Bar Italia

larsrose

Lives up to its name 12th September 2009

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A little piece of real Italian spirit, in the heart of London. They know their coffee and its the perfect place to stop for a panino.

beckyfox

Fab night out 3rd September 2008

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Went here with my best friends after a fab dinner out. it is the best night club to go out with the girls. The staff are friendly and very attentive! The music is great and the atmosphere is fab! the cocktails are yummy can't remember which one we choose but a big frozen blue one is so good!! the music is a real mix or the classic oldies with the new chart hits!! the club is very clean there was a girl constantly mopping the dance floor. also my friend's feet hurt and a bar waiter overheard and got her flat shoes to wear for the rest of the evening if that isn't service i don't know what is!!

boxinghefner

a classic 28th August 2008

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You don't go to Bar Italia for the food or coffee (which is always 'standard' at best) you go for the ambiance; the strange mix of gay men, italians, bikers, police and whom-ever else may wander by. Grab a coffee and spend the next two hours glaring at strangers, I dare you.

gastro1

A classic 14th June 2008

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Great old style italian cafe bar.

Coffee could be better . I'm sad to see another Italian owned business cutting corners and compromising on quality.

Vergonia !

sue

Soho Institution 1st January 2008

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In operation since 1923, the colourful Bar Italia is a Soho institution. This little taste of Italy is open 24 hours a day and is always filled with caffeine fans no matter what the hour.

Inside, its walls are lined with black & white photos of Italian sporting greats and other memorabilia. There is a large TV that televises any Italian football matches and guarantees a full house at these times.

But it is the tables lining the street that are where you want to be. Yes, people do come to Bar Italia for the great coffee and perhaps a meal, but of equal importance is its superior people watching location!

We have stopped off here a couple of times for a coffee and snack. Coffee is pretty good, though the service isn't always the greatest.....but as long a you get a table on the street then all is forgiven!

gilka

bar italia 18th July 2007

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just one thing-
what an espresso!!!
bello bello!!!

lucyserpell

5th June 2007

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Overrated and unfriendly. Only advantage is that it's open 24 hours.

shelo9

forza italia 28th May 2007

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I was lucky enough to get a table outside the other day even though it was a beautiful day! It was the day after AC Milano won the champions league so there was still a cheery atmosphere with the staff (especially as some of them were in the london papers!).

I had the frappe which was a bit steep at £4 but i wanted something sunny and italian to drink. I also ordered a chicken escaplope panini which always reminds me of italy. My friend ordered a salami panini. The portions were huge so we were unable to finish the food.

We had a great time chilling, eating, drinking and chatting and checking out the beautiful people in soho. The waitress was lovely and even got me tap water (after thinking i was mad for asking for bottled water :)).

It is quintessentially italian here, so if you need your fix in between the cheap flights to italy come here.

(also noticed a new arabic restaurant opposite - next door to ronnie scotts - which looks cool - i think both venues should be my next victims...).

walid at 28/05/07

Looking forward to your next review as finding good authentic Arabic restaurants is always a bit tricky

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widerweb

Atmosphere 22nd November 2006

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Lovely espresso, anytime. And friendly, with a genuine Italian following - the atmosphere here during this summer's footie world cup was just amazing, probably second only to the stadium in Berlin. A real historic part of Soho.

annika

Home away from home 30th October 2006

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This place had been among my personal favourites ever since a London-based Italian friend took me there shortly after arriving in the big smoke. But ever since celebrating Italy winning the 'Mondiali 2006' over there, this cafe/bar has turned 'cult' for me. I will never forget the packed streets and the impression that, suddenly, just about everyone in Soho was 'Italian'... and the chants and jumping around to 'chi non salta un xxx e', e'...' Magical moments. Aside from that, yes, they do make decent panini, the coffee rocks and the waiters/barmen are as cheesy as any Brit would expect Italians to be based on their last holidays in Rimini...