At Luce e Limoni Sicilian Italian restaurant in Clerkenwell central London, we’re proud to play our part in Britain’s popular Italian food culture.
Italian food has long been a beloved staple of British dining, but its roots here go back further than you might think. The Italian connection to Britain – not least to London – began over two millennia ago with the Romans, who brought not just their armies but also their culinary traditions. Staples like bread, cheese, olive oil, wine and herbs made their way into British diets, along with crops such as apples, pears, and cherries. The Roman influence laid the foundation for a culinary relationship that has only grown stronger over time.
During the Middle Ages, the arrival of northern Italian merchants, known as the Lombards, added another layer of sophistication to British cuisine. These traders introduced luxurious ingredients like spices, dried fruits, nuts and sugar. One particularly sweet contribution was marzipan, which became pretty crucial for cakes and pastries.
The largest wave of Italian migration came in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as thousands fled hardship in Italy and settled in Britain’s industrial hubs. These immigrants not only contributed to industries like brickmaking and shipbuilding but also brought their culinary expertise. Cafés, ice cream parlours and restaurants began serving the British public Italian staples like pasta, risotto and gelato. Today, Little Italy is still alive and kicking. In Clerkenwell Italian restaurants like Luce e Limone continue to be popular.
In the post-war era, as prosperity grew and overseas travel became accessible, Britain’s appetite for Italian food grew further. Holidays to Italy in the 1960s exposed people to the vibrant flavours of Mediterranean cuisine, sparking a lasting love for authentic Italian dishes. Today, Italian food has become an intrinsic part of British culture, cherished in homes, supermarkets and restaurants across the country.
At Luce e Limoni Italian restaurant in central London, we’re proud to continue this legacy with a particular focus on authentic Sicilian flavours. Our owner, Fabrizio Zafarana, brings a lifetime of passion to the table. Born and raised in Sicily, Fabrizio trained as a chef in Italy before moving to London in 1983. After honing his skills for a decade, he opened his first restaurant, and in 2013 Luce e Limoni was born.
Drawing inspiration from Sicily’s rich culinary heritage, we use locally sourced, organic ingredients to craft dishes with a contemporary twist. From hand-made pasta and bread to a carefully selected range of wines, every meal is a celebration of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re a London local or just visiting, treat yourself to an unforgettable Sicilian dining experience at Luce e Limoni Sicilian Italian restaurant in Clerkenwell central London. Buon appetito!
You’ll find us at 91-93 Gray’s Inn Road, Chancery Lane, London WC1X 8TX
Call Us 020 724 23382 | Email Us flavours@luceelimoni.com
