Pepenero is the kind of unapologetically old-school Italian restaurant that the Royal Docks area desperately needed — think red tablecloths, doilies, and generous portions of honest Italian comfort food. It's a proper neighbourhood spot tucked inside The Sphere on Silvertown Way, serving up reliably good pizzas and pasta to locals and Canary Wharf commuters alike. Nothing cutting-edge, but that's exactly the point.
Retro tablecloths, doilies, and seriously generous pizzas make this Canning Town Italian a beloved local institution with nearly 1,700 glowing reviews.
Go on a weekday evening to avoid weekend crowds — they open for dinner at 6pm and the place fills up quickly with local regulars.
Old-school Italian comfort in the Royal Docks
If you're after a no-nonsense Italian meal in the Royal Docks area, Pepenero delivers exactly that. The decor is wonderfully retro — red tablecloths, doilies, the lot — and it gives the place a charming, old-school trattoria feel that's increasingly rare in this part of East London. Reviewers consistently praise the generous portions and the pizzas, which are the standout order. You won't leave hungry, that's for sure.
Service is frequently described as impeccable, and the staff clearly take pride in looking after their regulars. It's the kind of place where you can roll in on a Tuesday evening, order a pizza and a glass of wine, and feel genuinely well looked after. The Google rating of 4.4 across nearly 1,700 reviews tells you this isn't a fluke — Pepenero has built a loyal local following for good reason.
Is it the most refined Italian in London? No, and it doesn't pretend to be. But for what it is — a dependable, hearty neighbourhood Italian near Canning Town — it hits the mark. Go for the pizzas, stay for the portions, and don't overthink it.