Italian cuisine is almost universally loved across the globe.

Pasta, pizza and risotto have become mainstays in British restaurants, and often feature in our weekly diet.

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With Italian food so popular, here's TripAdvisor's top five Italian restaurants in and near Watford.

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1. Zaza, Bushey

Watford Observer: Zaza is TripAdvisor's top-rated Italian restaurant in Watford.Zaza is TripAdvisor's top-rated Italian restaurant in Watford.

Zaza in Bushey is the number one rated Italian restaurant in Watford and the surrounding area.

The location has a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, with 495 of 802 reviewers giving the location five stars.

One reviewer, Adrienne C, said: "Took a friend to Zaza for birthday lunch. (I) Had been a while before and not so happy but this time it was excellent.

"Food was hot, wine was good, service was very good."

2. Bella Rosa, Bushey

Watford Observer: Watford's 2nd best rated Italian restaurant is Bella Rossa, in Bushey.Watford's 2nd best rated Italian restaurant is Bella Rossa, in Bushey. (Image: Google Maps)

Bella Rosa is an Italian restaurant on High Street, Bushey.

The location has a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor, with 185 of 273 reviewers giving the location five stars out of five.

One Tripadvisor user, named Geraldine, wrote: "The staff are very friendly providing excellent service and really good, nicely presented, food."

3. Il Pellegrino, Watford

Il Pellegrino is an Italian restaurant on The Parade, in Watford.

The location has only been reviewed 54 times so far, however, of those 47 gave the restaurant all five stars.

Scott B wrote: "Il Pellegrino is a great place to go for dinner in Watford town centre.

"The menu is varied, with dishes skillfully prepared using fresh ingredients."

4. Pepe Rosso, Watford

Watford Observer: Pepe Rosso is Watford's 4th best rated Italian restaurant.Pepe Rosso is Watford's 4th best rated Italian restaurant. (Image: Google Maps)

Pepe Rosso is the 4th best rated Italian restaurant in Watford and the surrounding area.

The location has a 4.5 star rating, and 238 reviewers of 357 gave the location top marks.

Carol T said: "Went to the restaurant tonight and had to put this review on straight away.

"Absolutely lovely, great service and the food was fantastic."

5. L'artista, Watford

Watford Observer: L'artista is Watford's 5th best rated Italian restaurant.L'artista is Watford's 5th best rated Italian restaurant. (Image: Google Maps)

L'artista is an Italian restaurant and pizzeria on Watford's High Street.

The restaurant has a four star rating, with 297 of 768 reviewers giving the location five stars.

Irene A wrote: "Food and quantity out of this world. Staff are simply amazing.

"Definitely worth a visit, cannot go wrong, absolutely excellent."