Harden's survey result
Summary
“Jacob Kenedy’s terrific Italian restaurant in the heart of the West End hasn’t lost its edge in 15-plus years” (est. 2008) and is one of the most popular London destinations in our annual diners’ poll. It serves “inspired, regional-Italian dishes” – “lots of interesting choices from an original, constantly-changing, seasonal menu” – all at notably “sensible prices”. “The sommelier will assist you to navigate a marvellous Italian list and introduce you to some new wines; and service generally is both professional yet very friendly”. Many diners “prefer sitting at the counter” watching the chefs to the “more formal” tables at the back, “but you always get a good meal either way”. “It is deafeningly loud, but that’s the price you pay for such a buzzy atmosphere”. Top Tip – “wonderful ice cream shop opposite which they also own”.
Summary
“Wildly popular for its diverse offering of small plates of terrific and original Italian regional cuisine”: Jacob Kenedy’s “relentlessly busy” (“cramped and noisy”) West End venue is many reporters’ first choice for a favourite London Italian. Aided by a convenient situation, just a short stroll from Piccadilly Circus and “well-located for the theatres” – it’s become a regular feature in the list of Top-20 London restaurants in our annual diners’ poll. The selection of carefully researched and sourced Italian ‘tapas’ are “reliably original and sometimes surprising”; and matched with a “hugely varied” Italian wine list. The food rating slipped a tad this year, though, due to gripes of some dishes “lacking their customary perfection” or “leaning towards being overpriced”. “It’s a fairly small, intimate venue with counter seating at the front, where you can watch the chefs cook, as well as some more relaxed and comfortable tables at the back” (most regulars feeling it’s “best at the bar”). Top Tip – “superb negronis and stuffed olives and the risotto is always top notch”.
Summary
“Absolutely oozing with regional Italian flavours” – the “exceptional”, “gutsy” small plates at Jacob Kenedy’s “perennial favourite” near Piccadilly Circus earn it a ranking in London’s Top 40 most-mentioned restaurants. His menu remains “very innovative”, with many offbeat dishes and “novel takes” on more familiar ones. (“You really can come here and slowly explore the entire wonder of Italian cuisine, from Piedmont to Sicily!”). “Really superb value too for such a central Theatreland location” including “a top Italian wine list, with many bargains”. “Chic”, yet quite tightly packed, many regulars’ favourite perch is by the open kitchen: “a stool at the chef’s counter is my happy place!”. (“Excellent home delivery boxes” also feature in many reports).
Summary
“Italian peasant-food fit for a king” – Jacob Kenedy’s “exceptional and distinctive” fixture, a short stroll from Piccadilly Circus, has carved a massive foodie following with its “wonderfully eclectic and ever-changing range of traditional dishes from across the country” (categorised by region, and available in ‘small’ or ‘large sizes’), with the “exciting” results “so simple and delicious you cannot believe it”. “And they’re complemented by a staggering wine list” which “is itself a trip through Italy” (“it’s worth having a detailed conversation with the wine waiter to discover outstanding vintages at sensible prices” with “lots of interesting options by the glass”). “Unsurprisingly, the place is always jammed”, and the “busy, café-style” interior with “closely packed tables” is such that “while mostly delightful, it’s bloody noisy” (“if not slightly manic”). But the “efficient and friendly staff” help keep the mood upbeat. Some guests “prefer the counter” – “there’s great kitchen theatre perched on the bar stools”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Bocca di Lupo?
12 Archer St, London, W1D 7BB
Restaurant details
Bocca di Lupo Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Right back on form after a small lull! Enjoyable from start to finish. Excellent risotto with ceps, duck pasta to start. Whole mallard and bluefin tuna mains, both cooked rare. Fun to sit at the counter and watch the action. decent wine list. Expensive lunch but a real treat and we will be back again soon. "
"One of the finest eating counters in W1. Thoughtful menu and confidently delivered. Wine list offers interesting options by bottle and glass. Service as warm as the sunshine streaming through the windows. Stuffed olives Ascolana, speck, prawn risotto, espresso & Fernet may be the perfect lunch menu. "
"This is our 'go to' restaurant, and we have been here at least four times in the last few months. WE first came in the opening month too, so we are regulars and have got to know the delightful chef proprietor, Jacob , well. So it is heartening that it is still a thriving business and was fully booked on our recent visit. As always, the food is very inventive, with a lamb theme this time, perhaps with Sicilian overtones, plus quite a few offal options. Things that seldom appear on more conventional restaurants' menus. Jacob likes to be daring! Our next door neighbour who was with us is a former well known vintner, and was delighted with the wines on offer. The service is for sure not at all formal, but despite the place being so busy, always cheerful. It will still remain at the top of our restaurant choices."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £16.00 |  |
|
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £9.30 | £18.50 | £7.00 | £6.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £29.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
12 Archer St, London, W1D 7BB
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
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