Italians settled Soho in the 1940s, and before they decamped for the suburbs, they installed a set of mod, gleaming coffee bars and cafes. This old-school straggler from 1946 is a haunt of slumming celebrities and artists who, we dare say, must not come for ingratiating service. While this institution is busy all day—making simple sandwiches, delivering pastries, grunting with effort—it swells with revelers after midnight. Even Rome doesn’t have bars that steam, press, and shuffle coffee across the clock with such gusto. “Like everything in this city that Londoners really enjoy, it reminds us of being abroad,” quipped the Guardian. Whatever; it practically leaks hipness.
London
Travel Guide
London› Restaurant
Bar Italia
22 Frith St., W1
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Soho
Hours
Mon–Sat 6:30am–4:30am; Sun 6:30am–2am
Transportation
Tube: Leicester Square
Phone
020/7437-4520
Prices
Coffee £3–£4, pizza £10–£11, panini £7
Cuisine Type
Coffee/Italian
Web site
Bar Italia
Map
22 Frith St., W1 LondonNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.