Flour and Grape London: Handmade Pasta Heaven on Bermondsey Street

If you consider yourself a pasta enthusiast or simply appreciates a comforting, handmade bowl of goodness, then Flour & Grape on Bermondsey Street might already be on your radar. Frequently crowned by locals (according to Google reviews) as serving some of the “best pasta in London,” this humble but wildly popular restaurant has gained quite the reputation.

Naturally, I had to see for myself if it lives up to the hype. With no reservations taken and queues often stretching down the street, Flour & Grape is clearly doing something right and I was ready to find out exactly what that was.

Background About Flour and Grape

Tucked away at 214 Bermondsey Street, just a 15-minute walk from Borough Station, Flour & Grape sits among a vibrant lineup of restaurants, wine bars, and independent boutiques. Bermondsey has become something of a culinary hub over the years, so competition is fierce but that hasn’t stopped Flour & Grape from becoming a standout favourite.

The restaurant’s philosophy is simple, focus on high-quality handmade pasta and pair it with great wine, all at an accessible price point. There’s no overly decorative dishes or intimidating menu descriptions. Instead, every dish focuses on flavour, comfort, and authenticity.

Despite how busy it gets, Flour & Grape keeps it to walk-ins only.

What is Flour and Grape Known for?

Flour & Grape has built its reputation on one core hero, homemade pasta. From rich ribbons of pappardelle to delicate folds of fazzoletti, each pasta shape is rolled, cut, and crafted in-house daily. This isn’t factory-made pasta dressed up with fancy sauces. It’s rustic, hands-on, soulful cooking that honours the classic traditions of Italian cuisine while adding just enough modern flare to feel exciting.

What is the Experience like at Flour and Grape?

Knowing that Flour & Grape operates purely on a walk-in basis, my friend and I made the strategic decision to arrive right at opening time at 5:30 pm on a weekday, Wednesday. We arrived a few minutes early and, to our surprise, there were already people gathering outside. Within minutes of opening, the restaurant filled up quickly.

Luckily, we were able to get seated immediately, but based on reviews I had read, this isn’t always guaranteed. It’s common to wait anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes during peak hours. So, arriving early isn’t just smart, it’s essential if you don’t like queuing.

Inside, the restaurant is dimly lit, creating an intimate yet energetic atmosphere. The space is modern with rustic touches, exposed brick, wooden tables, dark interior tones. As more guests flowed in, the sound level rose considerably, making it a lively environment, though it may not be ideal if you’re looking for a quiet dinner. The service was attentive and friendly, with staff moving swiftly between tables, offering guidance on menu choices and wine pairings.

Overall, the vibe is casual but elevated, fast-paced.

What is the Food like at Flour and Grape?

When dining at Flour & Grape, restraint goes out the window, especially when you see how affordable the pasta dishes are, averaging between £10 and £20. My friend and I, both committed pasta lovers, ordered three dishes to share between us. While this was slightly ambitious for two people, we wanted to experience a good range of what the restaurant is known for.

Pappardelle – Beef Short-Rib Ragu (£15.50)

This dish is comforting with thick ribbons of pappardelle coated in a rich beef ragu. The beef was tender and slow-cooked, offering a hearty, meaty depth of flavour. While I found this dish to be a solid and reliable option, it didn’t stand out as particularly unique compared to similar ragus elsewhere. That being said, if you’re someone who loves a classic, slow-cooked pasta that warms the soul, this is a dependable choice.

Spaghetti ‘Carbonara’ – Guanciale, Parmesan, Rich Confit Yolk (£14)

This dish is a star on the menu and often referred to as the restaurant’s signature pasta. The confit egg yolk placed on top immediately set this carbonara apart visually, adding an extra layer of richness when mixed through. The guanciale was perfectly crispy with a salty punch that balanced the creaminess of the sauce. It had everything you’d want from a carbonara, creamy, savoury, indulgent, and undeniably comforting.

Fazzoletti – Spinach, Mascarpone, Nutmeg, Parmesan (£11.50)

This was the unexpected winner of the night. Fazzoletti, meaning “handkerchief” in Italian, features delicate sheets of pasta folded gently to hold a creamy spinach and mascarpone mixture. Light yet flavourful, this dish was beautifully balanced with earthy spinach, sweet nutmeg, and the sharpness of parmesan. It felt luxurious without being heavy, and it stood out as something unique that you won’t find at most pasta spots in London. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for something different from the usual meat sauces.

Between the two of us, we definitely left feeling full and ended up taking some pasta home. I suppose ordering three dishes between two people was a bit ambitious, clearly, we were eating with our eyes more than our stomachs

What is the Price like at Flour and Grape?

One of the biggest draws of Flour & Grape is the value for money. In central London, where pasta dishes at popular restaurants can easily exceed £25, the fact that you can enjoy fresh, handmade pasta here starting from £11.50 is great value. Even with multiple dishes and drinks, you can comfortably dine here without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Flour & Grape didn’t just live up to expectations, it cemented itself as a must-visit for pasta lovers in London. The walk-in-only system may be a barrier for some, but it also adds to the exclusive experience.

If you’re searching for authentic, handmade pasta served in a lively setting without the fine-dining bill, then Flour & Grape is where you need to be. Come hungry, arrive early, and prepare to leave planning your next visit.

Highlights and Tips

• Best known for their Homemade pastas
• Must try dishes: carbonara Spaghetti and Fazzoletti pasta
• Walk-ins only, no reservations
• Arrive before 5:30 pm for the best chance of immediate seating
• Expect a wait during peak hours (30–60 minutes)

Flour & Grape Details

• Location: 214 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3TQ (15mins walk from Borough Station)
• Opening Hours: Mon (5:30–10 pm); Tue – Sun (12–3 pm, 5:30–10 pm)
• Price: average £10 – £20 per pasta dish
• Accepts cash or card

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