Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Authentic Italian Dining & Delicatessen in London
Established in 1944, Lina Stores has grown from a single delicatessen on Brewer Street to a celebrated group of eight restaurants and three delicatessens across London and Manchester. Founded by Lina Parisio and Enrico Emilio Crippa, our business has been shaped by generations of Italian families committed to authentic cuisine and hospitality. We specialise in fresh, handmade pasta using time-honoured techniques passed down since our inception, sourcing ingredients directly from trusted Italian producers. Our restaurants blend historic charm with modern Italian dining, offering seasonal menus that showcase antipasti, secondi, and dolci alongside our signature pasta dishes.With Bar Lina venues and nationwide online delivery, we continue to share Italy's culinary heritage through both traditional and innovative experiences. Recognised as pioneers in introducing olive oil and Italian cured meats to London, we remain dedicated to quality and authenticity. Our team combines decades of expertise with a passion for Italian culture, ensuring every guest experiences the warmth and richness of Italy. From private dining events to everyday meals, we strive to create memorable moments rooted in Italian tradition. With 80 years of history, we are proud to maintain the legacy of Lina's original vision while embracing new generations of food lovers.
Services
Fresh Handmade Pasta
Italian Delicatessen
Restaurant Dining
Private Events
Online Shopping
Details
- Year established: 1944
Highlights and features
- 80 years of expertise in authentic Italian cuisine since 1944
- Direct partnerships with trusted Italian producers for premium ingredients
- Multiple award-winning locations across London and Manchester
- Nationwide delivery of fresh pasta and Italian delicatessen products
- Historic preservation of traditional pasta-making techniques
What people say
Exceptional pasta quality
Authentic Italian atmosphere
Seasonal menu variety
Historic charm preserved
Excellent service
Services
Fresh Handmade Pasta
Our signature fresh handmade pasta is crafted daily using traditional Italian techniques and premium ingredients. Available in over 20 shapes, including seasonal specialties like pumpkin ravioli and classic spinach & ricotta ravioli. Sourced from Italian flour, free-range eggs, and olive oil, our pasta forms the heart of every menu across our restaurants and delicatessens.
Italian Delicatessen
Authentic Italian delicatessens offering over 40 salumi and formaggi varieties, including Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano. Stocked with pantry essentials like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and specialty Italian products. Available for in-store purchase or nationwide delivery through our online shop.
Restaurant Dining
Award-winning Italian restaurants serving seasonal menus featuring antipasti, secondi, and dolci alongside our famous pasta. Each location combines historic charm with modern Italian cuisine, offering both casual meals and special occasion dining experiences across London and Manchester.
Private Events
Exclusive private dining spaces available for celebrations and corporate events. Accommodating groups from 10 to 60 guests with tailored menus featuring our signature Italian dishes. Venues include historic settings with AV facilities and dedicated event coordination services.
Online Shopping
Nationwide delivery of fresh pasta, sauces, meats, cheeses, and Italian specialty products through our online shop. Offers same-day dispatch for London orders and next-day delivery across the UK, maintaining product freshness with temperature-controlled packaging.
People
Lina Parisio
Founder
Born in 1898 in Acqui Terme, Italy, Lina moved to London in the 1920s and established the original delicatessen in 1944. Known as 'the smiling lady', she pioneered fresh pasta-making in London and built lasting supplier relationships that continue today.
Enrico Emilio Crippa
Co-founder
An engineering fitter from Lake Como who partnered with Lina in the 1920s. Transitioned from engineering to food business, establishing Continental Produce Importers in 1939 which evolved into Lina Stores. Named the business after his life partner Lina.
Alberto Seradi
Business Partner
Born in London to Italian parents, Alberto joined the business in the 1940s and became integral to its operations. Managed behind-the-scenes operations with Enrico, later taking over leadership after Enrico's passing in 1967.
Rita Seradi
Business Partner
Hard-working waitress who became business partner in the 1940s. Ran daily operations with Lina, instrumental in expanding to the larger Brewer Street location. Maintained the business's quality standards during her leadership period.
Gabriella Filippi
Third-generation Leader
Took over in 1978, continuing family stewardship of Lina Stores. Maintained original kitchen equipment while modernising operations. Built lasting supplier relationships that ensure authentic Italian ingredients remain central to our offerings today.
Questions
What makes Lina Stores' pasta special?
Our pasta is handmade daily using traditional Italian techniques since 1944, with premium ingredients like Italian flour and free-range eggs. Some recipes, including our famous Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli, date back to our opening.
Can I buy Lina Stores products outside London?
Yes, our online shop delivers fresh pasta, sauces, meats, cheeses, and Italian specialty products nationwide with temperature-controlled packaging to maintain freshness.
Do you offer private dining options?
We have private dining spaces across our locations accommodating 10-60 guests, with tailored menus and event coordination services for celebrations or corporate events.
What payment methods do you accept?
We are cashless and accept all major credit and debit cards at our restaurants and delicatessens.
How many locations do you have?
We operate eight restaurants and three delicatessens across London (Soho, Clapham, King's Cross, Marylebone, South Kensington, Shoreditch, Broadgate, Canary Wharf) plus one in Manchester.
What's the history of Lina Stores?
Founded in 1944 by Lina Parisio and Enrico Crippa, we began as a delicatessen on Brewer Street. Now in our fourth generation, we've expanded to multiple locations while maintaining our original commitment to authentic Italian cuisine.
