Bancone

First Impressions & Atmosphere
Hidden in London’s bustling streets, Bancone has become a go-to spot for pasta lovers seeking authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Like many popular London restaurants, securing a reservation is essential, especially during peak hours and weekends. The restaurant’s casual atmosphere makes it perfect for catching up with friends while indulging in their handcrafted pasta dishes.

Must-Try Starters
What caught me off guard (in the best way possible!) was their potato sourdough. Don’t sleep on this starter! The contrast between the perfectly crunchy crust and the soft, flavorful interior is simply chef’s kiss. Even with just a simple olive oil dip, it’s a game-changer. Speaking of starters, their cauliflower salad deserves a shoutout too. It’s like they found the golden ratio of ingredients, creating this refreshing symphony that perfectly sets up your palate for the main event.

The Main Event: Pasta Heaven
Now, let’s talk pasta! The star of the show has to be their spicy pork & nduja ragu tagliolini. The nduja (a spicy Italian sausage spread) adds this incredible depth of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance. Don’t worry about the spice level – it’s more about flavor than heat. Their squid pickled jalapeno charcoal tagliolini and Cornish crab cappellacci are also solid choices, though even among us, opinions might vary on which is the ultimate winner.

Pro tip: If you’re into raw egg yolk, their signature “Silk handkerchiefs, walnut butter, confit egg yolk” is a must-try classic that put them on the London food map.

Service Notes
While the food is consistently amazing, I noticed the staff, though friendly and professional, seemed a bit stressed. It’s understandable given how packed the place gets, but it slightly affects the overall vibe.

Address: 8-10 Lower James St, London W1F 9EL, United Kingdom

Google Map link

*Disclaimer: Everyone’s taste and experience could be different, this is just based on the visit we had and our personal opinion. 🙂