Harden's survey result
Summary
“Good to see it’s open again!” – this “charming and efficient” Italian has built a loyal following over the years, with “caring” service and “a real family feel” that’s a welcome find in stuffy St James’s. The new site is doors away from the old in quirky Crown Passage: “a welcoming space with clean lines and tables not overly close together”. To the uninitiated, the traditional fare – Insalata Caprese; Calamari alla Brace; Ravioli del Buongustaio; Scaloppine al Limone – can seem a little “average”, which undercuts its rating. Most reporters, though, applaud its “well-priced”, traditional cuisine and consider it “a real surprise jewel in this neck of the woods”.
Summary
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, this “family-owned Italian restaurant” has long seemed refreshingly down to earth for somewhere hidden in an alleyway in posh St James’s: with its “simple Calabrian menu and good service”, it’s “especially good for lunch”. As with many other central places, it has “appeared considerably more expensive” of late – perhaps they are saving up for a move to new premises: a relaunch a few doors down from its old site scheduled for September 2023.
Summary
“A real ‘find’ amongst the big beasts”, tucked away in a St James’s alleyway, “this small family-run Italian is welcoming and good value” – “intimate when quiet, a nice buzz when fuller”. They are “clearly passionate about their ingredients”, and offer “absolutely delightful service”.
Summary
An archetypal “hidden gem” set “in tiny Crown Passage” – this “lovely, little, family-run Italian in the heart of St James’s” has served “authentic” Calabrian-based dishes for almost 30 years – at “great value” too, considering the area. Regulars mourned the death of its owner, Giacomo Bonavita, in 2020, but “the family have really stepped up – the food is better than ever and they’re super-generous with the truffle!” “The sisters run a tight ship, providing a good range of food with friendly service”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Il Vicolo?
3-4 Crown Passage, London, SW1Y 6PP
Restaurant details
Il Vicolo Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Child sized portions sit uneasily for adults in St James'. The lasagna, from a limited range of specials, was of very average quality. Not sure salami slices in it work. Charming and efficient staff working hard. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
3-4 Crown Passage, London, SW1Y 6PP
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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