30 Jul Italian Food Trends 2025

Instagram-Worthy Italian Dishes Taking London by Storm

London’s love affair with Italian cuisine is reaching new heights in 2025, fueled by viral food trends and social media buzz. From creamy burrata to golden arancini, and from colourful antipasti boards to twirlable pasta swirled on a fork, these Italian dishes have become online stars. Foodies across the UK are searching for Instagram-worthy Italian dishes and authentic flavors, typing in queries like “burrata London” or “best arancini in London”, eager to taste what they’ve been drooling over on their feeds. What’s driving this trend? Visual appeal is certainly part of it (after all, who can resist a gooey cheese pull or a perfectly plated antipasto?), but equally important are the rich flavours and true Italian authenticity behind each dish. As one Italian restaurateur notes, people might come for the picture but they stay for the flavour. In this lifestyle guide, we’ll explore why these dishes are trending online and how you can enjoy them at Sicily Restaurant, a London eatery bringing the taste of Italy (and a touch of Sicilian sunshine) to Belgravia near Victoria.

The Creamy Allure of Burrata

A plate of creamy burrata served with cherry tomatoes and crusty bread, making for an Instagram-worthy shot.

If there’s one Italian cheese that’s stolen the spotlight on social media, it’s burrata. This fresh mozzarella pouch filled with rich cream has a “dramatic visual pull” when cut open, with velvety ribbons of cheese oozing out – a moment that grabs views and drives engagement in countless viral videos. Burrata’s popularity has exploded beyond upscale restaurants; it now appears in trendy pasta bowls and TikTok-famous salads for its indulgent texture and photogenic appeal. Here in London, the buzz around burrata is real – many hungry Instagrammers are on the hunt for the creamiest burrata in London.

At Sicily Restaurant, you can taste why this cheese is worth the hype. Our menu features Burrata Estiva, a summer-inspired burrata dish served on a bed of vibrant cherry tomatoes and drizzled with homemade basil oil. It’s a simple yet stunning presentation that mirrors what you’ve seen online: the contrast of snowy-white cheese against colourful red and yellow tomatoes is pure Instagram gold. But it’s not just about looks – one bite of that luxuriously creamy center, balanced by sweet tomatoes and fragrant basil, and you’ll understand the obsession. For an even more on-trend twist, Sicily Restaurant offers a Pirandello pizza topped with fior di latte mozzarella, mortadella, and a whole creamy burrata finished with crushed pistachios – echoing the popular pairing of burrata and pistachio seen in modern Italian food circles. Enjoy this cheese as a starter (perfect to share with the table), perhaps paired with a crisp Italian white wine or an Aperol Spritz to cut through the richness. It’s safe to say that if you’re looking to satisfy your burrata cravings in the capital, Sicily Restaurant has one of the most Instagram-worthy “burrata London” experiences around.

Arancini: Golden Sicilian Bites Go Viral

Crispy golden-brown arancini – Sicilian rice balls – served hot and ready to be shared.

Next up in the Italian trend parade is arancini, those crispy, deep-fried rice balls that hail from Sicily. Once a humble street food, arancini have become viral sensations thanks to their crave-worthy crunch and cheesy centers that are often captured in slow-motion cheese-pull videos. These golden arancini are inherently Instagram-worthy, picture a perfectly fried orb being split open to reveal steamy risotto, meat ragù, and melting mozzarella inside. It’s no wonder London foodies are searching for the “best arancini in London” after seeing these bites blowing up on TikTok. Beyond the visuals, arancini deliver on comfort and flavour: they’re hand-held packages of pure joy, evoking the warmth of Sicilian home cooking in each bite.

Sicily Restaurant brings an authentic taste of this trend straight from Italy’s southern shores. Our Arancini Siciliani are made to the classic recipe – saffron-infused rice stuffed with slow-cooked beef ragù, peas, and fior di latte mozzarella, coated in breadcrumbs and fried to a satisfying crisp. Served on a bed of homemade tomato sauce and topped with peppery rocket and Parmigiano, these arancini are as beautiful as they are delicious. One order comes with multiple pieces, ideal for sharing around the table (though you may want them all to yourself once you take a bite!). The visual appeal, that golden crust and vibrant sauce – will tempt you to snap a photo, but the authentic Sicilian flavour will have you diving in before the camera eats first. For the full experience, squeeze a bit of lemon on top or pair them with a light cocktail or Italian beer. It’s a perfect starter to split with friends, especially if you’re dining al fresco. In fact, enjoying these arancini on Sicily’s covered outdoor terrace with a group of friends, a cold drink, and some live jazz in the background (on Friday nights) might just be the recipe for a viral night out.

Antipasti Boards: Picture-Perfect Platters for Sharing

A colourful antipasti platter with marinated vegetables, cheeses, and dips – perfect for group grazing.

Why have one appetizer when you can have an entire board? Antipasti boards – Italy’s answer to the charcuterie craze – are trending as the ultimate social dining experience. Piled high with cured meats, cheeses, olives, roasted veggies, and more, these boards are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. On Instagram and Pinterest, you’ll find endless photos of colourful antipasto boards artfully arranged on wooden platters, each one seemingly more elaborate than the last. Food lovers can’t resist them: they’re interactive, customisable, and inherently communal, not to mention highly “Instagram-worthy”. The visual of a bountiful Italian spread encourages people to gather around, snap photos, and dive in together. It’s no surprise that searches for “Italian antipasti near Victoria” are climbing, locals and travellers alike want to kick off their meals with these shareable starters, especially when meeting up in the bustling Victoria/Belgravia area of London.

At Sicily Restaurant, antipasti is a way of life. While you can order individual starters, the real magic happens when you mix and match to create your own antipasti platter. Start with some Bruschetta Campagnola, topped with fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil, and add a scoop of Caponata Siciliana, the sweet-and-sour Sicilian aubergine relish that brings a burst of authentic flavour. Of course, you can’t forget a ball of that creamy burrata for good measure. Perhaps throw in some marinated olives focaccia – the more variety, the better the board. This is a fantastic option for outdoor dining on Sicily’s covered terrace: picture yourself people-watching on a sunny afternoon in Belgravia, a glass of wine in hand, as you and your friends nibble on an array of Italian bites. It’s casual, fun, and exactly how the Italians love to eat – together. For the best experience, pair your antipasti spread with an Italian red or a refreshing prosecco, and buon appetito! Whether you’re on a pre-theatre outing or a leisurely weekend lunch, an antipasti selection at Sicily Restaurant captures the convivial spirit behind this viral trend.

Twirlable Pasta: Pasta Made for Social Media

A classic spaghetti dish served in London – twirl it on your fork for that perfect cheese-pull video.

Last but not least, let’s talk about twirlable pasta. Few things are as satisfying to watch (and eat) as a fork twirling up glistening strands of pasta, whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or ribbons of tagliatelle. In 2025, “twirlable pasta” has become a buzzword on social media – countless videos show diners wrapping up noodles and lifting them to reveal long, saucy strands and stretchy cheese, often in slow motion. It’s a simple action that has taken on a life of its own online, embodying that playful, interactive element of enjoying Italian food. In fact, Italian pasta dishes with long noodles are described as “inherently Instagram-worthy” by trend watchers, because they invite that fun video moment. London’s pasta lovers are joining in the craze, a quick search for “twirlable pasta London” will turn up enthusiastic blog posts and foodie accounts seeking the best bowl of spaghetti to spin into a Boomerang or TikTok clip.

At Sicily Restaurant, you’ll find plenty of pasta dishes that are as delicious as they are twirl-able. The chefs here pride themselves on fresh, in-house pasta made daily, ensuring an al dente bite and authentic taste. For a true classic, try their Spaghetti alla Carbonara, a Roman favourite featuring silky egg yolk, crispy guanciale, and cheese – it arrives with the pasta glistening and just begging to be tossed and twirled at the table. If seafood is more your style, the Spaghetti alle Vongole (spaghetti with fresh clams) offers a taste of the Italian coast in each forkful. Every twist of your fork picks up golden pasta strands, garlic, a hint of chilli and parsley, and maybe a clinging clam or two – a perfect bite and a perfect picture. Perhaps the most indulgent option is the Fettuccine Bolognese, made with ribbon-like egg pasta and slow-cooked beef ragù; as you twirl those broad noodles, you’ll capture ribbons of sauce-coated pasta that could make anyone’s mouth water on camera. The key here is that flavour matches the flair: yes, you’ll get that satisfying twirl (and we encourage a quick video to memorialize it!), but you’ll also get deeply comforting flavour from the traditional sauces and fresh ingredients. For an added touch, ask the staff to grate fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano on top of your pasta – the gentle snowfall of cheese is another Insta-ready moment that also amps up the taste. To fully enjoy the experience, savour your pasta with a glass of wine (a bold red for the Bolognese or a chilled white for the vongole) and take your time. As the Italians say, la dolce vita is in the slow, sweet moments – and twirling your pasta, rather than hurriedly scooping it, is one way to live it.

Tips for Enjoying These Dishes at Sicily Restaurant

To make the most of these trending Italian delights during your visit, keep these tips in mind:

• Pair Smartly: Elevate that burrata by pairing it with a crisp white wine or prosecco, and enjoy the contrast of the rich cheese with a bubbly sip. Likewise, a light Pinot Grigio complements the seafood notes of a spaghetti alle vongole, while a robust Chianti makes the perfect partner for a meaty pasta or rich arancini.

• Share the Joy: Italian food is all about sharing. Order a variety of starters and build your own antipasti board for the table, it’s a great conversation starter and lets everyone taste a bit of everything. Arancini, being bite-sized, are ideal for passing around so everyone gets to crunch in. Remember, the more dishes to share, the more Instagram-worthy your spread becomes!

• Dine Al Fresco: If weather permits, grab a seat on Sicily Restaurant’s covered outdoor terrace for a lovely al fresco experience. There’s something about enjoying burrata and antipasti in the open air that transports you straight to a Sicilian piazza. The outdoor seating also offers prime people-watching in the heart of Belgravia, a delightful backdrop for your meal.

• Twirl and Savor: When your twirlable pasta arrives, take a moment to appreciate it (and maybe film that twirl!). Twirl your pasta slowly to wrap as much sauce and goodness onto your fork as possible. Savor each bite – great pasta is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. And don’t shy away from asking for extra cheese or a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for that final flourish.

• Embrace the Occasion: These dishes are made for memorable moments, so lean into it. Having a girls’ night out? Start with antipasti and a round of cocktails. Date night or pre-theatre dinner? Share a burrata to kick things off romantically. Family gathering? Arancini will be a hit with the kids (and the grown-ups). Sicily Restaurant’s lively atmosphere, complete with friendly staff and even live jazz on Fridays – sets the stage for a great time. All you have to do is enjoy and maybe snap a few envy-inducing photos for your followers and to tag us of course! @eatatsicily.com

Book Your Table Now – Mangia, Instagram, Enjoy!

Italian food trends may come and go online, but nothing beats experiencing these dishes in real life. At Sicily Restaurant, you’ll find all the vibrant flavours and eye-catching presentations that you’ve been double-tapping on social media, with the authenticity and hospitality that no hashtag can capture. From the creamiest burrata in London to crispy arancini that rival those in Sicily, and from bountiful antipasti platters to pasta you’ll happily twirl all night, this is your chance to taste the hype for yourself. Don’t just watch Italian food trends from afar, come live them at our table. Book a table at Sicily Restaurant today and be part of the delicious trend. Bring your friends, your appetite, and your camera – an unforgettable Italian feast (and some share-worthy foodie moments) await you. Buon appetito!