Canary Wharf isn’t just about financial towers and suited commuters anymore. Over the past few years, London’s docklands have quietly transformed into a remarkable food destination, particularly if you are hunting for fresh handmade pasta. From open-kitchen theatrical pasta rolling by the docks to fast-paced Italian lunch bars, E14 has plenty to satisfy serious pasta aficionados.
Here are the best spots for an authentic Italian pasta fix in Canary Wharf.
1. Emilia’s Crafted Pasta (Wood Wharf)
Perched along the water in the vibrant Wood Wharf development, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta is all about craft and kitchen theatre. Through large glass windows, visitors can watch pasta chefs kneading, rolling, and extruding fresh pasta shapes by hand every single morning.
The dining room features a relaxed, trattoria-style feel with views across the marina. The menu is structured around custom pairings—matching specific regional Italian sauces to the exact pasta shape designed to hold them best.
What to order: 4-Hour Slow-Cooked Béchamel Bolognese Pappardelle. Wide, golden ribbons of fresh pappardelle tossed in a rich, deeply savoury minced beef bolognese, enriched with velvety béchamel and finished with freshly grated parmesan.
2. Scarpetta (Canada Square)
If you need a fast, high-quality workday lunch or a quick dinner between meetings, Scarpetta in Canada Square is a local staple. Bringing vibrant Southern Italian energy to Canary Wharf, Scarpetta prepares all its pasta from scratch daily using 100% durum wheat semolina.
Despite the brisk counter-service pace, there are zero compromises on quality. Sauces simmer gently throughout the day, ensuring each bowl delivers deep flavour and perfectly al dente pasta within minutes.
What to order: Spicy ‘Nduja Rigatoni. Ridged rigatoni tubes catching every drop of spicy Calabrian ‘nduja and sweet tomato sauce, topped with creamy buffalo mozzarella. For an earthy alternative, their Truffle Mushroom Tagliatelle is another standout.
3. Bella Cosa (South Quay)
For a leisurely sit-down date night, anniversary dinner, or client lunch, Bella Cosa on South Quay offers contemporary Italian fine dining with sweeping panoramic views of the Canary Wharf docklands. It is noticeably more refined and elegant than a typical casual pasta bar.
The culinary team balances traditional Italian culinary heritage with modern plating, sourcing premium seafood and seasonal truffles. Seated beside the floor-to-ceiling windows with the lights of Canary Wharf reflecting across the water, the ambience is unmatched.
What to order: Seafood Linguine. Plump strands of fresh egg linguine loaded with king prawns, tender baby squid, Scottish mussels, garlic, and fresh chilli in a glossy white wine and cherry tomato emulsion.
The Shortlist
- Best for fresh pasta craft and dockside views: Emilia’s Crafted Pasta (Wood Wharf) — top choice for slow-cooked bolognese pappardelle and waterside alfresco tables.
- Best for speedy lunches and bold flavours: Scarpetta (Canada Square) — unbeatable for spicy ‘nduja rigatoni on busy workdays.
- Best for date night and panoramic dining: Bella Cosa (South Quay) — refined waterfront dining, exquisite seafood linguine, and romantic dockland vistas.
