Latest reviews for Cafes & Coffee Shops in Piccadilly Circus, London, United Kingdom

Maison Bertaux - over-priced? Over-fun! by boxinghefner

boxinghefner — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:41:15 +0000

Review by boxinghefner

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 6007

Maison Bertaux is one of those places you go to; even though it's over-priced, even though it's scruffed round the edges, even though you are practically sitting in your neighbour's lap: because of both the atmosphere and the attractive waiting staff.Maison Bertaux is one of those places you go to; even though it's over-priced, even though it's scruffed round the edges, even though you are practically sitting in your neighbour's lap: because of both the atmosphere and the attractive waiting staff.

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.

Foyles Cafe - Refurb - oh dear! by critical

critical — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:04:37 +0000

Review by critical

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7437 5660

Tags: quick bite, cultured, crowded

Have just returned from the newly refurbed Foyle's Jazz cafe. What have they done! the cozy ambience with a lovely jazz backdrop has been replaced by soviet style refectory with only the sound of the faulty air conditioning to break the low murmur of complaint from returning customers - hopefully this is only the first stage of a full makeover...Have just returned from the newly refurbed Foyle's Jazz cafe. What have they done! the cozy ambience with a lovely jazz backdrop has been replaced by soviet style refectory with only the sound of the faulty air conditioning to break the low murmur of complaint from returning customers - hopefully this is only the first stage of a full makeover...

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!

Freud - Mh, cocktails... by vexille

vexille — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:36:51 +0000

Review by vexille

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7240 9933

Tags: cool, relaxed, bar

It's one of those places where you feel like you're part of a special club when you walk in. With minimal signage outside it's always a joy to walk down the steps, through the double glass doors into a packed out, minimalistic bar. It's small, it's cosy and it does a great selection of cocktails (and a handyful of beers).

Price-wise it's about average, the drinks are great though and the bar staff certainly know their stuff. You'll find many friendly faces but not enough seats, which in all honesty, isn't a big problem at all.

Always a pupular choice everytime I'm out, and babies seem more than welcome too!It's one of those places where you feel like you're part of a special club when you walk in. With minimal signage outside it's always a joy to walk down the steps, through the double glass doors into a packed out, minimalistic bar. It's small, it's cosy and it does a great selection of cocktails (and a handyful of beers).

Price-wise it's about average, the drinks are great though and the bar staff certainly know their stuff. You'll find many friendly faces but not enough seats, which in all honesty, isn't a big problem at all.

Always a pupular choice everytime I'm out, and babies seem more than welcome too!

Rendez-Vous - Over priced, miserable staff by mcduff16

mcduff16 — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:24:46 +0000

Review by mcduff16

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7925 1082

Tags: quick bite, ice cream, cosy

I visited Rendez-Vous for the first time. They have a big range of frozen yoghurts and ice cream as well as cakes and pastries. Now i know its Leicester square but Â£4.75 for a small scoop is ridiculous especially as the ice cream isn't all that. They had a small waffle and 1 scoop of ice cream for Â£8.95, a capucinno/ mocha costs Â£8.95! Ridiculous prices for an average cafe. I noticed the customers were mainly tourists- seems the local stay clear of this place. The staff are unfriendly and miserable. I would not recommend this place- there are far better in London.I visited Rendez-Vous for the first time. They have a big range of frozen yoghurts and ice cream as well as cakes and pastries. Now i know its Leicester square but Â£4.75 for a small scoop is ridiculous especially as the ice cream isn't all that. They had a small waffle and 1 scoop of ice cream for Â£8.95, a capucinno/ mocha costs Â£8.95! Ridiculous prices for an average cafe. I noticed the customers were mainly tourists- seems the local stay clear of this place. The staff are unfriendly and miserable. I would not recommend this place- there are far better in London.

Pompidou - Best Place for desert! by user161

user161 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:13:06 +0000

Review by user161

Rating: 5.00

Tags: cosy, good brew, quick bite

Pompidou is like heaven for cheesecake lovers like myself =) As soon as you walk in your hit by the color of all the cakes and all the other selection! They do have a massive selection of cakes,crossiants,danish's,crepes,waffels just a heaven for someone with a sweet tooth!The coffee is very nice and the food looks good aswell. The only complaint i have is that i never know what to choose! The staff are very friendly and helpfull and the atmosphere is always very nice.Pompidou is like heaven for cheesecake lovers like myself =) As soon as you walk in your hit by the color of all the cakes and all the other selection! They do have a massive selection of cakes,crossiants,danish's,crepes,waffels just a heaven for someone with a sweet tooth!The coffee is very nice and the food looks good aswell. The only complaint i have is that i never know what to choose! The staff are very friendly and helpfull and the atmosphere is always very nice.

Amato Patisserie - How the mighty have fallen by mrsevans101

mrsevans101 — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:52:20 +0000

Review by mrsevans101

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7734 5733

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

Tags: quick bite, amazing brew, cosy

I've eaten here plenty of times but not for a while, so I was quite excited to be in London for the weekend to have chance to enjoy their wonderful breakfasts.

Sadly it was not to be.

We arrived on Suday morning about 11 am to find a pretty empty dining room. We ordered breakfast (mostly eggs on toast and eggs benedict, as no one could face a full English). Our complimentary fruit juices were brought over. And we waited. And waited. And waited. Oh my goodness.
The large table next to us complained about the wait (despite many of them arriving after us) and somehow their food was magicked up.
We were not so lucky. 45 minutes after ordering and repeated promises of food on its way we gave up, told them to cancel our food and that we would pay for our drinks. The waiter took the food off the bill and told us that the cost of our drinks (4 fruit juices, one tea and one coffee) would be Â£14. Â£14! We argued that we only ordered the fruit juice because it came with the breakfast that they had not been able to supply so they relented and charged us only for the hot drinks.

I have so many good memories of eating here. This has been burst like a soap bubble by this terrible experience. Worst of all, we had brought friends from out of town with us and told them how marvellous Amato's is. Or was, I should stay.

We left, went to Balan's (along the road) for their cracking American style pancakes and friendly, efficient service.I've eaten here plenty of times but not for a while, so I was quite excited to be in London for the weekend to have chance to enjoy their wonderful breakfasts.

Sadly it was not to be.

We arrived on Suday morning about 11 am to find a pretty empty dining room. We ordered breakfast (mostly eggs on toast and eggs benedict, as no one could face a full English). Our complimentary fruit juices were brought over. And we waited. And waited. And waited. Oh my goodness.
The large table next to us complained about the wait (despite many of them arriving after us) and somehow their food was magicked up.
We were not so lucky. 45 minutes after ordering and repeated promises of food on its way we gave up, told them to cancel our food and that we would pay for our drinks. The waiter took the food off the bill and told us that the cost of our drinks (4 fruit juices, one tea and one coffee) would be Â£14. Â£14! We argued that we only ordered the fruit juice because it came with the breakfast that they had not been able to supply so they relented and charged us only for the hot drinks.

I have so many good memories of eating here. This has been burst like a soap bubble by this terrible experience. Worst of all, we had brought friends from out of town with us and told them how marvellous Amato's is. Or was, I should stay.

We left, went to Balan's (along the road) for their cracking American style pancakes and friendly, efficient service.

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.

Make Mine - Great Sandwich, but.... by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:38:46 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7636 1308

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

Tags: takeaway, delivery, sandwiches

This place makes fantastic sandwiches, really, I struggle to find better quality ciabatta, the problem however is the service, the staff are very inpersonal, and the pricing is a bit weird, so for example if you order a bacon sandwich before 10,30 you pay like 80pence less for the same thing, its more expensive afterwards

Other than that you have like four people working behind the counter but only one is making the food, irrespective of the amount of people waiting.

The food is great, as is the coffee.This place makes fantastic sandwiches, really, I struggle to find better quality ciabatta, the problem however is the service, the staff are very inpersonal, and the pricing is a bit weird, so for example if you order a bacon sandwich before 10,30 you pay like 80pence less for the same thing, its more expensive afterwards

Other than that you have like four people working behind the counter but only one is making the food, irrespective of the amount of people waiting.

The food is great, as is the coffee.

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.

Cafe in the Crypt - Excellent Value, Fab Location by foxie

foxie — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:05:00 +0000

Review by foxie

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7839 4342

Website: http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Tags: cosy, lively, cultured

Cafe in the Crypt is one of the pseudo-hidden gems of London and one of my all time favourite places to linger over a cup of tea or a late lunch/early dinner. The food is all freshly prepared and excellent value. It's self-service along a buffet, but after that it's tables tucked under stone arches and ambient music. They do regular jazz nights as well. Cafe in the Crypt is one of the pseudo-hidden gems of London and one of my all time favourite places to linger over a cup of tea or a late lunch/early dinner. The food is all freshly prepared and excellent value. It's self-service along a buffet, but after that it's tables tucked under stone arches and ambient music. They do regular jazz nights as well.

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.