L’Italiana

One of my favourite restaurants in St Albans. Can be difficult to get into at the weekend, recommend booking a good few days ahead.
Look out for the quirky pizza guy who will greet and wave you off from behind his centrally located pizza station.

Such a busy little restaurant buzzing with couples and families alike on an early Saturday evening.
We thought that we would venture out for something new, and at 5.30 on a Saturday late afternoon most of the nearby eateries were either dead or closed (with the exception of Wagamama around the corner). The staff were friendly, but occasionally hard to attract (we were not the only table having difficulty asking for or paying the bill).
Our food was quite enjoyable, but we both agreed that our toddler had the best dish: Penne Rosa d’Amore. The Linguine Vongole was good too, but the caprese was a little lack lustre (the lettuce had a few slimy spots). When I asked how the Spigola alla Griglia was prepared I was told fried, so I requested grilled (which I now notice is what it says on the menu online), but I should probably just have let them serve it how they usually do and it would have probably been better.
Still, this restaurant seems to have a solid following, it had won restaurant of the year 2009 & 2010 (St Albans & Harpenden Review), and as I said, was abuzz at 5.30 on a Saturday afternoon while Carluccio’s, and Zizzi’s were quiet.
Probably not my 2011 restaurant of the year, but well worth a visit, particularly to support an independent surrounded by chain restaurants.

Not for me i’m afraid, being Italian I expect Italian food, not sloppy seconds… for it’s location it does well but I don’t see why, blue plate round the corner has an napolitan chef and the food is fabulous, they also btw serve dry prosseco!
Ok if your used to eating at Zizzi’s but i’m more of a fussy eater, the brits can’t be fooled like they used to with italian food, sorry but i wouldn’t waste your money… try blue plate around the corner opposite loch fyne or nolita’s in brookmans park… much better if you want italian food that’s actually cooked by an italian

I couldn’t recommend L’Italiana more highly. A little Italian enclave right in the centre of the beautiful town of St Albans.
Their ‘Restaurant’ Menu contains well crafted dishes that are delicious, lovingly prepared and presented. Their pizza’s are classically Italian and cooked to perfection.
Great to sit outside on a summers evening or warm up near the oven on a cold winter’s night.
The only place Iv’e found ‘Extra Dry’ Prosecco in St Albans

A proper Italian restaurant with no pretensions. Great food, pasta, pizza and desert is hard to resist. Service is quick and friendly. I really enjoy this place after work with a few glasses of red wine.
It’s right in the middle of town near the clock tower on French Row and it’s also proved a great place to sit outside for a quick lunchtime pizza in summer.
The range of vegetarian food is really good, so you’ll be able to take your friends there.