so happy i was going to a Japanese coffee shop that happened to be close. Then i've found bar Italia. Great atmosphere, coffee and croissants. will definitely be back Grazie read more

Bar Italia - espresso machiato - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

The vibe in this place is so fun! It's like New Jersey meets Italy meets British pub. Everyone here is so friendly and talkative, it's the perfect post bar spot! Love that it's open so late! The cappuccino was perfectly strong and had the creamiest foam top. Dare I say the best one I've had outside Italy. The americano was brewed well too, had rich floral notes. Next time I have to try the paninis but I was not hungry at that point in the night. A little expensive compared to other late night options but the flavor made up for it. read more

Bar Italia - cappuccino and americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Visited Bar Italian one late Thur night September 2024,hungry after my flight into London. Only pizza and panini were on offer food-wise. The Americana pizza was edible under the circumstances served up with minimal attention from the staff. If like me, you were in search of late night grub, know that this place is pretty much JUST a pizza shop, and I'm not talking gourmet pizza. The place itself looks run-down and uncared for with plastic chairs, beaten-up aluminum tables, and junk liberally scattered throughout -- not a pleasant place for the UN-inebriated to nosh on slices. read more

Very fun vibe. Desserts, freshly ground coffee, cocktails, etc. We enjoyed our espresso martinis and the glasses they were served in! read more

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Just landed in London at 6AM and dropped the bags at the SoHo hotel. Trying out a little Cappuccino and breakfast Sourdough Roll with Bacon. Very nice! read more

Bar Italia - Sourdough Roll and a Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Small place with a pair of Rocky Marciano's boxing gloves holding a position of prominence behind the counter. Fantastic coffee and killer desserts, great food according to all the patrons I chatted with. I love the simple ambiance and the service was first rate for an almost grab and go type place. I have the lemon tart. It was perfect. Flakey, moist and full of a lemon filling. read more

Bar Italia - Marciano gloves - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

You won't find better quality coffee in London. Monmouth is a close second but it's for hipsters and brooklynites looking for Blue Bottle. Bar Italia is the real deal. Staff is hit or miss but who cares. You're there for coffee and it's as good as it gets with an old school spirit and f$&k you attitude. read more

Really really good Cappuccino, the prices are quite reasonable. Go on a off time when there isint a crowd Anna sit down and enjoY tHe world. read more

Bar Italia - Great Cappuccino! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Group of us went in late late one night in search of a couple slices of pizza We ended up getting 2 whole pizza and scoffed every last bit as they were that delicious. The vibe was a lot of fun and the staff were totally fun too. We ended up having singing and dancing getting others around us to join in and had an impromptu dance party. So much fun. Pizza toppings are on point. I love pizza what is not loaded down and mushy - this was a prefect balance of toppings to crust. Try their cannoli too It was delicious. I think it may even be made there fresh. read more

After my boyfriend and I had just left Italy, we were on a Spritz high. All we wanted to drink were spritz. Amsterdam and Switzerland didn't offer any so when we found this bar in London, we were ecstatic. The bar lives up to its name. It was late and this bar was FULL ! The music fit the atmosphere and the few people working behind the bar were extremely friendly and fun. We finally got to have another spritz and it was perfect ! They were about $8 a piece. We grabbed some drinks and sat over at a small table. There was a soccer on the tv and everyone was watching and drinking. The vibe in here made it my favorite bar in London read more

Bar Italia - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

If I could have given them one star, I would have.... rude service. We checked the opening hour and it was MIDNIGHT so we walked all the way there (35 min walk), got there at 10:55 and though the place was 1/3 full, the lady told us they were closed! I showed her the closing time on the website and she was like, well we were slow so we are closing earlier..... A. The place wasn't empty B. Being slow on a Friday night in London probably means the food or service is not good. C. We didn't get any empathy or explanation, it was rude... given than we walked all the way there as they indicated 12am as their closing time D. There are many more Italian places in London that do better in terms of customer service, don't go there! read more

It's a landmark, so hey. Can't really badmouth it. Also was grateful for it being a Sunday-midnight-hangout. Had some lovely desserts and panini. read more

Extremely overpriced tourist trap. The portions are tiny even for soho standards and the quality of food was abysmal. Hygiene standards also poor throughout the place. Go anywhere else but here. Some staff were nice but some were quiet hostile and that made the experience very unpleasant. They gave me the impression they really couldn't care less about their customers. read more

I simply love Bar Italia. It's one if these London institutions that one simply has to try out. In short: it's an Italian coffee bar that's open 24 hours. It's not necessarily cozy in there with plush sofas and plenty of seating à la Starbucks. No, there's a counter with a giant espresso machine, a shelf displaying all kinds of snacks (think Portuguese custards, pannini sandwiches etc) and behind the counter there's a small army of Italian baristas (the non-hipster and genuine kind) who will serve you up your espresso drink in mere seconds. (This is also not a place where you should ask for complicated coffee concoctions à la Starbucks - keep it simple and real.) Given that this is not a place to linger, I typically come here for a quick espresso before heading on to a next destination - whether it be the National Gallery, a musical or a bar nearby. In the summer though, you might be lucky and snatch one of the prime seats outside. That's actually quite fun, as you can watch and comment on the diverse Soho crowd parading by... read more

Super friendly and honest service, everyone is just so nice, strikes up conversation, and takes your order swiftly at the counter. To date, the best tasting and strongest espresso I've ever had, and they needn't waste time or energy on "latte art" because their drinks stand alone. Caps will run about £3 and macchiatos about £2.80, but totally worth it because you really only need one, where you would need two at any other coffeehouse. They also sell their adorable cups and saucers with their storefront and Soho Frith Street address on them for about £7. Returning here always feels like I never left. Definitely a place that will stick in mind for many years to come. read more

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Everywhere I turned, I kept hearing that the best coffee in all of London was here. Perhaps, and this can happen, there was just too much hype. To make matters worse, it was a very rainy moment in the day and I was fairly soaked, but I tried to keep my head and spirits held high (... I used to work at Disney World, what can I say?). The charming gent over the counter was all smiles and attentive, and I instantly felt better, rain be damned. I ordered an Americano and an espresso (for my bf). He loved his, so I let my cool a bit and took a sip. Weirdly, just then, the hair on chest stood on end ... even in a downpour. It was strong, is my basic point here. Not bad, just reeeeeeeeeeeally effing strong, okay? So, if you like strong coffee, you're in luck. The place is also open 24 hours, so I'm all for that schedule. We went back the next evening for a post-pub piece of cake (chocolate), and it was great and filling - and again, with only mediocre service, which I can let slide as they must deal with a lot of slurring drunks at that hour. Additionally, they seem to love Rocky Marciano here (my third cousin, no kidding), based on the decorations, so I can't be that hard on them. Or can I? read more

Bar Italia - Rocky! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Just stopped in for an espresso and a Fernet while waiting for our table to be ready at Hoppers across the street. Really old school feel. Lots of delicious looking treats (cannolis especially), but we didn't want to spoil our appetite. Service was good. Coffee was fine and hit the spot. read more

When I first traveled to Europe (and yes, England, you are part of Europe whether you like it or not), I asked a simple question: where can I get the best cup of coffee. After all, I'd seen Hudson Hawk so I know what can happen as one tries to find a caffeine fix. This place didn't disappoint. The coffee is great and there are several small televisions that play either: some euro-sport or (on good days) really bad euro-music video shows. The staff is great. Funny, but doing their own thing. You are there for their show. But no worries because they do make you feel right at home. If there's a seat outside, sit down. (Don't ask, Americans, just sit down.) But inside, it's cool and there's rarely a crowd. read more

Bar Italia - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

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GET A CANOLI! Holy Moly! Fricken delicious. This is the coolest mom and pop italian restaurant. Fool of heart and spirit. They chat with you like your family. If I hadn't just eaten, I would have bought a sandwich too. This is such a great restaurant! Will come every time I'm in LA! read more

This is where Italians - passionate for their sport - go to watch matches : its impossible to get any seat at World Cup, so what will happen when we host the Olympic Games, who knows.....its great for the ebullient atmosphere & lovely coffee. In this building- upstairs- in 1924 the scottish scientist & inventor,John Logie Baird, occupied two attic rooms & on 26th January, demonstrated television before 50 scientists. A year later, he transmitted a signal through 480 miles of telephone line between London & Glasgow. read more

Bar Italia - Royal Wedding Day - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

I love this little place! It is open until the early morning hours, and just the right place to stop by for a filling sandwich, creamy Italian dessert or simply a drink, especially after a night out on the town! The place is always bustling with all sorts of interesting clientele who pop in, just like everyone else who does, to enjoy the thriving atmosphere this joint has to offer. I like to sit on the seats just outside right by Frith street, to simply enjoy a spot of people watching, as you just never get bored! Sat under the outside heaters provided, I like sipping on their hot chocolate, which is thick and creamy, as you would expect a good Italian hot chocolate to taste. They also have my favourite liqueur, Limoncello, which I occasionally enjoy having, and also packs a strong punch, but really does warm you up. Bar Italia has been around for sometime now, since 1949, and is still a constantly thriving, popular place to go to. read more

Bar Italia - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Went here as it was recommended on Antony Bourdain's Layover show. Very disappointing experience. Unnecessarily high-strung and rude operator behind the counter, who charged me more than menu price on my drinks and pastry order. To top it off, the cappuccino I ordered was awful. I'm a coffee enthusiast, who has frequented top coffee houses in North America and Europe. This was terrible, as the milk was heated to too high a temperature, making it undrinkable and killing any taste. Terrible experience, and the lowest review I have given any coffee shop. read more

Nice bar on a street corner in Soho where you can sit on a pavement seat and watch a colourful parade of characters walk past. I'm awarding 4 stars for pretty good milkshakes made with real Italian ice cream. Nice and thick with good flavour and perfect on a hot day read more

I was told this place has some of the best coffee in London and that the breakfast is decent. I made my way, via the Tube, then bus, the a short walk; finding it buried among other coffee shops and homes (far away from tourist spots). It was the only place with customers and I found myself a seat outside between a few locals reading the paper and sipping their espresso. I gave each of them a node and proceeded to find my way through the menu. I landed on cafe latte (biggest one possible, I was TIRED) and the usual English breakfast (egg, sausage, 'bacon' and lots of toast). I got my coffee in the largest clear tall glass; I wasn't sure if this was a joke against the bloody American. It was strong and exactly what I needed! For whatever reason, things always seem better while on vacation and paying 3.20£ for coffee! Breakfast arrived shortly after (and after 10 minutes of second hand smoke). The bacon wasn't as crispy as I like, but I think that might not be a British thing. Not a bad breakfast for 5.50£. You get to chat with the locals, watch people move their mattress through a second story window (ok...maybe not during your experience) and practice a little Italian. You've got to stop here during your visit to London!!! read more

Bar Italia was a lovely spot to pass a mild London evening. My companions sipped espressos while I had a hot chocolate at a table on the sidewalk out front. We spotted numerous drag queens while perched there and were even approached by one who invited us to a show that night (a shame we couldn't take her up on it!) read more

Caffeine, people watching, football watching. It's all good. It's been three years since I was here, yet I still hear the Pulp lyrics in my head "You can't go home and go to bed, because it hasn't worn off yet, and now it's morning. There's only one place we can go. It's around the corner in Soho, where other broken people go. Let's go. " read more

Hello Italy. Oh I'm sorry, is this Soho? I'm confused. Bar Italia is a slice of Rome in Soho. Café style coffee, service and seating, it's a perfect way to people watch. Don't believe me? Check out the leather skinned poser, long hair smuggling her waddle and the large shades disguising her crows feet sat next to you. Yes, she's a classy lady and the fag on her lip add to her cool... As for the coffee, fabulous! Bitter, smooth and strong, just the way I like to start my mornings. read more

Lovely retro coffee bar with faded interior which has not been updated for years apart from a flatscreen LCD tv... It maybe very retro but it's baristas are cute Italian men... Anyway the latte was pretty decent but I opted to skip the wide range of cakes, paninis and biscuits as I was wasting time before lunch. Nonetheless the place was busy with a young vibrant crowd. Instead of opting for a starbucks coffee, support this coffee bar so it continues to serve another generation of londoners and tourists. read more

Although Bar Italia is situated on what is probably one of the most touristy streets in London, I love the place. There is nothing more fun than people watching (and playing fashion police/ the Tourist vs. Local Game at times) while enjoying an espresso. I love that all of the staff are Italian as well, they are always so friendly. I think my fondest memory of Bar Italia was during the World Cup 2006. I had to watch the game here, I just had to. The party started as soon as I woke up. I will never forget being crammed in the bar (worse than the subway during rush hour) and standing on a bar stool to view the game since I'm so short. Except for 2 very drunk France fans, the entire bar had some sort of blue shirt on, had tricolor face paint, and sang and shouted profanities in Italian...simply amazing. Anyhow, I'm still up there on the bar stool, swaggering around because I've been drinking for 7 hours at this point. Fast forward to the epic Zidane headbutt: one of the French drunkards kicked the bar stool out from under me. I think I saw my life flash before my eyes. I'm pretty sure I'm a masochist because I consider this to be one of the most fun experiences of my life. This cute Italian couple caught me. I lived to tell the tale AND the bartender got me another Stella! read more

Where do you go for a late, late brunch after you've enjoyed too much in London? You know how it is after a night filled with alcohol and stuff, you wake up craving for real breakfast, excellent coffee, great sandwiches, good place and perhaps good crowd? All of the above, I've found in Bar Italia. Location wise, it is right at the heart of action and you know Soho, don't you! Love the fact that there are tables outside which looked pretty cozy for just savoring your food and downing your drinks and at the same time, the interiors looked warm and inviting. It felt like my resident bar/coffee shop even if it was just my first time to go. True to the establishment name itself, Italy was spelled all over the place, The flags, the logos, heck even the famous celebs, are all about Italia and are naturally found all over the place. There's a huge LCD screen mounted for the TV aficionados, which I guess comes pretty handy during the must-not-miss huge sporting events. I ordered myself their special Italy hot chocolate, one of the best I've tried in the world and their specialty, tuna-tomato-cheese sandwich, which came in 4 small sandwiches. What can I say but divine! So here's raising a glass to Bar Italia and the many more visits that I'd be making, this time won't be for brunch for sure! ;) read more

"It's around the corner in Soho where other broken people go. Let's go." Pulp brought me here.. along with the service, coffee and cannoli's... Growing up with true Italian neighbours, I know what cannoli's and coffee should taste like.. stop in any hour, any day and you won't be disappointed. And for history buff's not familiar with the area..Logie Baird first demonstrated television in a laboratory above the Bar Italia café read more

Stepping into Bar Italia is like being transported to mainland Europe. All the staff and customers seem to be Italian, which is weird, for such a touristy street. So, it is awesome that it is there. What is super awesome about this place is that it never seems to close. Even after the last of the late night bars has shut, Bar Italia still has their door open. I'm not sure I've ever seen it shut, actually. One of my favorite sandwiches in the entire world is their chicken escalope. It is amazing. Get ONE and split with a friend. You WILL be full. Do not be a greedy piggy and eat the whole thing and get a stomach ache like some piggies I know. (i.e. me.) And naturally the coffee and cakes and pastries are all excellent. Again, more like Italy than England. Only reason I'm giving 4 stars and not 5 is that the staff isn't super friendly, and the inside doesn't have particularly comfortable seating. That's why I use it mainly as a late night takeaway spot. But will continue to do so until they close their doors, which I hope will be never. read more

Sit here on a sunny day. Drink one of the best coffees in soho. Enjoy just as good pastries and food. Engage in a long session of conversation about your love life (or lack thereof) and finally spend hours talking about strangers passing by. Love it. read more

I've been introduced to what I think is a gem in the heart of Soho. Get ready to be transported to a little cafe in Italy. This place has been running for decades, family run through three generations! My friend used to come here as a baby with her folks and they still remember her. The coffee is excellent and the cannolis are to die for! It's open til 5am I think every night?? And reopens for breakfast at 7am. The staff are awesome, super friendly and efficient. A little on the pricey side (£13 something for two coffees and two cannolis) but worth it. If you ever find yourself roaming around soho at ridiculous o'oclock, you know you'll be welcome at Bar Italia, smash a cannoli or pizza slice, have a cuppa and a banter with the staff or the interesting characters that loiter. Ace. read more

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Bar Italia is a Soho Sight if ever there was one. Lou and Caterina Polledri opened Bar Italia in 1949 and then their Son Nino took over the reins in the 1970s and he in turn handed over to his son's Antonio and Luigi and sister Veronica. The three of them run Bar Italia, the restaurant Little Italy next door. Another important part of Bar Italia is the large screen television which shows all the Italian sports. Bar Italia is the home of Italian football - so if in town during the World or European Cup get yourself down during a match. read more

Bar Italia is always sold as bit of an institution. An authentic Italian oasis in the heart of soho - and I've always been told such good things about it. Ordered a coffee and lasagne, the coffee came and was really good. I could understand the praise. ...then 35 minutes later the lasagne arrived. We nearly left on two occasions because we had places to be, but were reassured it was coming, it was coming... and then two arrived. When the bill came we had to get this amended, as whilst they took one away, they still tried to charge for both. The staff just didn't seem to know what was going on. The Lasagne itself was okay, but for £10 expensive as it was pretty small and came without any side salad. More like a snack than something filling. I'm not sure I'll return, it was nice to be able to sit outside in Soho, and whilst the coffee was good, it was very cramped seating and I'm not sure I like the change in price for coffee depending on what time of day it is - this just seems a useless fuss. read more

I'm going against the grain as this place has never had a review lower that 4 stars, so my two stars may be quite a slur. I feel quite justified though in giving Bar Italia a low mark and interestingly, people largely seem to visit here in the daytime, my experience comes from a nocturnal visit. We (the 6 people I went with) arrived there at around 11pm-ish and it was already busy and soon enough it got busier still, a lot of people for a relatively small place. It was at this point which one of our group left for the reason that Bar Italia was "shit"! The "shit" conclusion was reached for the reason that not only was it too crowded (that's not why I disliked the place) but there wasn't a comprehensive choice for drinks - they have no beer taps, only bottled lager and spirits which isn't good for a late night club/bar and these cost more than a pint despite getting less liquid wonderment than in a pint. Also, the place was ridiculously warm (ridiculously warm! I wasn't the only one who felt the need to pop outside at intervals for 5 minutes a time to cool down) and with not much room to move within the establishment this did make the inside a humid place. Then there was the crap music (my personal view) and the bouncers who felt the need to assert themselves with meaningful stares and just a busy attitude. They should've relished the opportunity to take it easy as their wasn't a sign of trouble but the Men in Black needed to remind you that it was them in charge and there would be NO MISBEHAVING FOO! Unnecessarily cautious. It's £5 to enter and that isn't the most expensive entry fee in the area but when there are so many other late night bars/clubs in the vicinity I don't think I'll be going back. Ciao, Ian read more

Small and delightful :) Nestled in the buzzy neighbourhood of SoHo, it's a charming little cafe that serves great coffee and sweet cakes. I had my usual soya latte and red velvet cake, both were wonderful and to perfection. My favourite time to come here is just after lunch, to miss the crowds, so I can sit back and watch the people wizz past. I don't think I've been here with anyone else before, which is a great summary of this place. So, if you want a sweet afternoon snack to be washed down with a caffeine infused beverage while enjoying some human watching, this is your place :) read more

The guys at Bar Italia are great. They make excellent coffee, the ciabattas are to die for, and yes the connoli is lush. It is a great little cafe that has a homely, community vibe that always makes you feel welcome. My recomendation is to go down when the World or European Cup in football is on. Luca and the boys love there football. The passion and noise can be heard from down the street when Italy plays. read more

This is the spot my boyfriend I go to when we are in the West End and want a coffee! I love this place and if you can get an outdoor table in the summer it's ever better. On hot days you can sit and people watch. I have seen lots of funny things sitting at Bar Italia! In addition to the great coffees they have delicious desserts as well. I'm a little partial to their apple pie, it's more like a tart to me. But the apples taste so fresh I am positive they make the cakes in first thing in the morning. I love this spot! read more