Located a stone throw from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, Bancone is the kind of restaurant that you can’t just go to just once. Intimate yet buzzy, it encapsulates all that Italian fare is about – socialising over dishes that are meant to be savoured. Whether you’re planning a pre-theatre dinner, a date night, or a solo treat, Bancone delivers on all fronts.
What Can I Expect At Bancone Covent Garden?
When I recently visited Bancone Covent Garden, I was pleased to find as soon as I entered it felt like I was somewhere special. I was instantly wrapped in the hum of a well-run kitchen, where the atmosphere is electric and delicious smells fill the air. Earthy tones and soft lighting are punctuated by the open-plan cooking area, where fresh pasta is rolled, cut and cooked to order. The star of the show? The curved marble bancone (Italian for “counter”), where diners can perch and watch the chefs in action. I chose to sit on one of these seats because it gives the best views! There’s nothing I like more than seeing the talents of chef whipping up a storm, it somehow makes it taste even better!
Bancone is not your classic candlelit trattoria, this is contemporary Italy, channelled through London style. Think clean lines, brass accents, and an energetic, yet unfussy atmosphere that invites both conversation and culinary appreciation.
The Food: Pasta Perfection
Let’s talk pasta. Because this is what Bancone is known for and rightly so. Looking at the menu it was hard to decide what to order, because everything looked so unbelievably delicious. My partner and I chose to share a couple of starters, the Potato sourdough with Ligurian olive oil and their Burrata with fine beans, confit shallot and wild garlic. Both were delicious and offered a real insight into what was to come. Safe to say we were excited for the mains!
I started with Silk Handkerchiefs which are impossibly delicate sheets of pasta dressed in a rich walnut butter and topped with a glossy confit egg yolk. It’s the dish that earned Bancone viral fame, and for good reason!
My partner opted for the Spicy Pork & ‘Nduja Ragù which our friendly waiter tells us is a popular crowd-pleaser. A marriage of deep tomato richness with a hint of chilli, it doesn’t disappoint!
What sets Bancone apart is the freshness. The dough is made daily, the sauces are refined without being overdone, and the portion sizes are just right for enjoying multiple courses without feeling overwhelmed.
How About Drinks & Desserts?
Drinks wise, expect a well-curated wine list championing both classic Italian regions and lesser-known bottles from smaller producers. There are also a range of beers and cocktails – I recommend the Negroni! For those that don’t drink, there’s a wide selection of soft and alcohol-free options.
For dessert, I opted for the rhubarb and almond cake with white chocolate. It was rich and decadent without being heavy. My partner loves a simple gelato, so his choice of a scoop of home-made gelato rounded the meal off perfectly.
The Experience
What makes Bancone Covent Garden shine isn’t just the food but the experience. Service is thoughtful and knowledgeable without ever feeling pushy. Staff are more than happy to recommend pairings or tweak dishes for dietary preferences, and there’s a genuine warmth in the way the team operates. We had a wonderful time enjoying the food, sipping a cocktail (or two!) and just soaking up the atmosphere.
If you’re after an immersive dining experience, the counter seating is a must. Watching pasta be shaped and plated before your eyes is both calming and captivating, a kind of culinary theatre that pairs perfectly with your first Aperol! One thing is for sure, when you’re looking for an Italian restaurant to be Seen in the City, this is a sure fire choice you won’t regret.
To Book
- Where: Bancone Covent Garden, 39 William IV St, London WC2N 4DD
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during evenings and weekends.
- Menu: À la carte and feasting menu available for groups (£45pp).
- Private Dining: Yes—10–12 guests in a separate space for special occasions.
