Bar Italia Delivers an Honest Slice of Roman Coffee Culture

Tucked into the heart of Soho on Frith Street, Bar Italia is one of London’s most storied Italian cafés, operating almost continuously since 1949. The narrow, neon-lit interior—mirrored walls, vintage Gaggia machines, and football memorabilia—draws you in before you’ve even crossed the threshold. There’s a lived-in warmth here that no interior design budget can manufacture; it simply builds over decades.

Items Purchased

• Espresso — Served short and serious in a pre-warmed ceramic cup, this is Italian bar style done right: dark roast, full-bodied, low acidity, with a dense crema and notes of dark chocolate, toasted walnut, and a subtly bittersweet finish. No frills, no apologies—exactly as it should be.

• Iced Latte — A straightforward, well-executed pour over ice; the milk softens the roast’s intensity into something smooth and approachable without losing the espresso’s backbone. Refreshing without feeling watered down.

• Profiteroles — Light choux pastry filled with cream and finished with a glossy chocolate sauce. The texture is delicate, the filling cool and lightly sweet, and the portion generous enough to feel indulgent without going overboard.

Rating

4 / 5 — Bar Italia doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is, and that complete confidence in its identity is exactly what makes it feel like stepping onto a Roman side street every single time.

Bar Italia