Harden's survey result
Summary
“Inspired, flavour-packed and distinctive Italian food served with flair” and “rooted in owner Jacob Kenedy’s heritage” helps make it “always uplifting to dine” at this “perennial favourite”, in a backstreet near Piccadilly Circus: one of the Top-20 most popular destinations in our annual diners’ poll. “Whether you sit at the counter with a fascinating view of the chefs making the magic happen – or at the tables – they make you feel like a part of the family and keep the exquisite morsels coming”, all from a “thoughtful” and “complex” menu, presented tapas-style, which incorporates all the regions of the country. There are also “lots of interesting Italian wines, with many available by the glass”, not to mention “top-notch Negronis”. “This place has been on the top of its game for 17 years now, probably because the dishes change so often, with a fabulous, clubby atmosphere even if it can sometimes be a little too noisy” (and “too crowded”). Top Menu Tips: “exceptional charcuterie and polenta”; “lovely Rabbit risotto, fennel sausage and courgette”; “the Courgette flowers are unbeatable”; “Stuffed olives Ascolana, speck, prawn risotto, espresso & Fernet may be the perfect lunch”.
Summary
“Absolutely brilliant” – Jacob Kenedy’s “go-to place in Soho” (in a backstreet near Piccadilly Circus) remains one of the most interesting Italian restaurants in the UK. “No stereotypical Cucina Italiana here”: “the stellar menu is constantly changing” and the finest and freshest ingredients are treated with the utmost simplicity and respect in “regional small plates” that are “seasonal, well-judged and always memorable”; and which can be paired with “a very fine Italian cellar covering every price point”. “Thoughtful and friendly staff” help “everything function like clockwork”; and while “the room is a little challenging” (“it can be NOISY”) it “has a very good atmosphere”. Top Menu Tips – “mince-stuffed olives Ascolani, Amberjack carpaccio with rosemary oil and orange zest, Sweetbreads with morels and Marsala, Sicilian cannoli with a light and tangy ricotta filling”. “Heaven for olive oil and garlic lovers. Courgette flower with mozzarella and anchovies, Wild garlic pappardelle with duck are all to die for. Every dish packs a punch, down to the sweet Pig’s Blood and Chocolate Paté”.
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”.
For 34 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
"Love it here except the noise. Hard to talk as neighbours shout and you feel public. Food is the draw- service not bad either Start with free foccacia and oil and free water; The Frito di misto (needs Aoili) ; main treat was papardelle with Boar ragu - amazing -then scallops, small but redeemed by super sauce; Polenta with texture more than others; choc bonet and cafe with zabaliogne as seems to be the norm. Wine choice is great"
"Still superb dishes and the staff are delightful. The pappardelle with Venison ragu was outstanding. But it is very noisy and difficult to hold a conversation if the person next to you has a loud voice! "
"How crowded and noisy can you get! The food is interesting and good, the service is competent, but there are a lot too many tables in a very small space. It's eating - not dining"
"Always excellent regional Italian cooking in a really happy and grown up space with well selected wines and great service."
"As ever wonderful food. One of, if not, the best place to eat in London"
"A bit cramped in the main room, so sitting on the bar is a better option. Excellent and efficient service. Some dishes fail to live up to their looks whilst others are fantastic, bursting with flavour. "
"We just wondered why we left it so long before returning! Menu changes and we could still have the courgette flower and octopus. This time added squid and will strawberry which was £25 but my weakness. And they were good. Good wine by the glass and friendly service. Only problem for us is the noise level"
"My favorite Italian restaurant in London "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £31.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
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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