Latest reviews for Cafes & Coffee Shops in Carnaby Street, London, United Kingdom

Cafe Rouge - Cafe Rouge by Siam

Siam — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:51:57 +0000

Review by Siam

Rating: 3.00Cafe Rouge is a gorgeous restaurant especially for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast is great - choose a traditional english cooked breakfast or a delicious basket of pastries - croissants, pain au chocolat and pain aux raisin and french bread, served with butter and jam. There is a wide range of food for lunch, very reasonably priced, good portions and a good menu to choose from - vegetarian tarts, hot baguettes, salads etc. It is popular and gets busy and noisy. When it is busy, it can feel like you are dining with the whole restaurant and not on your own!
Cafe Rouge is a gorgeous restaurant especially for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast is great - choose a traditional english cooked breakfast or a delicious basket of pastries - croissants, pain au chocolat and pain aux raisin and french bread, served with butter and jam. There is a wide range of food for lunch, very reasonably priced, good portions and a good menu to choose from - vegetarian tarts, hot baguettes, salads etc. It is popular and gets busy and noisy. When it is busy, it can feel like you are dining with the whole restaurant and not on your own!

Make Mine - Unbeatable salad wraps and sandwiches by Weeboo

Weeboo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:00:29 +0000

Review by Weeboo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7636 1308

Website: http://www.makemine.co.uk

Tags: takeaway, good brew, crowded

5 stars. Wow, this is the first time I've given something 5 stars. But first, let me cover off the few minor negatives for Make Mine.

Pricing is a bit haphazard and...well, a bit pricey to be honest. And the level of service seems to fluctuate. The high turnover of staff doesn't help - sometimes the service is good, sometimes its average. Its better before the lunchtime rush...aim to get there before 12.15 to avoid the long queue.

So you may be wondering why I've given Make Mine 5 stars. It simply comes down to the food. Portions sizes are generous, ingredients are good quality and the bread comes in proper doorstep-thick slices. Off the top of my head I can highly recommend the caesar salad wrap (I usually have mine with tuna instead of chicken), the scrambled egg sandwich (with wholemeal bread) and the "breakfast mushroom" toasted bagel (as opposed to the standard mushroom filling they also have which is plainer). If you are looking for a tasty, filling lunch to have at your desk, I highly recommend Make Mine.5 stars. Wow, this is the first time I've given something 5 stars. But first, let me cover off the few minor negatives for Make Mine.

Pricing is a bit haphazard and...well, a bit pricey to be honest. And the level of service seems to fluctuate. The high turnover of staff doesn't help - sometimes the service is good, sometimes its average. Its better before the lunchtime rush...aim to get there before 12.15 to avoid the long queue.

So you may be wondering why I've given Make Mine 5 stars. It simply comes down to the food. Portions sizes are generous, ingredients are good quality and the bread comes in proper doorstep-thick slices. Off the top of my head I can highly recommend the caesar salad wrap (I usually have mine with tuna instead of chicken), the scrambled egg sandwich (with wholemeal bread) and the "breakfast mushroom" toasted bagel (as opposed to the standard mushroom filling they also have which is plainer). If you are looking for a tasty, filling lunch to have at your desk, I highly recommend Make Mine.

Bar Italia - a classic by boxinghefner

boxinghefner — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:38:38 +0000

Review by boxinghefner

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 4520

Tags: quick bite, italian, lively

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.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.

Fernandez & Wells - Excellent coffee by sue

sue — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:37:57 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 8124

Website: http://www.fernandezandwells.com/beak.php

Tags: friendly, cakes, quick bite

People 'in the know' kept telling me that Fernandez & Wells made good coffee. So we went there. And they certainly do!

We didn't visit their main shop on Lexington Street, but the smaller coffee bar on Beak Street. It was morning tea time one sunny Sunday and coffee was in the agenda. Ordering a couple of Flat Whites and one of my favourite treats - a Portuguese custard tart (Pasteis de Nata), we took a seat by the window.

Our coffee arrived and it looked really good. A nice dark crema and a pretty pattern in the milk. It tasted even better than it looked. And the custard tart was nice and fresh and custardy. Staff were friendly too. Top marks.People 'in the know' kept telling me that Fernandez & Wells made good coffee. So we went there. And they certainly do!

We didn't visit their main shop on Lexington Street, but the smaller coffee bar on Beak Street. It was morning tea time one sunny Sunday and coffee was in the agenda. Ordering a couple of Flat Whites and one of my favourite treats - a Portuguese custard tart (Pasteis de Nata), we took a seat by the window.

Our coffee arrived and it looked really good. A nice dark crema and a pretty pattern in the milk. It tasted even better than it looked. And the custard tart was nice and fresh and custardy. Staff were friendly too. Top marks.

Starbucks Coffee - Good store by cricketer

cricketer — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:33:06 +0000

Review by cricketer

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 9441

Website: http://www.starbucks.co.uk

Tags: american, good value, takeaway

Starbucks sells coffee and other snacks.
Although a little more expensive than some other coffee shops it does provide quality coffee and a great choice of snacks.
It gets very busy at lunchtimes but staff are very quick to make and serve the coffee.
They also have a selection of newspapers and magazines for you to read while you relax with your coffee.
The store also offers gift vouchers which are ideal for birthday presents for friends and family who regularly use starbucks...although a Â£5 voucher will not go very far!
The store is bright and has lots of seats and tables - it is very roomy so you dont have to squeeze through!Starbucks sells coffee and other snacks.
Although a little more expensive than some other coffee shops it does provide quality coffee and a great choice of snacks.
It gets very busy at lunchtimes but staff are very quick to make and serve the coffee.
They also have a selection of newspapers and magazines for you to read while you relax with your coffee.
The store also offers gift vouchers which are ideal for birthday presents for friends and family who regularly use starbucks...although a Â£5 voucher will not go very far!
The store is bright and has lots of seats and tables - it is very roomy so you dont have to squeeze through!

Dolce - High Quality roast everyday! by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:58:52 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 5373

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, quick bite

Dolce, run by a friendly, charming Italian guy, is a great place to pick up a sandwich, I have to say that the Roast chicken, which they roast in house each day, is fantastic, as they always serve generous helpings.
The Pork sandwhich with apple saunce, salt & pepper, again great with the Ciabatta.
Or the Salt Beef on Ryebread, again great!
These guys also know how to make a good coffee, also on offer, is a selection of pasta's, from tradition Cabonara, to italian meatballs in ragu sauce, bangers on Mash, salads, and a stroganoff to die for, made with rump, again generous portions.
SO if your looking for a bit of diversity in a cosy cafe feel, this is the place to visit.Dolce, run by a friendly, charming Italian guy, is a great place to pick up a sandwich, I have to say that the Roast chicken, which they roast in house each day, is fantastic, as they always serve generous helpings.
The Pork sandwhich with apple saunce, salt & pepper, again great with the Ciabatta.
Or the Salt Beef on Ryebread, again great!
These guys also know how to make a good coffee, also on offer, is a selection of pasta's, from tradition Cabonara, to italian meatballs in ragu sauce, bangers on Mash, salads, and a stroganoff to die for, made with rump, again generous portions.
SO if your looking for a bit of diversity in a cosy cafe feel, this is the place to visit.

Milk Bar - Flat White's sibling by sue

sue — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:50:59 +0000

Review by sue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 4796

Tags: coffee, australian, excellent brew

One of the hardest things about being an Australian in London is finding a decent coffee, so when I read about a new cafÃ© that had opened up, owned by the lovely Antipodean people who own Flat White (cafÃ© on Berwick Street, Soho), I had to go and check it out asap.

Wandering along Bateman Street on a grey, cold, wet summers(!) afternoon, I at first walked right past Milk Bar as it didn't appear to have sign outside (though it may have been hidden by the awning) and kind of looked closed. Thankfully I crossed the road to investigate and realised I must be at the right place.

The cafÃ© is bigger and brighter than Flat White. The menu seems to be the same - breakfasts, light lunches and snacks, though I wasn't there for food, but to sample the coffee.

Service was very smiley and cheerful, and after ordering and paying for my flat white coffee, I took a seat in excited anticipation. The coffee arrived looking gorgeous, with a slightly wonky 'fern' on top. The milk was perfectly steamed and creamy. A very good coffee indeed.One of the hardest things about being an Australian in London is finding a decent coffee, so when I read about a new cafÃ© that had opened up, owned by the lovely Antipodean people who own Flat White (cafÃ© on Berwick Street, Soho), I had to go and check it out asap.

Wandering along Bateman Street on a grey, cold, wet summers(!) afternoon, I at first walked right past Milk Bar as it didn't appear to have sign outside (though it may have been hidden by the awning) and kind of looked closed. Thankfully I crossed the road to investigate and realised I must be at the right place.

The cafÃ© is bigger and brighter than Flat White. The menu seems to be the same - breakfasts, light lunches and snacks, though I wasn't there for food, but to sample the coffee.

Service was very smiley and cheerful, and after ordering and paying for my flat white coffee, I took a seat in excited anticipation. The coffee arrived looking gorgeous, with a slightly wonky 'fern' on top. The milk was perfectly steamed and creamy. A very good coffee indeed.

Just Falafs - Rude owner avoid! by powerchord81

powerchord81 — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:13:41 +0000

Review by powerchord81

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 1914

Website: http://www.justfalafs.com/

Tags: middle eastern, lively, expensive

Was ordered to leave by the owner as I had a bottle of coke with me that I hadn't purchased from them, despite my girlfriend ordering and paying extra to eat outside on their tables.

The owner was rude, undiplomatic and didn't seem to care that my girlfriend was a paying customer.

I will never visit again and would advise people to avoid after the service we received.Was ordered to leave by the owner as I had a bottle of coke with me that I hadn't purchased from them, despite my girlfriend ordering and paying extra to eat outside on their tables.

The owner was rude, undiplomatic and didn't seem to care that my girlfriend was a paying customer.

I will never visit again and would advise people to avoid after the service we received.

Flat White - The Best Coffee in the Northern Hemis' by Goosestep

Goosestep — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:21:32 +0000

Review by Goosestep

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 0370

Website: http://www.flat-white.co.uk

Tags: amazing brew, quick bite, cosy

Man I love these guys!

Without doubt they service the best coffee in London!

They say a good cuppa is 85% barista and 15% coffee machine.

These fellas get 100/100.
Man I love these guys!

Without doubt they service the best coffee in London!

They say a good cuppa is 85% barista and 15% coffee machine.

These fellas get 100/100.

Brasil by Kilo - What happened to this place by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:09:17 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7287 7161

Tags: brazilian, cheap, central

The first time I went here, was almost three years ago, just when I moved back to London from Brazil, I was really craving some nice Brazilian lunch time food, so I heard about this place and went along.

It was fantastic, the beans were cooked to perfection with generous helpings of different porks, and the rice was great, as were all the other things in the buffet.

Recently I went back a few times, and the place has gone right on down, from what I would rate a four, to a one.

They had beef, that was clearly stewing steak, that was simply browned, and battered, as it wasnt stewed, it was overly chewy, so like eating a shoe sole.

The chicken (Frango Pasarinha) was awful, the whole place has gone down hill, also now they dont weigh anymore, they simply charge a fixed price, and you eat as much as you want 6.99 + 1.00 for a drink, soft drinks only.

This place was once really great, and for some reason, has gone completely the other way..The first time I went here, was almost three years ago, just when I moved back to London from Brazil, I was really craving some nice Brazilian lunch time food, so I heard about this place and went along.

It was fantastic, the beans were cooked to perfection with generous helpings of different porks, and the rice was great, as were all the other things in the buffet.

Recently I went back a few times, and the place has gone right on down, from what I would rate a four, to a one.

They had beef, that was clearly stewing steak, that was simply browned, and battered, as it wasnt stewed, it was overly chewy, so like eating a shoe sole.

The chicken (Frango Pasarinha) was awful, the whole place has gone down hill, also now they dont weigh anymore, they simply charge a fixed price, and you eat as much as you want 6.99 + 1.00 for a drink, soft drinks only.

This place was once really great, and for some reason, has gone completely the other way..

Nordic Bakery - Nice buns, but over priced and quite overhyped by LondonBoy08

LondonBoy08 — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:56:17 +0000

Review by LondonBoy08

Rating: 2.00

Tags: quick bite, good brew, bakery

Nice place, I quite like the cinnamon buns.

This is not a retail store, they only sell a bit of bread and some sweets and some very expensive bags. Their selection of food is limited, I think, compared to many other cafes in the area.

Nordic Bakery is nice enough but not that exciting. Nice coffee, okay service, the sandwiches are generally a bit over priced.

Better than Starbucks, but I would not go out of my way to go here - unless I had a craving for cinnamon buns.

P

Nice place, I quite like the cinnamon buns.

This is not a retail store, they only sell a bit of bread and some sweets and some very expensive bags. Their selection of food is limited, I think, compared to many other cafes in the area.

Nordic Bakery is nice enough but not that exciting. Nice coffee, okay service, the sandwiches are generally a bit over priced.

Better than Starbucks, but I would not go out of my way to go here - unless I had a craving for cinnamon buns.

P

Sacred Cafe - good coffee but a bit like a student hang out by Coffeegeek

Coffeegeek — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:23:25 +0000

Review by Coffeegeek

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7734 1415

Website: http://www.sacredcafe.co.uk/

Tags: good brew, cosy, quick bite

Good coffee, they know how to do make a proper coffee here but the decor reminds me of a budget student union. If you're in the area its worth a visit. Haven't tried the food but if it's as good as the coffee I'd be very happy.Good coffee, they know how to do make a proper coffee here but the decor reminds me of a budget student union. If you're in the area its worth a visit. Haven't tried the food but if it's as good as the coffee I'd be very happy.

Reynolds - All good things....... by cake_eater

cake_eater — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:46:32 +0000

Review by cake_eater

Rating: 5.00

Tags: amazing brew, top food, cosy

This little eatery is top! Small portions of healthy and more importantly tasty food, brilliant coffee and wonderful service. I had the mini mezze, prawn and spinach salad and a double espresso- highly recommend all!

ps. not sure I want to mention the amazing brownies incase they sell out!This little eatery is top! Small portions of healthy and more importantly tasty food, brilliant coffee and wonderful service. I had the mini mezze, prawn and spinach salad and a double espresso- highly recommend all!

ps. not sure I want to mention the amazing brownies incase they sell out!

Cibo Cafe in Mamas & Papas - Oasis for pregnant ladies by walid

walid — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:39:07 +0000

Review by walid

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0845 268 2000

Website: http://tinyurl.com/2v58gv

Tags: comfortable, good value, trendy

What an interesting day this was, learned a lot about all the pleasures and challenges pregnant ladies have. On this particular day I was accompanying one of my best friends who is expecting her first born in a few weeks. So going from shop to shop looking for the odd set of baby equipment/cloth/..etc we came to Mamas & Papas looking at pushchairs. My friend, also a coffee lover, needed a rest and on the first floor of Mamas & Papas is Cibo Cafe that looks both stylish and comfy with its large pictures of babies.

The service was friendly whilst the food was so so. I had the Tiramisu, see picture, which unfortunately lacked in taste, had too much chocolate powder on top but at least it had a pleasant consistency. The coffee was acceptable but nothing incredible. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're not expecting a baby, but if you're it is a comfortable and peaceful little place.

Now I probably won't find myself returning to this particular cafe unless if one of my friends is also on the road to getting pregnant or perhaps.... ;-)What an interesting day this was, learned a lot about all the pleasures and challenges pregnant ladies have. On this particular day I was accompanying one of my best friends who is expecting her first born in a few weeks. So going from shop to shop looking for the odd set of baby equipment/cloth/..etc we came to Mamas & Papas looking at pushchairs. My friend, also a coffee lover, needed a rest and on the first floor of Mamas & Papas is Cibo Cafe that looks both stylish and comfy with its large pictures of babies.

The service was friendly whilst the food was so so. I had the Tiramisu, see picture, which unfortunately lacked in taste, had too much chocolate powder on top but at least it had a pleasant consistency. The coffee was acceptable but nothing incredible. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're not expecting a baby, but if you're it is a comfortable and peaceful little place.

Now I probably won't find myself returning to this particular cafe unless if one of my friends is also on the road to getting pregnant or perhaps.... ;-)

Sergios - Fantastic !! by morag1974

morag1974 — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:55:15 +0000

Review by morag1974

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 7010

Tags: italian, friendly staff, value for money

Sergios is a little gem hidden between the hustle and bustle of busy Picadilly.

We have visited Sergios on many occasions now but most recently last Saturday when we were let down by a Conran group restaurant and found ourselves stranded with no where really to go on a busy saturday lunchime until we remembered Sergios

We arrived and as usual were greeted with open hospitality and fantastic service, a service which you would expect but hardly ever receive in far more expensive establishments.

The food is simple but excellent quality which will bring people back again and again....

This place is a little gem and one of Londons hidden secrets

We will be returning again and again

Sergios is a little gem hidden between the hustle and bustle of busy Picadilly.

We have visited Sergios on many occasions now but most recently last Saturday when we were let down by a Conran group restaurant and found ourselves stranded with no where really to go on a busy saturday lunchime until we remembered Sergios

We arrived and as usual were greeted with open hospitality and fantastic service, a service which you would expect but hardly ever receive in far more expensive establishments.

The food is simple but excellent quality which will bring people back again and again....

This place is a little gem and one of Londons hidden secrets

We will be returning again and again

The New Piccadilly - Now closed by darika

darika — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 17:10:51 +0000

Review by darika

Rating: 4.00

Tags: cultured, quick bite, european

Sad news is this wonderful placed closed down a few months ago.Sad news is this wonderful placed closed down a few months ago.

Jumbo Eats - YUM YUM YUM by dloizou

dloizou — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:57:50 +0000

Review by dloizou

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7494 2133

Tags: wraps, lively, turkish

Jumbo eats is a little gem for anyone who loves mediterrainain foods...

Although you'll likely have to queue for out the shop and onto the street at any given lunchtime, people queue coz they know the grub is good.

Once inside you'll be correct in thinking that you've stepped into a daytime rave with the blarring dance party music and chaotic manner in which they're signature wraps are made... but don't be alarmed, in my expereinece the team behind the counter work best under pressure.

Its always a challange to get through the ample serving and for around < Â£4 for a wrap you should be satified.

They also do great fresh juices, coffee, pastries and the like as well as other delishious hot food (mezze, lasange etc). You can eat in or take away.

These guys are my little haven... and always deliver quality food with a unique experience.

Jumbo eats is a little gem for anyone who loves mediterrainain foods...

Although you'll likely have to queue for out the shop and onto the street at any given lunchtime, people queue coz they know the grub is good.

Once inside you'll be correct in thinking that you've stepped into a daytime rave with the blarring dance party music and chaotic manner in which they're signature wraps are made... but don't be alarmed, in my expereinece the team behind the counter work best under pressure.

Its always a challange to get through the ample serving and for around < Â£4 for a wrap you should be satified.

They also do great fresh juices, coffee, pastries and the like as well as other delishious hot food (mezze, lasange etc). You can eat in or take away.

These guys are my little haven... and always deliver quality food with a unique experience.

Il Pan D'oro - A good find by TheMoth

TheMoth — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 16:03:58 +0000

Review by TheMoth

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7629 6879

Tags: european, terrace, quick bite

While waiting for the shops in the Oxford/Regent Street area to open, we happened upon this little coffee shop and decided to while away some time sitting at one of the tables outside the front while drinking coffee.

And I'm rather glad we did, this was a very nice place to stop. Service was quick and put us at our ease - we didn't feel rushed, but within a few seconds of setting foot in the place we had given our order and been invited to sit outside. It can't have been much longer before the coffee itself was in front of us.

Excellent cappuccinos, dark, creamy and frothy, perfect for breakfast. While we sat down, several people popped in to buy lunch - we didn't try the sandwiches, but judging by the little shop's popularity it wouldn't have been a mistake to do so.While waiting for the shops in the Oxford/Regent Street area to open, we happened upon this little coffee shop and decided to while away some time sitting at one of the tables outside the front while drinking coffee.

And I'm rather glad we did, this was a very nice place to stop. Service was quick and put us at our ease - we didn't feel rushed, but within a few seconds of setting foot in the place we had given our order and been invited to sit outside. It can't have been much longer before the coffee itself was in front of us.

Excellent cappuccinos, dark, creamy and frothy, perfect for breakfast. While we sat down, several people popped in to buy lunch - we didn't try the sandwiches, but judging by the little shop's popularity it wouldn't have been a mistake to do so.

The Breakfast Club - by totuck

totuck — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:58:03 +0000

Review by totuck

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 2571

Website: http://www.thebreakfastclubsoho.com

Tags: free wifi, cosy, friendly

I usually go to the one in Angel. This TBC is much nicer insider and feels more homely. I think it's the comfy couches in back. The food's great and the staff are always friendly. I usually get pancakes and vegetarian sausages. Mmmm...I usually go to the one in Angel. This TBC is much nicer insider and feels more homely. I think it's the comfy couches in back. The food's great and the staff are always friendly. I usually get pancakes and vegetarian sausages. Mmmm...

The Star - Great Little Cafe / Restaurant.... by collector

collector — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:17:47 +0000

Review by collector

Rating: 4.00

Tags: italian, good value, quick bite

I have visited the Star Cafe on many occasions. It is an authentic Italian cafe serving a selection of hot and cold meals including sandwiches.

It is a great place to sit and watch Soho go by whilst reading the newspapers that are provided daily.

The decor and ambience are not modern, which to me adds extra value...

The food is served with humour, and a chat as well.. Something that you rarely get in London these days....

The cafe has been there for years....I have visited the Star Cafe on many occasions. It is an authentic Italian cafe serving a selection of hot and cold meals including sandwiches.

It is a great place to sit and watch Soho go by whilst reading the newspapers that are provided daily.

The decor and ambience are not modern, which to me adds extra value...

The food is served with humour, and a chat as well.. Something that you rarely get in London these days....

The cafe has been there for years....