Cafe in the Crypt (Trafalgar Square)
Cafe in the Crypt is a cafeteria with a decent selection of standard fare: roast chicken, meat pies, and vegetables. The food is not adventurous but it is tasty, healthy, and filling. Everything tasted fresh: the roast chicken was moist and the vegetables were crisp. Sitting atop the tombstones, we enjoyed our food and the atmosphere. If you’re in the vicinity of Trafalgar Square, this cafe is right across the street and a reasonable value. The ambience alone is worth a visit, and the quality food is a nice bonus. They only serve hot food until three, making this a great choice for lunch.
Bancone (Covent Garden)
We chose Bancone for a pre-theater dinner. The location was a short walk from St. Martin’s Theater (less than ten minutes), and we were in the mood for fresh pasta. With mosty counter seating overlooking the prep stations, we had a great view of our meals being created. I chose the gnocchi with stracciatella and my partner had the spicy pork tagliatelle. My gnocchi were outstanding: pillowy and light, melting in the mouth, not sticky and dense as gnocchi too often is. We finished with a light and crispy pistachio-orange cannolo. The service was personal and friendly, quick without feeling rushed. We felt welcomed, even though the staff was quite busy. Our server made time to chat with us, helping us navigate some of the unfamiliar items on the menu. The only complaint is that, being a long, narrow restaurant, maneuvering around the space required some care. Despite being a tight space, it’s worth visiting for the food and service.
The Barbary (Neal’s Yard at Seven Dials)
This busy little restaurant in Neal’s Yard serves inspired North-African cuisine with good humor and style. With counter seating only, every seat offers a full view of the kitchen and bar, creating a lively energy. The bartenders buzzed around attentively. A hip soundtrack enhances the vibe, making the place feel au courant. The food, meant to be shared, was excellent. The grilled halloumi had a flavorful char, the naan was nicely bubbly and crisp, and the coffee rub chicken was perfectly spiced and grilled. Because this place is so very small, seating is at a premium. I highly recommend making reservations if you want to eat here during peak dinner hours.