Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Nocellara olives
Bucatini cacio e pepe
Creme caramello, coffee, buckwheat
Praline cannolo, crystallised hazelnuts
About
Bancone Covent Garden
Welcome to Bancone Covent Garden, a delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of London. Located at 39 William IV St, this Italian eatery is a must-visit for those seeking a fresh twist on classic dishes. With a reputation for high-quality ingredients and an inviting atmosphere, Bancone combines simplicity with sophistication, making it a standout in the bustling streets of Covent Garden.
As you step inside, the warm ambiance and friendly staff immediately make you feel at home. Customers rave about the delightful antipasti options, like the whipped cod roe paired with crispy pasta fritta and the luscious burrata served with salt-baked beetroot and preserved lemon. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight authentic Italian flavors while providing an invigorating dining experience. The fried polenta chips with gorgonzola and the selection of Italian salumi further enhance the splendid start to your meal.
However, the true star of the show is undoubtedly the pasta. Diners are often left swooning over the silk handkerchiefs drizzled with walnut butter and confit egg yolk, a dish that Alice particularly recommends for its velvety texture and rich taste. The variety of pasta offerings, from spicy pork nduja ragu to smoked potato raviolo, cater to diverse palates and preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. As George highlights, Bancone's prices are refreshingly affordable for the quality, making it an excellent value in London's dining scene.
And let's not forget dessert! The praline cannolo and creme caramello round off your meal perfectly. Each bite is a sweet reminder of the skill and passion that goes into every dish, leaving you with a lingering desire to return. Emma’s fondness for the gnocchi speaks volumes about the attention to texture and flavor—a true testament to the culinary craft at Bancone.
Notably, the atmosphere here is lively and vibrant, where the chefs’ skills can be observed in action. Taeheon recalls the seamless operation of the kitchen and the balanced flavors that made each dish memorable. The combination of well-executed dishes, enthusiastic service, and a charming setup make Bancone Covent Garden an excellent choice for a casual meal or a pre-show treat.
In a city like London, where dining can sometimes feel overwhelming, Bancone Covent Garden offers a delightful respite. With their delightful menu and an ethos of hospitality, it’s easy to see why this spot is quickly becoming a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Come to Bancone for the food, stay for the experience—it’s an indulgence you won't want to miss.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Wowzer! What a find in this area. Super fresh antipasti and pasta dishes on the cusp of all things central in London. The servers are just sweet. Great food and such good value for London. We definitely will be back ”
“ AMAZING FOOD and great atmosphere. HIGHLY RECOMMEND: the silk handkerchiefs pasta!! So delicious!!! And recommend the fried artichoke and burrata. The spicy pork tagliatelle was a little bit too spicy (I’m a whimp with spice) and little salty for me, and the pasta was not as smooth as the handkerchief. And the cauliflower salad tasted a little bit more like cabbage than cauliflower. Would definitely try several more of their pastas. Make reservations in advance - or can walk in and hope for bar / counter seating. Food came out fast as we were headed to a show. Service was great. Would definitely go back!! ”
“ No pretence. Just a straightforward, no-BS Italian restaurant. I arrived hungry, looked at the menu, and immediately wanted everything. A solid-looking selection and I was genuinely surprised at how affordable the prices were. I went for the king prawn fettuccine and wasn’t disappointed, and fell in love with the dish after the first mouthful. Portions could’ve been slightly bigger, but that’s probably just me being greedy. If I could give it another star, I would. Mostly because, for once, when the bill arrived, I didn’t feel like I’d been mugged, something that’s all too common in the deeply overrated hellhole that is London. Well done Bancome you made my trip to London very bearable what a gem! ”
“ I really like the gnocchi from this place — once cooked, it has a soft texture with a slight chewiness that’s not tough. The mouthfeel is excellent, and it absorbs the sauce beautifully. Truly delightful. I’ll definitely be going back. ”
“ Busy and packed Atmosphere. We sat down in counter seats and watched over a chef's cooking. Service was solid, but watching over chef's cooking, the chef was trained to perfection, cooking the pasta perfect al dente without timer noise. The food was well balanced and riched and the good proportion for its price. Highly recommend. ”
“ Tried the ‘silk handkerchief’ pasta with walnut butter. Delicious, sufficient portions and simply divine as a dish! Fair warning: The place fills up very quickly even mid-week for lunch so do go in early. Staff are kind and attentive, we had a great experience! ”
“ Really good food - would recommend getting some antipasti before the pasta as the waiting time might be a bit longer at busy times. The service might use slight improvement making sure the drinks at the tables are refilled throughout service. The place is definitely worth a visit as the food was delicious - especially the burrata and handkerchief pasta ”
“ Arrived without a reservation and was quickly seated by the friendly staff. Service was spot on. The short menu has great options, and watching everything come together in front of you is part of the experience. Ordered the pasta—so simple, yet insanely good. Perfect. A white negroni dessert wrapped up the night beautifully. Highly recommend! ”