Bocca di Lupo
London
There's a brilliant cocktail bar directly opposite Bocca di Lupo called Archer Street. It's cool, classy, and perfect for some after dinner drinks with mates or a new date.
Bocca di Lupo is justifiably regarded as one of the best Italian eateries in the city. It’s super busy and the volume of customers means it can take a while to place and receive orders. There may be a wait for a table. So why the fuss?
The main reason is that, in a city where Italian food either means bargain basement pizza and pasta or eye-wateringly expensive high-end restaurants, Bocca di Lupo actually offers something well-cooked and authentic at an affordable price. Great care has been taken to source ingredients from the best producers and the result is simply prepared but absolutely delicious plates of regional Italian food like orrechiette pasta with spiced salami, fritto misto (mixed seafood fried in a glorious batter), lasagne from Liguria and roast suckling pig.
You also have the option of ordering large plates, or small plates, meaning you can try a lot of different things. Having said that, you're not exactly paying Pizza Express prices, but for the quality, it’s a lot less than forking out for a table at Locanda Locatelli.
The Italian wine list is excellent too, and though everything on the dessert menu is very good, the ice cream is exceptional. Do not miss out.
Opening times: Lunch: Monday – Saturday: 12:30 – 15:00, Sunday: 12:45 – 15:45, dinner: Monday – Saturday: 17:30 – 23:00, Sunday Dinner: 17:00 – 21:00, Pre-Theatre: Monday – Saturday: 17:30 – 19:00
