Lina Stores

Behind the 1950s green ceramic Soho frontage is Lina Stores, an iconic family-run Italian deli that’s been in business for over half a century. Indeed, Jane Grigson used to buy spaghetti in blue wax paper here years before celebrity chefs coasted the streets on scooters.

Besides dried pastas (stored in beautiful wooden crates), there’s a deli counter chock-full of cured meats, hams, salamis, olives, cheeses, marinated artichokes and fresh pastas. Breads are outstanding and filled pastas are some of the best in London; artichoke and truffle or aubergine and scamorza can be recommended highly. Imported items run from breads to chestnut honey, and Lina is one of the best places to buy truffles in season. They also cater for parties.