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London is home to a vibrant and diverse coffee culture, with numerous cafes and roasteries serving a range of coffee styles from around the world. Among these, Italian espresso holds a special place, offering a rich and authentic taste of Italy in the heart of the British capital. From historic Italian delis to modern specialty coffee spots inspired by Italy’s espresso culture, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a genuine Italian coffee experience. In this guide, we explore some of the best spots in London to drink real Italian espresso.
1. Bar Italia (Soho)
For many, no discussion of Italian espresso in London is complete without mentioning Bar Italia. Situated in the heart of Soho, this iconic café has been serving espresso since 1949 and remains one of the city’s most beloved spots for a quick shot of espresso or a late-night coffee fix. Bar Italia exudes old-world charm with its classic décor and famous Gaggia espresso machine, making it a true homage to Italy’s coffee culture.
Located at 22 Frith Street, Bar Italia is famous not only for its strong, flavorful espresso but also for its late-night opening hours, often staying open until the early morning. This makes it a favorite among both Londoners and tourists who seek an authentic Italian experience. The café’s heritage, history, and bustling ambiance make Bar Italia a must-visit for any espresso lover in London(The Infatuation)(Travel Gourmet).
2. Caffè Napoli (Fitzrovia)
Caffè Napoli, located on Goodge Street in Fitzrovia, brings the essence of Neapolitan coffee culture to London. This café offers a taste of true Neapolitan espresso, made with freshly roasted beans and served in the traditional Italian way—strong, smooth, and full of flavor. The café’s interior is cozy, with a laid-back atmosphere that mirrors the feel of a small neighborhood coffee shop in Naples.
Visitors to Caffè Napoli can expect high-quality espresso, accompanied by a range of Italian pastries such as Cantucci and Cornetti. The café’s location near Goodge Street Tube Station makes it easily accessible, and its dedication to serving authentic Italian coffee has earned it a loyal following among locals and tourists alike(Enjoy Fitzrovia)(AllinLondon).
3. Espresso Base (Bloomsbury)
For those who enjoy their coffee in a more serene and relaxed setting, Espresso Base in Bloomsbury is an excellent choice. Tucked away in a garden courtyard near St. George’s Church, Espresso Base offers a calm oasis away from the busy streets of London. Founded by Gennaro, an Italian barista, this café blends traditional Italian espresso culture with modern third-wave coffee techniques, ensuring that each cup is brewed to perfection.
Espresso Base is known for its excellent espresso, made with beans from Has Bean, a top UK roaster. The menu includes espresso-based drinks such as cortado and piccolo, as well as batch-brewed filter coffee. Espresso Base stands out for its simplicity, focusing on the quality of the coffee without the need for sugary syrups or elaborate milk-based drinks. It’s the perfect spot for those who appreciate natural, unadulterated coffee(Brian’s Coffee Spot)(European Coffee Trip).
4. Caffè Vergnano 1882 (Holborn and South Bank)
With a long history dating back to 1882, Caffè Vergnano is a beloved Italian coffee brand that has expanded to London. The café’s branches in Holborn and South Bank offer the quintessential Italian coffee experience, with a focus on traditional espresso brewing methods. The Holborn location is particularly popular among office workers and students, while the South Bank branch provides a scenic riverside setting to enjoy a cup of rich, flavorful espresso.
Caffè Vergnano is known for its commitment to quality, using beans that are carefully roasted and brewed to perfection. The café also offers a range of Italian pastries and light meals, making it a great spot for both a quick espresso and a leisurely lunch(Time Out Worldwide)(Tripadvisor)(Time Out Worldwide).
5. Monmouth Coffee Company (Covent Garden and Borough Market)
While Monmouth Coffee Company is not an Italian café by origin, it has earned a reputation for serving some of the best espresso in London. Established in 1978, Monmouth is one of the pioneers of London’s specialty coffee scene, known for sourcing high-quality beans from small farms around the world. The café’s Covent Garden and Borough Market locations are always busy, with locals and tourists flocking to enjoy their expertly brewed espresso.
Monmouth’s espresso is known for its depth of flavor, with a smooth finish that makes it one of the most enjoyable in the city. The Covent Garden branch is a cozy spot for a quick coffee, while the Borough Market location offers a bustling atmosphere where visitors can grab a cup to go while exploring the market(Wikipedia)(Time Out Worldwide)(The Infatuation).
6. Allpress Espresso (Shoreditch)
For coffee lovers in East London, Allpress Espresso on Redchurch Street in Shoreditch is a fantastic option for high-quality espresso. Allpress is known for its dedication to coffee roasting, using a special hot-air roasting method to ensure consistency and flavor in every batch. The Redchurch Street location, originally the brand’s roastery, has become a popular espresso bar that attracts a diverse crowd of locals and coffee enthusiasts.
The café serves a range of espresso-based drinks alongside filter coffee, all made with beans roasted on-site. The light-filled space and minimalist design create a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for enjoying a cup of coffee while taking in the trendy surroundings of Shoreditch(Allpress Espresso)(The Infatuation).
Conclusion
London’s coffee scene offers a wide variety of options for those in search of authentic Italian espresso. From the historic charm of Bar Italia to the tranquil setting of Espresso Base, these cafés provide a genuine Italian coffee experience in the heart of the city. Whether you’re a coffee purist or simply looking for a taste of Italy, these cafés stand out for their commitment to quality, tradition, and the art of making espresso.