Once you've stumbled across it, you can hardly believe this place exists. A true Italian café,…read morecomplete with a sleekish sheen, smack on rough-around-the-edges Roman Road; it's almost mind-boggling. Yet, spectacularly, there it is, and it's the real deal.
Expect friendly, familiar and helpful counter-service. Expect espresso, cappuccino, even flavoured lattes that are strong, authentic, and worth-sipping. And perhaps most marvelously, expect the best panini in the whole of London.
That's a pretty lofty list of expectations to jot down, I realize, but oh, I am so not kidding on that last point. I dream of these panini: substantial, delectably filled, toasted to crispy perfection, and then wrapped up in white parchment like a wonderful present you can't wait to open. Make sure they make you one on the focaccia so that you can savor the depth of flavour and airy texture that the olive oil-laced bread imparts. I almost always go for the roasted vegetables and sun dried tomatoes combination - then ask them to add fresh mozzarella. Divine. I mean, where else in London can such edible excellence be had for less than four pounds??
Caveats: As I said, the place is authentically Italian, which tends to mean the service is slow (but worth it!). Also, I would avoid ordering ice blended coffees here; they usually come out extremely weak and watery - again, authentically Italian, Starbucks this is not. And don't forget (as I have) they're closed on Sunday... most, most unfortunately.
