Bistro Benito

Bistro Benito is a family-run Italian restaurant that has graced Earls Court Road since 1977. Named for the father of the family, Benito and his son Simone remain dedicated to the authentic Italian cuisine and family hospitality that have made their restaurant’s name in southwest London. The cosy environs of the restaurant are as evocative as the dishes, making a simple coffee break, light or lavish lunch, or full Italian dinner a memorable experience.

Many Earls Court locals drop in to Bistro Benito simply for a freshly brewed Italian espresso or a dolcelatte and a chat with father and son proprietors Benito and Simone Marella. Open from 11:30am until late every day of the week, this neighbourhood Italian restaurant down Earls Court Road is a meeting place for regular patrons from the area or dedicated fans of authentic Italian cuisine who come from all over London, alighting from Earls Court tube station and making the short trip up the road lunch or dinner.

Bistro Benito’s menu is typically Italian, starting with antipasti and pasta, moving through classic main courses with plenty of sides and salads as accompaniments. The dessert menu here is longer than at most Italian restaurants in London, with the zabaglione (whipped egg and Marsala wine), chocolate profiteroles, and the house special crepes Benito (with ice cream and a Grand Marnier sauce) being particular highlights. Start your meal at this Earls Court institution with the chef’s pate, Italian-inflected escargots, or the stracciatella (a clear egg soup) before taking in a plate of Neapolitan gnocchi, risotto casalingo, or classic cannelloni with veal and spinach. Highlights from the list of mains include the knuckle of veal, the veal in Marsala wine, trout with almonds, the Milanese chicken escalope, and the grilled calf's liver. Be sure to book a table at Bistro Benito to beat the local crowds.