Bootleg Italian

It’s easy to see where Bootleg Italian gets its name. Sure, your Nonna will say that plant-based pasta is sacrilege, but this little Italian joint on Oxford Street is proving that some rules are made to be broken.

First up, this is no ordinary plant-based restaurant. Even a double-take of the menu might still leave you guessing as to whether you’re in the right place (we guarantee you are). To save your disappointment, make sure to order extra servings of the garlic "buttered" dough balls and truffle arancini. For mains, you can’t go past the vodka rigatoni and the four-hour slow-cooked "ragu bolognese". Make sure to save some room for tiramisu—it’s the only dessert on the menu, so you know it’s good.

You might visit Bootleg Italian for the food, but we’re pretty sure you’ll stay for the drinks, too. It's got a long list of spritzes, including a sbagliato (AKA "messed up negroni") and the Woo Girl, which is just an Aperol spritz and, boy, do we feel seen.  There's also an impressive list of classic cocktails, beers, wines, and pét nats. Head over on Thursdays to take advantage of its $12 spicy watermelon marg special, too.

As for the décor, think retro, cosy, and colourful. Standout details include the black-and-white check vinyl floor; neon pink bar; baby pink velvet chairs; and glitzy pendant lights. So, you could say Bootleg's aesthetic is fun, naff, unpretentious, and charismatic—and we're here for it. Oh, and did we mention there’s an outdoor courtyard? Hello, aperitivo hour! 

Image credit: Bootleg Italian