Where to Drink the Real Italian Espresso in London

London is home to a vibrant and diverse coffee culture, with cafés and roasteries serving styles from around the world. Among these, Italian espresso holds a special place, offering a direct and recognisable taste of Italy in the heart of the city. From historic Italian cafés to modern spots inspired by Italy’s espresso traditions, there are several places where you can enjoy a genuinely Italian-style coffee. In this guide, we explore some of the best places in London to drink real Italian espresso.

1. Bar Italia (Soho)

No discussion of Italian espresso in London is complete without Bar Italia. Opened in 1949 in the heart of Soho, this café has become an institution, known for its fast, no-nonsense espresso and late-night opening hours. Its classic interior and traditional espresso machines make it feel closer to a Roman or Milanese bar than a typical London café.

Bar Italia’s appeal lies in its consistency: strong espresso, served quickly, often standing at the counter. It remains a favourite with locals, night workers, and visitors looking for a true Italian coffee experience.

2. Caffè Napoli (Fitzrovia)

Caffè Napoli, located on Goodge Street, brings a distinctly Neapolitan approach to coffee. Espresso here is prepared in the traditional southern Italian style — intense, smooth, and full-bodied — and served alongside classic pastries such as cornetti and cantucci.

The atmosphere is informal and familiar, echoing the feel of a neighbourhood café in Naples. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors exploring Fitzrovia.

3. Espresso Base (Bloomsbury)

Tucked away in a quiet courtyard near Bloomsbury, Espresso Base offers a calmer take on Italian espresso culture. Founded by an Italian barista, the café blends traditional espresso preparation with a modern focus on bean quality and extraction.

The menu is deliberately simple, centred on espresso and short milk-based drinks. The emphasis is on balance and clarity of flavour rather than elaborate recipes, making it a favourite with those who appreciate a more restrained approach to coffee.

4. Caffè Vergnano 1882 (Holborn and South Bank)

Caffè Vergnano is one of Italy’s oldest coffee brands, and its London cafés reflect a classic Italian bar format. With locations in Holborn and along the South Bank, these cafés focus on traditional espresso, supported by a small selection of pastries and light meals.

The Holborn branch is popular with students and office workers, while the South Bank location offers a more relaxed setting. Both maintain a strong emphasis on consistency and traditional brewing methods.

5. Monmouth Coffee Company (Covent Garden and Borough Market)

Although not Italian by origin, Monmouth Coffee Company has earned its place in this list for the quality of its espresso. One of the pioneers of London’s specialty coffee scene, Monmouth is known for careful sourcing and precise preparation.

Its Covent Garden and Borough Market locations are particularly popular, attracting coffee enthusiasts looking for well-balanced espresso with depth and character.

6. Allpress Espresso (Shoreditch)

Allpress Espresso in Shoreditch represents a more contemporary interpretation of espresso culture. Known for its hot-air roasting method, Allpress focuses on consistency and clean flavour profiles, served in a relaxed, minimalist setting.

The Redchurch Street café attracts a mix of locals and coffee professionals, making it a good option for those interested in how Italian espresso traditions have influenced modern coffee culture.

Many of the cafés serving Italian-style espresso in London are closely linked to broader regional food traditions. This is particularly true for Emilia-Romagna, where coffee, pastries, and everyday food culture intersect — a connection explored further in our guide to the taste of Emilia-Romagna in London.

Conclusion

London offers a wide range of options for those seeking authentic Italian espresso, from historic cafés with decades of history to modern spaces inspired by Italy’s coffee traditions. Whether you prefer a quick espresso at the counter or a quieter spot to savour your coffee, these cafés highlight how Italian espresso culture continues to thrive in the city.