Nottingham

As a food blogger, I’ve sampled a wide variety of cuisines, but I always come back to my first love: Italian.

My life-long obsession with pasta is notorious among family and friends, and one of my earliest and happiest memories involves watching my grandad plate up a big bowl of cheesy fusilli just for me.

By comparison, my feelings towards pizza growing up were rather lacklustre. This probably had a lot to do with me being raised by a pizza hater (sorry Dad) and the fact that my experience of pizza was limited to the ASDA frozen section (sorry Mum). Thankfully, my perspective on pizza has completely changed in recent years, something I accredit almost entirely to the fantastic local pizza places I have discovered in Nottingham.

I’m a big believer in supporting independent businesses over chains where possible and, with so many Nottingham restaurants serving delicious and authentic pasta and pizza, I will always recommend going independent for Italian food.

This blog features seven of the best independent restaurants for pasta and pizza in Nottingham — that’s four for pasta, two for pizza and one where you can enjoy the culinary delights of both in one sitting!

If you’re reading this while out and about as you look for your next dinner destination, you can tap each restaurant address for easy access to Google Maps directions from your current location. You’re welcome!

La Storia — 12 Musters Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7PL

La Storia will always top any list I write about food in Nottingham — best dinner, best restaurant, best hospitality!

This family-run restaurant in West Bridgford is my number one stop when I’m craving pasta and our leading choice for date night. If the Nutella tiramisu is on the menu, make sure you save room for dessert. I also can never resist buying a bottle of their homemade Limoncello on my way out to enjoy a taste of ltalia at home.

The Pelican Club — 55 St Mary’s Place, Nottingham NG1 1PH

This cool restaurant and jazz bar is my favourite Italian place in Nottingham city centre. The atmosphere is relaxed but vibrant, inviting you to soak up the soulful tones of live jazz music as you tuck into your tagliatelle.

Pelican Club has a fantastic cocktail menu, with a whole page just for dessert cocktails, including four cheesecake-inspired drinks, dessert martinis and some classic fruity numbers. A tasty tipple to end the night is a must!

Pizzamisu — 9 High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HF

The Neapolitan pizza at Pizzamisu is some of the best I’ve tasted in Nottingham. This pizza has become renowned for its authenticity among Pizzamisu’s growing fanbase — as I haven’t visited Italy in years, I can’t confirm or deny this but I love the taste and I’m a huge fan of the dough. Soft, light and airy, it really lets the pizza toppings shine.

Don’t let the dough fool you though, as these pizzas are surprisingly filling. Be prepared to share or take half your pizza home for round two the next day (I’ll always advocate for the latter!)

Lombardo’s Lasagne — 142 Hucknall Road, Carrington, Nottingham NG5 1FA

Did you know Nottingham has its very own lasagneria? Tucked away in Carrington, Lombardo’s is a small but mighty restaurant that has developed a well-deserved reputation for exceptional lasagne.

There are several different lasagne dishes on the menu, all with the perfect pasta to filling ratio, as well as some Italian aperitivo plates and great desserts. With vegetarian lasagnes that are as memorable as their traditional meat counterparts, I recommend a trip to Lombardo’s for anyone who likes Italian food.

Casa Italian — 110 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 6LF

I stumbled across Italian and seafood restaurant Casa by happy accident last year and their smoked duck breast pasta has been living in my mind rent free ever since!

There is a lot of variety on the Casa a la carte menu, from pasta and risotto to fish and beef dishes. Take advantage of the rather handy two courses for £19.95 deal (available 12pm to 6pm daily) to sample more of the food without breaking the bank.

Slice ‘n’ Brew — 10 King’s Walk, Nottingham NG1 2AE

Relative newbies on the Nottingham food scene, Slice ‘n’ Brew have taken the city by storm since opening their first store on King’s Walk in 2022. The business itself has been around considerably longer and built a loyal following of locals at sell-out pop-up events along the way.

This is another pizza joint that is smashing it in the wow-factor-sides department. The mortadella, pistachio and scamorza croquettes are the perfect accompaniment to any pizza. If you like the sound of a tasty twist on the classic margherita, you need to try the vodka pie!

Solo Grano — 21-23 Wheeler Gate, Nottingham NG1 2NA

Can’t make up your mind between pasta or pizza? Thanks to Solo Grano, you don’t have to! The relaxed vibes at this Italian eatery on Wheeler Gate are ideal for a casual catch-up with friends or laidback lunch date.

As sunnier days approach, Solo Grano’s outdoor seating area will prove a great choice for a spot of authentic al fresco dining while watching the world go by. Buon appetito!

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’Best’ will always be subjective, so if I’ve missed your favourite local pizza or pasta place off this list, let me know in the comments!