
Bar Italia
An iconic London cafe in Soho, famous for its exceptional coffee, late-night pizza, and timeless, nostalgic atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best coffee, vibrant buzz

Bar Italia
Best Time
Best coffee, vibrant buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic London cafe in Soho, famous for its exceptional coffee, late-night pizza, and timeless, nostalgic atmosphere.
"This is a slice of London that one needs to take a bite of."

☕️ Coffee First!
Prioritize the coffee, especially the flat white. It's what Bar Italia is truly famous for!
🍕 Late Night Bites
Grab a pizza after hours; it's a reasonable price for a late-night London bite.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Coffee
Soho, London
Experience London's best flat white, a strong, perfectly balanced brew that draws locals and visitors alike.

Late-Night Pizza
Soho, London
Fuel your night with a classic pizza and beer, a beloved tradition for post-clubbers and night owls.

Nostalgic Ambiance
Soho, London
Step back in time with cluttered walls and worn floors, a slice of London history that drips with nostalgia.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Buzz
Coffee is King
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕️ Coffee First!
Prioritize the coffee, especially the flat white. It's what Bar Italia is truly famous for!
🍕 Late Night Bites
Grab a pizza after hours; it's a reasonable price for a late-night London bite.
🕰️ Embrace the Wait
Expect queues, especially during peak hours. It's part of the iconic experience.
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Catch live sets from bands like Bar Italia for an unforgettable experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕️ Coffee First!
Prioritize the coffee, especially the flat white. It's what Bar Italia is truly famous for!
🍕 Late Night Bites
Grab a pizza after hours; it's a reasonable price for a late-night London bite.
🕰️ Embrace the Wait
Expect queues, especially during peak hours. It's part of the iconic experience.
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Catch live sets from bands like Bar Italia for an unforgettable experience.
✨ Nostalgic Charm
Soak in the vintage decor and history; it's a unique slice of London.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bar Italia is a beloved London institution, lauded for its exceptional coffee and vibrant, nostalgic atmosphere. While it can be crowded and the bathrooms a bit shabby, the quality of the coffee and the unique, late-night pizza experience make it a must-visit for many.
"Probably the most iconic coffee bar in London is well worth the visit in my opinion.
It drips with nostalgia from the cluttered wall-spaces to well-worn floor which so many have stepped upon.
Open for the considerable part of most days, this is rarely quiet and usually busy.
The food here, I had a late night pizza and a beer, was to a reasonable standard and price given the time and place. True, Ive had better pizza. Its difficult to think of somewhere else at 11pm on a Sunday where this could happen and in such a nice space.
Staff in all fairness were lovely.
The bathrooms were a little shabby at this time.
I returned the following morning for a coffee though and this was just first class. Absolutely buzzing inside and out with people coming and going. Ultimately this is what they do best and ehat they are known for.
This is slice of london that one needs to take a bite of."
Hywel Maslen
"What a wonderful place.
At first I decided to go just because of the Pulp song, but what an amazing surprise this place turned out to be!
Definitely a 10 out of 10 🫰🏽"
Raúl Solorio
"Bar Italia on Frith Street, located in the heart of Soho, London, is an iconic coffee shop that has been serving customers for around 75 years. Known for its quality coffee and vibrant atmosphere, it's a beloved local institution. Recommended !!!"
Gaby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bar Italia is located in Soho, London. The nearest Tube stations are Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, both a short walk away. Many bus routes also serve the area. Be prepared for potential traffic if driving, especially during peak times or event nights.
Parking in Soho can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport. If you must drive, look for nearby car parks, but be aware of potential traffic congestion, particularly for evening events.
For events like Bar Italia performances at venues like Brooklyn Paramount, public transport is highly advised. Driving into downtown Brooklyn on a Friday night can be very difficult due to traffic.
Yes, Bar Italia is very well-connected by public transport. Numerous bus lines and Tube stations are within easy walking distance, making it accessible for most visitors.
Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off near Bar Italia, but be mindful of Soho's busy streets, which can sometimes cause delays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bar Italia itself is a cafe and bar, so no tickets are needed for general entry. However, if you're attending a specific live music event featuring Bar Italia, you will need to purchase tickets for that venue.
Bar Italia is known for being open for a considerable part of most days, often late into the night. While specific hours can vary, it's generally a reliable spot for early mornings and late nights.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting during weekday mornings for coffee or early afternoons. Weekends and late nights are typically the busiest periods.
There is no entry fee to simply visit Bar Italia as a cafe or bar. You only pay for what you order.
Bar Italia operates on a walk-in basis, especially for its cafe and bar services. Reservations are generally not taken, so be prepared for a potential wait during busy times.
🍽️ ☕️ Food & Drink
Bar Italia is most famous for its exceptional coffee, particularly its flat whites, and its role as a late-night haunt for pizza and drinks. It's also celebrated for its iconic, nostalgic atmosphere.
Bar Italia serves classic Italian cafe fare, including pizzas, pastries, and coffee. They are particularly popular for their late-night pizza offerings.
Yes, the coffee at Bar Italia is widely considered excellent, with many hailing it as some of the best in London. The flat white is a standout.
Popular items include their expertly made flat whites, macchiatos, tiramisu, and late-night pizzas.
Yes, Bar Italia serves alcoholic drinks, including beer, which pairs well with their late-night pizzas.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire interior of Bar Italia is a photo opportunity, with its vintage decor, cluttered walls, and bustling atmosphere. The exterior shot with its iconic signage is also a must.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside Bar Italia to capture its unique ambiance. Be mindful of other patrons and staff.
Bar Italia offers a nostalgic, vintage, and bustling vibe, perfect for capturing authentic London street photography or candid moments.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be respectful of personal space and avoid intrusive photography, especially during busy periods.
Morning light can be great for capturing the coffee culture, while the evening and late-night atmosphere offers a different, more energetic vibe for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If visiting with family, consider going earlier in the day for coffee and pastries. The iconic status of the cafe might be interesting for kids who enjoy history and unique places. Be aware that it can get very crowded, so keeping a close eye on children is important.
🎶 Music Lovers & Artists
Experiencing a live performance by Bar Italia or artists with a similar vibe is highly recommended. These events often capture the essence of the venue's cultural impact. The cafe itself is a place where creative minds gather, making it a fertile ground for inspiration.
🌃 Night Owls & Post-Clubbers
The buzzing atmosphere continues even in the early hours, offering a lively yet comfortable space to reflect on the night. It's a true London institution for those who embrace the city's after-dark culture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Bar Italia Experience
While the atmosphere is a major draw, Bar Italia is equally celebrated for its exceptional coffee. Many consider it the best in London, with the flat white being a particular highlight. The coffee is strong, perfectly balanced, and served with efficiency. Beyond coffee, it's a go-to spot for a late-night pizza and beer, offering a reasonable option when many other places are closed. The staff are consistently praised for their friendliness, adding to the welcoming environment.
Visiting Bar Italia is an experience in itself. It's rarely quiet and usually busy, reflecting its status as a beloved institution. Whether you're there for a morning pick-me-up, a late-night snack, or simply to soak in the unique atmosphere, Bar Italia offers a genuine slice of London life that's worth savouring.
Bar Italia: A Musician's Muse
Attending a live performance by Bar Italia, or other artists who draw inspiration from such venues, can be a unique experience. These events often capture the raw energy and spirit of the music community. For instance, shows at venues like Brooklyn Paramount featuring Bar Italia have been noted for their vibrant atmosphere.
Beyond live performances, the cafe's atmosphere itself has been described as a 'listening history' for artists, suggesting it's a place where creative ideas are born and nurtured. It's a space where the culture of music and the everyday life of the city intertwine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit