Bar Italia

22 Frith Street
Soho, London W1D 4RF
Tel: 020 7437 4520

All night Soho favourite since 1923. Great Italian coffee and absolutely packed whenever there's a televised Italian football match. Soho media fact: The blue plaque above celebrates that John Logie Baird first demonstrated television in 1926.

Bar Italia

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Bar Italia reviews

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A Soho institution, famously open all hours and genuinely Italian. But for cutting-edge barista skills, latte art and the very best fresh roast espresso blends, walk around the corner to Flat White (17 Berwick Street), Fernandez & Wells (73 Beak Street) and Milk Bar (3 Bateman Street) or Monmouth Coffee (27 Monmouth Street).

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 by grant_rattray, 29 Apr 2009
I love, love, love Bar Italia. This is THE place to have coffee in Soho, whether it be the first cup of the day as wonderful Soho is waking up for another working day and the lucky ones are making their way home after a night on the town, or the last cup of the night to sober up or kick start the night! The crowd is always fascinating. If I go alone I always end up having a life-enriching conversation with someone! You can find better quality coffee in Soho; however, you can't beat the atmosphere here.

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 by clubvoyage (6 reviews), 10 Jan 2009
Very good coffee but much too expensive! Staff are quite impolite and unfriendly.

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 by sarado, 29 Oct 2008
Bad manners, bad food, too expensive and not even a good coffee. Don't be fooled by the word 'Italia', this place is neither Italian nor run by Italians. The best coffee in the city is to be found at 'Caffè Vergnano 1882' at 62 Charing Cross Road (towards Leicester Square tube).

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 by marcash, 31 Aug 2008
Superb coffee, great food, a little pricey (but that's to be expected, it is Central London). Massively unfriendly staff though! If you're english-italian (like me!) don't expect any friendly banter unless you're in their little circle. You'll be lucky to get a smile. The only time a sense of togetherness prevails is during the great atmosphere when Italy are playing on the TV (if you can get in!). The place has managed to keep its authenticity though which is great. The unfriendly welcome you receive during ordering manages to generate a general snootyness throughout the place and for Italians... this place is COLD! Let's end on a high note... eating their equally cold (but delicious) gelati on the tables outside is a real treat.

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 by Milan AC, 07 Jul 2008
Bar Italia is a long time fav since my bro first introduced me to it in the 80s. We always have to make a little pilgrimage there whenever I'm back in town from Vancouver. Great coffee, atmosphere and characters, what's not to love about it...

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 by deb miller, 10 Apr 2008
Fantastic - great pizza, great fun!

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 by molflanders (2 reviews), 29 Mar 2008
Never had better coffee.

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 by Moo Moo "top london reviewer" (24 reviews), 04 Feb 2008
Firstly, the door man is so impolite and always makes you feel unwelcome. Secondly, it is so small and packed you haven't got a place to stand up, let alone breathe.

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 by jacksmiths, 15 Dec 2007
Great atmosphere, delicious coffee and fantastic people.

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 by glorcia, 19 Aug 2007
Wonderful service, very friendly, and the paninis are to die for. I go again and again. Don't miss it!

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 by ankiara, 16 Aug 2007
Still one of the best places for a coffee in London - lots of atmosphere and open all the time.

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 by officebeetle, 24 May 2007
It truly is the best coffee in Britain. The first place I take visitors from overseas.

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 by Anonymous, 23 Mar 2007
Brilliant four-cheese pizza.

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 by Jenbo, 12 Mar 2007
Grande, grande, grande.

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 by sugar (2 reviews), 02 Feb 2007
The BEST coffee in Britain. You really feel as though you are somewhere sitting here. Atmosphere and location unrivalled!

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 by Anonymous, 05 Jan 2007
Coffee amazing, absolutely amazing! Atmosphere exactly what you want it to be - tailored. People watching, out of this world. Hosts, the best people in retail. Company, provide your own... Thank you, Bar Italia, for the experience.

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 by Cup Cake, 09 Nov 2006
Rather expensive, but a beautiful bar with fantastic espresso.

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 by Anonymous, 19 Sep 2006
Bar Italia is the best cafe I've ever been to including Italy! It gives the feel of Italy and it's a great place to have a laugh!

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 by Anonymous, 02 Apr 2006
If you like people watching try Bar Italia. Also great for motorbikes. I think it's wednesday night when they all roar up and pose! The food isn't great but the coffee is definitely the best and it's a good spot for the end ish of a perfect date…

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 by rosy (3 reviews), 05 Feb 2006


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