Feb 4, 2026
The Italian Sunday Tradition
In Italy, Sunday lunch is sacred. Known as il pranzo della domenica, it's a tradition rooted in faith, family, and food that has survived changing lifestyles and everything else the world has thrown at it. Historically, Italian families would attend morning Mass and then gather at home for a long, leisurely meal that stretched well into the afternoon.
A traditional Italian Sunday lunch moves through multiple courses: antipasti to start, followed by a primo of pasta or risotto, then a secondo of meat or fish with seasonal vegetables, and finally dessert, espresso, and perhaps a digestivo to finish. Food is the backdrop for conversation, laughter, debate, and quality time that feels increasingly rare.
La Vita Lenta
There's a phrase Italians use to describe their philosophy: la vita lenta, which translates to the slow life.
In Rome, families stop at the local pasticceria after church to pick up pastries for dessert, turning even the errand into a social occasion. In Sicily, extended families pack into country restaurants for relaxed meals where children run between tables and nobody is checking the time. In Emilia-Romagna, lasagne alla bolognese takes centre stage, made from recipes passed down through generations.
After the meal, many Italians take a passeggiata, a leisurely walk through town to aid digestion and continue the conversation.
Sunday Lunch in Soho
London's Italian restaurants have understood this philosophy for decades, and nowhere is it more obvious than in Soho's family-run trattorias. Visit one on a Sunday afternoon and you'll find the same spirit that drives the pranzo della domenica back in Italy, from the fresh pasta made that morning to the relaxed pace of service.
Soho has been the heart of Italian dining in London for nearly a century. The first Italian espresso bars opened here in the 1940s, and family-run trattorias have been feeding Londoners ever since, passing recipes and traditions down through multiple generations.
How to Order
If you're new to this, here's how to structure your meal.
Start with antipasti, a few small plates to share while you settle in and catch up with whoever you're dining with. Move on to the primo, your pasta or risotto course. In Italy, pasta is never thought of as the main meal but rather a warm-up for what's to come, which is why portions are smaller than you might expect. Then comes the secondo, a meat or fish dish with seasonal vegetables. Finish with dolce and an espresso.
You don't have to order every course, but if you have the time and appetite, why not?
A Better Alternative to the Roast
The British roast has its place, but it also has its limitations when you eat it week after week with the same meats, vegetables, and gravy appearing on your plate every Sunday.
An Italian lunch offers variety. You can travel through different regions of Italy via the menu, trying something new each week without leaving central London. Sharing dishes creates conversation and allows everyone to taste a bit of everything.
It's also more flexible for groups with different dietary requirements. Vegetarians have endless options with antipasti, fresh pasta, and vegetable-based mains. Those with lighter appetites can stick to a primo and dessert. And groups with mixed preferences can all find something without anyone having to compromise.
When choosing where to go, look for restaurants that make their pasta fresh each day and don't be afraid to ask about the specials.
Book Your Sunday Lunch at 40 Dean Street
If you're ready to try something different this Sunday, we'd love to welcome you. Our pasta is made fresh every day in the heart of Soho.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book ahead?
It's always worth booking, especially if you're dining with a group. Soho gets busy on Sundays with a mix of locals, tourists, and theatre-goers, and the best tables tend to fill up quickly. Most Italian restaurants take reservations online or by phone.
What time should I arrive?
Most restaurants in Soho open around midday on Sundays and serve food throughout the afternoon. If you want a relaxed, leisurely meal, aim for an early booking so you're not watching the clock as the evening crowd arrives.
Is 40 Dean Street dog-friendly?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome. We're in the heart of Soho so there's plenty of places nearby for a post-lunch stroll with your four-legged friend.