London has a long and proud history with Italian food — some of the best Italian cafes in the city have been operating in the same premises for over a century. But the scene has also evolved dramatically in recent years, with new-wave Italian bakeries and regional Italian cafe concepts arriving from Rome, Naples and beyond. Here's where to find the best Italian cafes and bakeries across London.
The Classics
1. Bar Italia — Soho
Bar Italia on Frith Street is one of the most iconic cafes in London. Open since 1949, it operates virtually 24 hours a day and serves espresso, paninis and Italian pastries with the confidence of an establishment that knows exactly what it is. The espresso machine is original. The football memorabilia is genuine. The queue outside at 3am on a Saturday is as reliable as sunrise.
2. Caffe Concerto — Multiple Locations
With locations in Piccadilly, Covent Garden, Victoria, Regent Street (the original, founded in 1996) and beyond, Caffe Concerto is an iconic institution in the Italian cafe scene. Not only do they boast beautiful interiors at each of their venues, but they also serve some of the finest handmake cakes in town - think beautifully prepared treats and strong Italian coffee.
Think artfully designed cakes and other treats at Caffe Concerto.
3. Trevi Italian Tiramisu — South Kensington
If you're all about authentic Italian flavours, fresh pastries (like cannolo and pasticciotto), and gloriously stuffed focaccia sandwiches, then Trevi Italian Tiramisu in South Kensington should be your next go-to. Even better, these guys serve 11 different flavours of tiramisu, from pistachio and raspberry to peach and caramel, with cakes, crepes and plenty of espresso to top things off.
New-Wave Italian Cafes And Bakeries
4. Pophams Bakery — Islington, London Fields, Victoria
Pophams produces some of the most inventive croissants in London, drawing on Italian flavours — custard, ricotta, pistachio and seasonal fruit — to create pastries that routinely cause queues around the block. The London Fields site has a canal-side setting that makes it particularly appealing. Arrive before 10am for the best selection.
You can get delicious sandwiches, pastries and caffeine-fuelled drinks at Pophams Bakery.
5. Burro e Salvia — Bermondsey
A tiny, brilliant fresh pasta shop and deli in Bermondsey that also operates as a cafe serving authentic Italian breakfast and lunch. The fresh pasta is made on site daily — the tagliolini and the ricotta tortellini are exceptional. Lunch is busy; the pasta-to-go is excellent for evenings.
6. Sartoria Bakery — Various Locations
Sartoria has grown from a single site to a small group of Italian-inspired bakery-cafes across London, serving sourdough pizza bases, focaccia, bomboloni and an excellent espresso programme. It offers modern, well-designed spaces with serious Italian baking credentials.
7. Bottega Prelibato — Notting Hill
A delicatessen and cafe importing directly from Italian producers, Bottega Prelibato serves exceptional sandwiches, Italian pastries, cheese, charcuterie and a genuinely serious espresso. One of the most authentically Italian cafe experiences in west London.
What Makes Italian Cafe Culture Distinctive?
Italian cafe culture is defined by its rituals: espresso standing at the bar, a cornetto in the morning, the long slow lunch. London's best Italian cafes understand that the ritual is as important as the food — that a good espresso drunk quickly is better than a mediocre one nursed for an hour. The new wave of Italian bakeries in London has introduced Roman-style pizza al taglio, Neapolitan cornetti (softer and brioche-like, distinct from French croissants) and regional Italian pastry traditions that were largely unknown in the city a decade ago.
FAQs
What is the oldest Italian cafe in London?
Bar Italia on Frith Street in Soho, open since 1949, is the most iconic and longest-running Italian cafe in London.
What is a cornetto?
An Italian-style pastry similar to a croissant but softer, less buttery and often filled with custard, jam or Nutella. The Neapolitan version (brioche cornetto) is softer still. Available at Bar Italia and Pophams, among others.
Where are the best Italian cafes in London?
Bar Italia (Soho) for heritage and atmosphere. Pophams (Islington/London Fields) for brilliant modern Italian pastries. Burro e Salvia (Bermondsey) for the best Italian lunch experience.
