Amato's Patisserie reviews
Tried to buy a bespoke birthday cake for 40 people. Spoke to what seemed like either the owner or one of the pastry chefs. Spectacles wedged on the tip of his nose, unfriendly, unhelpful, did not have a cake catalogue, kept referring to their website (and their tiny pictures). Ultimately told him his body language was making me uncomfortable - I felt I was being hurried to make up my mind. I've never experienced that kind of pressure in that sort of situation before.
I later went to Cafe Concerto down Regent St. and I had a completely different experience. I was shown to a table, I was given a large photographic cake book, and a very helpful young man sat at the table with me and discussed the options available. I was even offered a slice of cake similar to the cake I ended up buying (and wasn't charged for it). I will certainly go back to Cafe Concerto, whereas Amato's on the other hand...
I used to come here a lot, as it was a good place to meet people in Soho and you could always find a table. The problem is that it's very smoky and, as a non-smoker, I found that aspect quite unpleasant. This will all change on 1st July though, so I might well venture back. On the plus side, the hot chocolate is great, as are the amazing cakes. You can also have light meals here too.
by bobbypants "top london reviewer" (55 reviews), 15 Jun 2007Superb. Compares favourably with the best conditorei of Vienna. Amato is, in my book, the best conditoria in London.
P.S. I would love to see Amato add a Marron Gateau (Chestnut).
Amato's cakes are absolutely the best in London. I got my cake done for my wedding and everybody was impressed. Definitely my first choice when it comes to buying a cake.
by lovethefood, 30 May 2007I'm surprised by the reviewer who says the staff "scoffed" when she ordered drinks only. I've been coming to Amato for years, and you can sit with your coffee for ages. Also there are a couple of guys who sit playing chess for hours, with just a couple of lattes. It's in fact a very relaxed and amiable place, with good coffee and excellent patisserie.
by bobbins, 24 Feb 2007The service, food and particularly the hot chocolate are fantastic, but it stops short of being heavenly because of the prevalence of cigarette smoke. As a non-smoker, I (and I'm sure thousands of others) would appreciate it if smoking inside the restaurant were banned - unless VERY effective extractor fans could be installed.
by Foodlover, 30 Jan 2007I visited here with my mother in the summer to recharge our batteries as I was showing her the sights. The staff looked us up and down as we went to sit down, scoffed when we ordered drinks only, and didn't bring my juice until after mum had finished her coffee. All the while we were sat there, the two waitresses stood in the doorway glancing at us and whispering as though bitching about us. Either way, it made us feel very uncomfortable, and we couldn't wait to leave. Some restful break!
So sad really, as some of the cakes did look nice. Just need the serving staff to sweeten up a bit too.
Amato's hot chocolate is the best! So are the cakes and pastries, but generally a bit high on the price though.
by vidazen, 01 Jun 2006I just want to say that the prices are too high so please put it a bit down. That's it.
Thanks and regards
Excellent friendly service, great food and drinks, and a real buzz about the place.
by Anonymous, 08 Feb 2006Great place for meeting friends for a catch-up. Casual atmosphere, good coffee and cakes.
by laurag, 07 Feb 2006We had Amato design and create our wedding cake and it was absolutely fantastic - it tasted as good as it looked; a rarity with wedding cakes. And Danny was great to work with. We highly recommend them!
by Mindi, 12 Nov 2005Great when rushed to get a birthday cake but the creme is too fatty. Need to lighten up.
by cheeseburger711 (15 reviews), 05 Aug 2005I thought the cakes were a bit rubbish and synthetic, but the pasta is the best I have had in London - I love it.
by Anonymous, 21 Jul 2005I am a regular visitor to Amato, and have been a customer since they opened many moons ago. A wonderfully welcoming cafe with a warm atmosphere, friendly staff and gorgeous cakes. I love it and can't remember where I went before! Vegetable penne is yum!
by edithasta (3 reviews), 13 Jul 2005This is possibly the best cake shop in the world - we go there just to gaze in the window. Their creations are from another planet - we love you Amato - no birthday is complete without your cake, dripping with fruit and and feathered with chocolate. Maggie, Sian and Bethan xx
by Anonymous, 19 Apr 2005Have we missed a great cafe in London? Let us know.
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