Bar Italia image

Bar Italia

Cafe Coffee shop

Celebrated cafe, popular with Italian football fans, post-club crowds, musicians and mods. People often mention coffee, Italian, good, Soho, London, service, visit, staff, pizza, espresso,


Address

22 Frith St, London W1D 4RF, United Kingdom

Website

baritaliasoho.co.uk

Contact

+44 20 7437 4520

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (1.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 7 AM to 4 AM
  • Tuesday: 7 AM to 4 AM
  • Wednesday: 7 AM to 4 AM
  • Thursday: 7 AM to 4 AM
  • Friday: 7 AM to 4 AM
  • Saturday: 7 AM to 4 AM
  • Sunday: 7 AM to 4 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (33) Italian (18) good (12) Soho (11) London (11) service (9) visit (9) staff (8) pizza (8) espresso (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Angel V. 2 years ago on Google
    Pizza is terrible. Ordered a Margherita pIzza and the cheese was not melted (blocks of cheese), nor did it include basil as advertised. Staff is rude. Bathrooms don’t seem like they are ever cleaned, toilet paper everywhere. Unsanitary.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sarah Antoinette B. 2 years ago on Google
    Not really a coffee chick, much prefer tea, but this place was quite amazing. We visited late on a Saturday night and apparently its open really late. I ordered hot chocolate but my companions ordered all sorts of coffees and tiramisu too. Very good service.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jan F. 1 year ago on Google
    Authentic Italian coffee shop in heart of soho. Love the interior which makes you feel like you would be in Italy in 80’ Coffee tastes like in Italy!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fernanda G. 1 year ago on Google
    Authentic Italian coffee bar in Soho with a beautiful and nostalgic vibe. Dolce Vita inspired music, Italian pastries and very interesting visual merchandising. A must visit destination in Central London that can’t be missed
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Robbie K. 1 year ago on Google
    Gone down hill since I use to visit years ago, the place is now mostly run by eastern European staff with microwaved pizza square slices and very average food, terrible attitude - they really don't care about their customers, rather rude to "tourist". The negeonis were also made poorly for an Italian joint. Far too much ice, and they forgot the gin. Not good. Not like it was. Where is Nonna?
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Muge B. 4 months ago on Google • 963 reviews
    First time visit! The place was quite busy at night. I had an expresso, cortado, latte, tiramisu, and a cheesecakes and nata. They were above-average for us. The place and ambience were great, it was nice to sit and check everything. The barista was busy and she got order nearly 4 times to write it. She wasn’t so friendly or attentive to us.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Postcard 2. 1 year ago on Google
    a real Italian bar in the heart of London, too bad the espresso was not so good and the cost is 2.80 £. the display of food products is chaotic and excessive. the Italian staff not really nice. the bathroom located on the lower floor is always kept clean.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul 2 years ago on Google
    Surely the best coffee this side of Milano! A truly authentic Italian coffee awaits you here. Served up in double quick time.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Francesca Falzon A. 4 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    Finally found a proper Italian espresso in the UK! The espresso was as it should be. Had two single ones after each other along with a ham and cheese croissant with proper prosciutto crudo. The crossaint was very generous with its filling, the only thing that can improve is to heat it up much more as it was quite cold which was a shame. We also had a cannolo and again.. finally a proper ricotta cannolo as it should be! The place has retained a lot of its character which is great however it does need an upgrade as it is verging onto looking too old and unclean. I will however visit again!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Lostyoursocks 2 years ago on Google
    Went on a Friday evening. Coffee was decent but the service & food was terrible. The waitress had no clue, constantly would walk past us, somehow forgetting about 2 minutes ago that we had ordered what she was carrying. It wasn't even busy. This wasn't a big problem however we had made 2 orders and each time they would just enter a random amount into the card machine rather than what the price was on the menu. I was charged £9.04 for a chicken escalope toastie. How can you make up such a random price? The chicken was also burnt on the sides and very gristly. No idea how this place is rated 4.3. Totally useless. Will never go again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 James T. 3 months ago on Google • 26 reviews New
    Good old school Italian cafe atmosphere and good cappuccino. But £4.18 for a coffee!!? I totally understand that they're independent but that's a good 20% more expensive than other coffee shops nearby. You end up feeling that they're price gouging based on their prestigious history...🙄
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benito Sanchez I. 3 years ago on Google
    Traveled the world over and still feel like this is the best pizza anywhere. Highly recommend. Ate here just a couple of hours after dining at The Queens Head (only because it was our last night and I wanted authentic Italian pizza) and let me tell you it was phenomenal. Crust was absolutely perfect with a slight crunchy bottom and a soft tender inside. Pizzas made to order in a 40 year untouched gem of a spot. We can’t wait to go back. Yeah service was slow but it wasn’t careless slow it was we’re doing this the right way slow.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mariona P. 3 years ago on Google
    I love everything about it. The service, the food (specially paninis), the coffee, and the ambiance in general. They also have quality drinks. Do not hesitate to go for a drink and a snack, you will like it!! It is very Italian!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon Cates J. 6 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Carnival Atmosphere! Excellent coffee & Baristas. A must stop late night London.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bea D. 2 years ago on Google
    The cutest little authentic Italian coffee shop tucked away. Delicious pizza, cannoli, tiramisu and proper Italian coffee. Lovely staff and friendly vibe so will definitely visit again
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Helen K. 1 year ago on Google
    A London tradition ! If you're in Soho late at night, grabbing a coffee before you go home is a must and I was delighted to visit for the first time since before the pandemic. So relieved to see it was still trading. I'd never been earlier in the day until recently when my friend and I shared a delicious, freshly made, veggie pizza. The cappuccinos, as ever, were delicious. Recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pla O. 5 months ago on Google • 289 reviews
    I like coming here. I like drinking Cappuccino and Bar Italia has never failed me. Pasta dishes are very very delicious. Particularly Torta Della is my favourite.

  • 5/5 Elvis A. 1 year ago on Google • 126 reviews
    This might be the oldest Italian bar in London, but I'm not certain. However, they serve one of the best tiramisu that you can find in London. Their espresso is also noteworthy, adding to the overall pleasant Italian experience you can have there in Soho. I highly recommend this bar.

  • 5/5 Aneta R. 1 month ago on Google • 68 reviews New
    Amazing atmosphere and with a traditional Italian style. The staff and the decoration will take you back to Italy. Just what I needed to forget my day worries. Came just for a perfect espresso and received one indeed. Grazie!

  • 2/5 K W (. 2 months ago on Google • 67 reviews New
    Just went in for 2 coffees. They forgot our order as the waiter was talking to his friend. We waited 15 mins without our coffee. After chasing, the coffee arrived but they gave us the wrong order. The lady waitress was not very friendly. I dont think I'd go back. Plenty of other local independent cafes in the vicinity which are much friendlier and efficient.

  • 5/5 Mariusz N. 5 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    Gentleman that was making my coffee was extremely friendly and positive. This was one of the hest coffee I've ever had. Great atmosphere, excellent service!

  • 5/5 Jean T. 9 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    When I walked in, there was not that busy. I had a single expresso, a tiramisu, and a cannoli siciliano. They were the best I had in my life. The crema was sooo creamy, the coffee and liquor just matched each other, and the mouth feel was good, and cream in cannoli was so nice. I stayed a bit while and saw guests coming in, soon they filled up the bar with a queue. It must be the magic of the food and the barista who acted so friendly and true. I will visit again next time I visit London. Good vibes!

  • 4/5 Dominique S. 9 months ago on Google • 41 reviews
    The coffee was really good. I was impressed. I also really liked the vibe of the cafe, it’s one of those authentic Italian cafes. The only comment I have is that the staff did not respond very welcoming, it influenced the experience a bit but the coffee and the atmosphere made up for it. Would recommend if you are looking for a great coffee place. We also wanted to get some cannolis but they where a bit out of the budget.

  • 5/5 Thomas B. 1 year ago on Google
    Requested chicken escalope to be toasted extra hot (as I like it warm & crispy). Lovely lunch, lovely coffee (Almond milk thank you), lovely service. Always a pleasure

  • 5/5 Suzanne T. 1 year ago on Google
    Authenticity at its best. Established in 1949 and continues to provide outstanding coffee, light food, delicatessen and service. Situated in Soho, has become an icon that adds to the buzz of the area. Had a very good experience and the lady who looked after us was lovely and helpful.

  • 5/5 Jon C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place in the heart of Soho, a proper authentic cafe bar steeped in history. Superb mocha, friendly and helpful staff, good atmosphere, decor is cool, some amazing photos on the walls of times gone by and local characters. Brilliant spot to sit outside and watch the world go by. Bella, bella! ❤🤍💙

  • 5/5 Yulia V. 1 year ago on Google
    This legendary bar is a genuine Soho institution. It's open from 7am to 3am, so if you are looking for a quiet place late at a late hour, it's perfect. They serve Sicilian cannoli - I had a mini cannoli with my coffee. I'd say cannoli is 4/5, the pastry is supposed to be crunchy and it is not. Still, delicious. Bonus: this bar is good for people watching, although it's impossible for me to say if the paramedics on photo are genuine paramedics, or they wear uniforms for some kinky reasons. But then again, this is what Soho is about!

  • 4/5 Matt C. 2 years ago on Google
    Now one of my preferred coffee places in London. Been twice now and always got a seat inside despite the place being a incredibly popular place. As someone who used to live in Southern Europe, walking through the doors feels like taking a portal to a classic neighborhood café. The interior has a familiar and timeless feel. The coffee itself is absolutely excellent. Strong but not overwhelmingly bitter, sweet but not too sweet. Just perfectly balanced. The one thing I would say that leads me not to offer five stars is that I wish they would ask if you want anything else before bringing you the bill straight away, perhaps explain what food they have. Just that something extra. As soon as they set down the coffee, the card reader is immediately held in front of you. I might want to sit with my coffee for a bit and then have a pastry. Because if this, the service can come across as a little cold at times, though you can see they work hard. That and the prices. I know it's central London, but £3 for a bottle of water is a little steep, especially when I purchased a coffee already and just wanted a small glass of tap water, the kind you would be served with an espresso. I don't mind the price of the coffee itself, however, because of the quality.

  • 5/5 Lizzie T. 5 months ago on Google
    This place is a heartfelt favourite 😍 It never changes. Wonderful coffee. Lovely Service. Filled with great stuff, the atmosphere is very unique. I used to go a lot in the 80s, 90s, then 2000s! A true timepiece. Don't ever change, por favor! 🙏🏽💖

  • 2/5 Rob Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Miserable staff & a cold espresso!! The Portuguese custard tart was nice though.

  • 1/5 Kyle G. 4 months ago on Google
    I have to say I really enjoyed the introduction but unfortunately Jay completely ignored our complaints and was even less understanding. He had no respect for us after our food was taken away and wouldn’t even hear us out. Telling us to leave and overall just had a complete lack of respect. It's really unfortunate for a restaurant to act in this way. Anyway I hope for them and their staff to act better in the future as it was honestly such a shame.

  • 5/5 Alistair B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great. Fabulous little place opposite the famous Ronnie Scott's jazz club. Authentic slice of Italy in Soho. Food / drinks good. This place hasn't changed much over the years, long may it continue. Go on have a coffee / Italian snack or whatever tickles your fancy.

  • 3/5 A N. 2 years ago on Google
    Waited 30min for a pizza. Only 3 people in the place already served so really no reason to wait. Their reason? They also make the pizza for the next door restaurant. If you can't manage both, don't do it... 3 stars saved by the taste

  • 5/5 Jack Dunn - Male G. 3 years ago on Google
    Always a huge fan of Bar Italia! Best coffee place in Soho As London reopens after lockdown it was great to be able to enjoy a cortado and an amaretto liqueur in the afternoon sun! Great place to sit and people watch in Soho

  • 4/5 Mariane C. 2 years ago on Google
    Exceptional coffee place in Soho. Every time we visit London, you can guarantee that we enjoy a cofé in Bar Italia and most probably we have a pizza too for breakfast. And depending on my mood I have a Cognac to wake up my insight spirit. Very good service.


Call +44 20 7437 4520 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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