Cotto

Name: Cotto
Address: 89 Westminster Road, London, United Kingdom, SE1 7HR
Telephone: 020 7928 5535
Price range: £25 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

379 Reviews

£25 and under

Italian

Top tags:

Since the Romans left, the Italians have been operating a policy of conquering the world's palate, plate by plate, and traditionally-run family restaurants like Cotto are their failsafe. The welcome is unfailingly warm here, the decor is authentic in feel, with murals on the walls, and the pleasures of the table are taken seriously indeed. Cotto is a 5-minute walk from the London Eye and the Aquarium, perfect for before or after family outings and it's also very popular with business customers during the week. There's live music on offer, too. As for the menu, try classic Tricolor salad to start, one of more than a dozen pastas, like Spaghetti carbonara, and a main course of simply and beautifully grilled Sirloin steak. Or just opt for a pizza and be happy!

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

18 Aug 2022

19:00

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

020 7928 5535

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Mon–Sat 18:00–21:30 Mon–Fri 12:00–14:00
Phone number
020 7928 5535
Website
http://www.italiancotto.co.uk/
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress

Location
89 Westminster Road, London, SE1 7HR
Area
Waterloo
Cross Street
lambeth north station
Parking Details
Private Lot
Public Transit
Lambeth North station
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Insalata Caprese
Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil
- Gluten Free£6.00
Insalata Braccio di Ferro
Fresh raw spinach, avocado and crispy bacon
- Gluten Free£6.80
Insalata Tricolore
Avocado, mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes
- Gluten Free£7.00
Sardine alla Griglia
Grilled sardines
- Gluten Free£6.60
Prosciutto e Melone
Parma ham and melon
- Gluten Free£7.50
Affettato Misto
Sliced cured meats
- Gluten Free£7.80
Bresaola e Bufala
Cured sliced beef with buffala mozzarella
- Gluten Free£8.00
Polipo Affogato Napoli
Octopus with tomato sauce and onions
- Gluten Free£8.20
Melenzane Parmigiano
Grilled aubergines, baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella
- Gluten Free£8.50
Avocado Montecarlo
Avocado with prawns, covered in cocktail sauce and smoked salmon
- Gluten Free£8.75

Risotto

Risotto con Pollo
Risotto with chicken
- Gluten Free£12.50
Risotto ai Funghi Misti
Risotto with wild mushrooms
- Gluten Free£14.50
Risotto Frutti di Mare
Risotto with sea food mixed
- Gluten Free£16.50

Pasta

Spaghetti Carbonara
Crispy bacon, fresh cream, egg yolk
- Gluten Free£11.90
Spaghetti Bolognese
Tomato and minced meat sauce
- Gluten Free£11.90
Spaghetti al Pesto
Spaghetti in basil sauce
- Gluten Free£11.90
Rigatoni Matrigiana
Chopped onions, crispy bacon, basil and tomato sauce
- Gluten Free£11.90
Rigatoni Aurora
Tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, fresh cream and basil
- Gluten Free£11.90
Rigatoni Puttanesca
Tuna, capers, chillies, basil, anchovies, olives and tomato sauce
- Gluten Free£13.00
Penne Napoli
Tomato sauce and basil
- Gluten Free£11.00
Penne con Pollo
Tomato sauce, chicken pieces, garlic, olive oil and chillies
- Gluten Free£13.00
Penne ai Formaggi Misti
Penne with four cheeses
- Gluten Free£13.00
Fusilli alla Siciliana
Tomato sauce, aubergines, mozzarella cheese and basil
- Gluten Free£13.00
Fusilli al Tonno
Tomato sauce, tuna chunks, onions, basil and olive oil
- Gluten Free£13.00
Fusilli con Salsicce
Home made sausage with tomato sauce
- Gluten Free£13.00
Linguine alle Vongole
Clams with white wine sauce
- Gluten Free£14.50
Linguine Gamberetti
Tomato sauce, prawns and garlic
- Gluten Free£14.50
Linguine Crema e Funghi
Cream and mushrooms sauce
- Gluten Free£13.00

Baked Pasta

Lasagne
Green sheets of fresh pasta with tomato, mozzarella, meat sauce
- Gluten Free£13.50
Crespoline
Fresh pancake filled with spinach, ricotta cheese and tomato sauce
- Gluten Free£13.50

Home Made Pasta

Tagliatelle al Salmone
Noodles with creamy pink sauce and smoked salmone
- Gluten Free£14.00
Tagliatelle Frutti di Mare
Noodles with mix sea food in a tomato sauce
- Gluten Free£20.00
Gnocchi Sorrentina
Gnocchi with tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella
- Gluten Free£13.50
Ravioli Napoli
Pasta stuffed with porcini and cheese
- Gluten Free£14.50
Tortelloni Panna e Prosciutto
Pasta stuffed with asparagus and ricotta with ham and cream sauce
- Gluten Free£14.50
Agnellotti ai Gamberi£14.00
Pasta stuffed with with lobster and crab

Carne

Pollo alla Griglia
Chicken breast grilled
- Gluten Free£15.00
Bistecca alla Griglia
Sirloin steak grilled
- Gluten Free£19.50
Agnello alla Griglia
Lamb cutlets grilled
- Gluten Free£19.50
Ribeye alla Griglia
Ribeye steak grilled
- Gluten Free£22.00
Cotoletta di Vitello Griglia
Veal chop grilled
- Gluten Free£23.50

Pesce

Trota alla Griglia
Grilled trout
- Gluten Free£15.00
Tonno alla Griglia
Tuna steak grilled
- Gluten Free£18.00
Salmone alla Griglia
Grilled salmon
- Gluten Free£18.00
Pesce Spada alla Griglia
Grilled swordfish
- Gluten Free£19.00
Gamberoni alla Griglia
King prawns grilled
- Gluten Free£19.00

Pizza

Margherita
Tomato, mozzarella and basil
- Gluten Free£13.00
Cotto
Tomato, mozzarella and ham
- Gluten Free£14.00
Funghi
Tomato, mozzarella and mushrooms
- Gluten Free£14.00
Primavera
Tomato, mozzarella and mixed vegetables
- Gluten Free£15.50
Hawaiana
Tomato, mozzarella, pineapple and ham
- Gluten Free£15.50
Napoletana
Tomato, mozzarella, anchovies and capers
- Gluten Free£15.50
Salame (Hot) (Mild)
Tomato, mozzarella and hot or mild
- Gluten Free£15.50
Kiss
Tomato, mozzarella, gorgonzola and rucola
- Gluten Free£16.00
Quattro Stagioni
Tomato, mozzarella, artichokes, ham and mushrooms
- Gluten Free£16.50
Vesuviana
Tomato, mozzarella, homemade sausage and peppers
- Gluten Free£17.00
Frutti di Mare
Mixed seafood
- Gluten Free£17.50
Tommasino
Bolognese sauce, mozzarella, basil and salami (hot)
- Gluten Free£18.00
Formaggio Misto
Tomato and mixed cheeses
- Gluten Free£18.00
Luna e Chiara
Mozzarella and parmigiano, olive oil and cherry tomatoes
- Gluten Free£18.00
Calzone£14.50
Pizza dough turnover filled with mozzarella, ham, mushrooms and tomato sauce
Troncone£15.50
Folded pizza with mozzarella, parma ham, rucola and parmigiano sprinkled on top

What 379 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.3Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

London
Gluten Free Options
South West London
Best Value
South West London
Gluten Free Options
South West London
Healthy
South West London
Italian

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TN
TomN
Las Vegas
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on 28 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent, traditional food with warm and inviting service. All of our meals were outstanding and the service was warm, personal and consistent. Highly recommend this restaurant!
JH
JohnH
London
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 23 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great hospitality ,tasty wholesome food from their family owned restaurant very convenient to Waterloo and southbank
TA
TerenceA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Always happy to support a family run business, ate here with my wife daughter and two grandchildren under 10. Had to wait a while for our food but expected that as everything is cooked fresh, we had two chicken risottos two carbonara and a pizza all meals were hot and tasty . Staff were polite and attentive . We would definitely return and recommend .
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 July 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great food, many gluten free options.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Quaint, family owned, friendly with excellent food. We enjoyed it very much.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hampshire
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on 9 June 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
The restaurant looked a little tired from the outside, but the welcome was warm and the food was very good. This is a family run business and the place was very busy. It’s obviously very popular.
SH
SandraH
Birmingham
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 2 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
An absolute gem, authentic Italian, food was amazing, very good value for money, family run business, attentive but not intrusive. Probably the best food we’ve had in London. Would highly recommend
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on 30 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a wonderful meal at this Italian family owned restaurant. The staff worked with us based on gluten and nut allergies. The food was well prepared and timely. We dined as a family, which was appropriate. There were couples dining as well. The value of the meal is worth a visit.
SA
SamAndLa
London
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 26 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect from start to finish. Family run, family cooked dishes. True authentic food which were fresh and delicious. It felt like have dinner with your family with lots of funny stories from the owner, Leto. Great service and good value. We didn’t want to leave. If we lived closer we would be there every week. Avoid chain restaurants and come here in a heartbeat.
J
Julia
London
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 23 May 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Lovely authentic local restaurant. Pasta a triumph!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, good prices, fun staff
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Great food and service
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 13 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
OMG, what a great hidden gem. Leno, the proprietor is a great host. Family atmosphere. Comfy tables. Super service. The food and wine are like something you’d get from home, if your mum was Italian.
YL
YasminL
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 7 May 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Great food and excellent service, treated with a smile!
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on 6 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’ve been to this restaurant several times and will keep coming back. The owner is warm and welcoming and makes sure every customer is well taken care of. Whether you’re looking for a pre theater dinner or just a relaxing dinner with friends, Cotto has what your looking for. Their homemade pasta is absolutely delicious and most everything on the menu can be made gluten free.
R
Retrobod
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 5 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great authentic Italian cuisine and warm welcome. The wine options include half bottles which is rare.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 25 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Small cafe restaurant with friendly staff and nice food. Portions are generous sized.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Pittsburgh
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on 9 April 2022
overall3food3service3ambience2
We went specifically since they had a ton of gluten free options. There was an air freshener that sprayed beside where we sat several times during our meal which was annoying. The table next to us ordered pasta but they brought out grilled meat instead. When the customer said I didn’t order this the server said well you will have to wait 30 more minutes because there are several tables ahead of you now and it’s a one cook kitchen. No apology offered. Thankfully our order was correct. If you are close it’s a fine option but wouldn’t travel across town for mediocre food-gluten free or not.
NS
NikolayS
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 5 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a true Italian restaurant. I have not eaten so delicious pasta even in Italy!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 2 April 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Awful customer service. We arrived 7mins late due to not being able to find the place, which is completely acceptable as we are tourists. The greeting we had from the main guy was terrible. There were clearly a lot of tables free however he completely dismissed us because we were 7minutes late. I thought there was a 15minute grace period. Especially as the restaurant was not full. There are also ways in which to refuse custom, his was not professional in any manner.
GS
GlynnisS
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 30 March 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff were so friendly! The owner and his wife made us a special dinner off menu and it was delicious, so much pride and love put into the food <3 great if you need something quick, romantic, and tasty near the theatres on the south bank
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 24 March 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
What a find!! A superb evening with great food at very reasonable prices. The owners were incredibly efficient and nothing was too much trouble. This family run restaurant cater very well for people with allergies and the food is very authentically Italian. I can not recommend this restaurant enough. If anywhere near Westminster give it a go, or travel across London, you will not be disappointed.
PB
PatriciaB
Hampshire
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 March 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved it here, authentic Italian food and service. We plumped for the home made pasta which was delicious. They do a huge range of gluten free options but we only tried the gluten ones. The place is small so definitely worth booking. Very reasonably priced for central London.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 7 March 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
You aren’t going to get better Italian, a more caring homely vibe and value for money than this place. Second time there and I’ll be back. The staff are attentive and friendly and the place has such character. Fresh proper Italian food.
KA
KAL21
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 24 February 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Warm welcome, traditional Italian family run with wonderful food and most importantly huge gluten free menu, fantastic place!
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 19 February 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful dinner here! Our kids are both coeliac and it could be tricky to find a place with the right menu. The owner of Cotto, Lino, is coeliac and he knows his stuff!! He’s a very fun gentleman too, you’ll feel like at home. I recommend it!
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 14 February 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing from welcome to departure
B
Bonviveur
London
19 reviews
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on 18 January 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Old school local Italian restaurant serving true Italian food. Almost like being in Italy. Wish there were more restaurants like this in London.
L
Liam
London
76 reviews
vip
5.0
76 reviews
Dined on 14 January 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
God food and dining experience
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 27 December 2021
overall5food4service5ambience5
Food was great. Staff very friendly and welcoming.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 December 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friendly staff and great food that caters for gluten free intolerance!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hong Kong
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 10 December 2021
overall3food3service5ambience4
The staff were really welcoming and friendly, but the food was pretty average. I had the linguine vongole and the clams were quite small and didn’t taste very fresh.
S
Sima606
Vancouver
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on 8 December 2021
overall4food4service5ambience5
You will not find a friendlier, warmer, more accomodating place to have dinner in this neighbourhood, The homemade pastas were delicious and we had a terrific bottle of wine. Whatever hesitations I have come from the fact that I have lived in Italy and have been spoiled. As a result, the tricolore salad with avocado, mozzarella and rather mealy tomatoes didn't cut it. This said I wouldn't hesitate to come back. In fact I will make a point of returning.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 27 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cozy family-run traditional Italian restaurant. The owner is delightful and charming. He made a special pasta dish for my SO who can’t eat onion or garlic. My baked eggplant was delicious. Prices are quite reasonable. Can’t wait to go back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 23 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Visiting from the US. The best gluten free pizza we have ever had. Try the gluten free gnocchi also. The owner, Lino, and his family make you feel at home with a meal that makes you feel like you are in Italy.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 5 November 2021
overall2food3service2ambience2
We made the last booking for 9.15pm, we had two adults and two 13 year olds with us. There was only two others in the place when we arrived and we were looking forward to a lovely relaxing meal after a 3 hour train journey. We only ordered two starters and two mains abs we were told to hurry as the kitchen was closing. I have never heard of an Italian restaurant not selling garlic bread. As each of us finished our dishes as we asked for it all to come out together, our plates were removed. We ordered two deserts and as we were eating the owner started putting the chairs on the table and turned some of the lights off. I have never known anything like it! Within one hour we were in and out ! Never again! I suggest they shouldn’t take bookings that late if they are not prepared to stay open!
S
Shin
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service! Definitely will go again and recommend to all.
KL
KevinL
London
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 1 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious and many gluten-free options! Owner was terrific and chatted with us for several minutes.
E
Emmanuel
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 29 October 2021
overall5food4service5ambience4
Great little spot to eat some authentic Italian food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 28 October 2021
overall5food5service5ambience3
Exceptional food and service. Highly recommended.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waiting staff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Cotto does offer delivery in partnership with Deliveroo and Just Eat. Cotto also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 020 7928 5535.

Cotto is rated 4.6 stars by 379 OpenTable diners.