About Bancone
Bancone is a fresh pasta restaurant on William IV Street, just off the Strand between St Martin's Lane and Trafalgar Square, and the original site of a London group that has since added Golden Square, Borough Yards, Kensington and the City, with Russell Square coming soon. It holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good food at a moderate price, which is the simplest summary of what the room does.
Pasta is made fresh in house and served across a changing line-up of plates, with menus shifting through the seasons. The name means counter in Italian and the dining room is built around one, a compact, contemporary space suited to a focused meal rather than a sprawling evening. Cocktails and a list of Italian wine sit alongside the food menu, and private and group dining can be arranged for larger parties.
Fresh pasta restaurant in Covent Garden just off the Strand
The format encourages ordering a few dishes across the table rather than a single large course, and the pricing keeps it within reach for a weeknight supper or a pre-theatre meal before a show at the Coliseum or the Duke of York's, both a minute or two away. Walk-in counter seats help when the tables are full, but booking is advisable given the Bib Gourmand reputation and the central position.
What to expect on a visit
Expect handmade pasta treated with care, served quickly in a modern room that fills early. Service runs from midday to 10pm Monday to Wednesday, to 10.30pm Thursday to Saturday and to 9.30pm on Sunday. Charing Cross station is two minutes away, with Leicester Square and Covent Garden a little further. Gift vouchers are sold online. For more restaurants in Covent Garden see our full list, or for a grander French room by the Piazza try Balthazar on Russell Street.
Follow Bancone
Send an Enquiry
Get in touch with Bancone directly.
Reviews
Bancone delivered one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had, including what may be the best pasta dish of my life. The handkerchief pasta was nothing short of extraordinary—rich, creamy, buttery, and so aromatic that you could smell it the moment it arrived at the table. Every bite was perfectly balanced and showcased just how incredible a simple dish can be when executed flawlessly. The rest of the menu was equally impressive, with fresh pasta, outstanding ingredients, and warm, attentive service. Bancone strikes the perfect balance between comfort and refinement. The restaurant itself is quite small and understandably very popular, so I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. If you’re in London and love pasta, this is a restaurant you simply cannot miss.
Solid dining experience. The service was on point. The food was top notch, exactly as expected with minimal presentation but not really blown away. We had the Burrata, Past and walnut with confit egg yolk, Herdwick Hogget pappardelle. The pastas were cooked to perfection and the sauces for the 2 pastas were just right and not overbearing or overpowering. Ok atmosphere. The service was very good. It is affordable with the portions being just right.
Delicious food and a nice atmosphere. Between the 4 of us, we shared a few antipasti and had a main each. The anchovy cream dish and silk handkerchiefs were incredible, alongside one of their signature negronis. Great dinner spot! Enjoy.