Would like to book an Italian restaurant for a Friday night in London...which one do you prefer and why?
Bertorellis
Da Paolo
Da Mario in Covent Garden
Il Sorriso
Black Pepper

Have never been to any of those listed. We liked "Il Falconiere' in South Kensington. An attractive restaurant with a very nice menu and delicious food.

Brooke, you might want to have a look at Harden's restaurant reviews at Hardens.com. They are well respected. They mention Locanda Locatelli at the Churchill Intercontinental as an excellent new Italian.

You mentioned Covent Garden. Have you checked out the website coventgardenlife.com ? We love the Covent Garden area and if you access this page you can bring up restaurants by name or type of food and see the restaurant, prices and menus. ZiZi's right down the street from the Royal Opera house is good.

I hated Bertorellis.

I didn't hate Bertorelli's but it's pretty casual (downmarket, as the Brits would say) and the food is only average. There are lots of better restaurants in London.