Harden's survey result
Summary
“Absolutely oozing with regional Italian flavours” – the “exceptional”, “gutsy” small plates at Jacob Kenedy’s “perennial favourite” near Piccadilly Circus earn it a ranking in London’s Top 40 most-mentioned restaurants. His menu remains “very innovative”, with many offbeat dishes and “novel takes” on more familiar ones. (“You really can come here and slowly explore the entire wonder of Italian cuisine, from Piedmont to Sicily!”). “Really superb value too for such a central Theatreland location” including “a top Italian wine list, with many bargains”. “Chic”, yet quite tightly packed, many regulars’ favourite perch is by the open kitchen: “a stool at the chef’s counter is my happy place!”. (“Excellent home delivery boxes” also feature in many reports).
Summary
“Italian peasant-food fit for a king” – Jacob Kenedy’s “exceptional and distinctive” fixture, a short stroll from Piccadilly Circus, has carved a massive foodie following with its “wonderfully eclectic and ever-changing range of traditional dishes from across the country” (categorised by region, and available in ‘small’ or ‘large sizes’), with the “exciting” results “so simple and delicious you cannot believe it”. “And they’re complemented by a staggering wine list” which “is itself a trip through Italy” (“it’s worth having a detailed conversation with the wine waiter to discover outstanding vintages at sensible prices” with “lots of interesting options by the glass”). “Unsurprisingly, the place is always jammed”, and the “busy, café-style” interior with “closely packed tables” is such that “while mostly delightful, it’s bloody noisy” (“if not slightly manic”). But the “efficient and friendly staff” help keep the mood upbeat. Some guests “prefer the counter” – “there’s great kitchen theatre perched on the bar stools”.
Summary
“Italian peasant-food fit for a king” – Jacob Kenedy’s “exceptional and distinctive” fixture, a short stroll from Piccadilly Circus, has carved a massive foodie following with its “wonderfully eclectic and ever-changing range of traditional dishes from across the country” (categorised by region, and available in ‘small’ or ‘large sizes’), with the “exciting” results “so simple and delicious you cannot believe it”. “And they’re complemented by a staggering wine list” which “is itself a trip through Italy” (“it’s worth having a detailed conversation with the wine waiter to discover outstanding vintages at sensible prices” with “lots of interesting options by the glass”). “Unsurprisingly, the place is always jammed”, and the “busy, café-style” interior with “closely packed tables” is such that “while mostly delightful, it’s bloody noisy” (“if not slightly manic”). But the “efficient and friendly staff” help keep the mood upbeat. Some guests “prefer the counter” – “there’s great kitchen theatre perched on the bar stools”.
Summary
“Paradise for Italian food lovers” – Jacob Kenedy’s “easygoing” yet “well-run” and immensely popular operation, a short walk from Piccadilly CIrcus, is one of the most culinarily interesting destinations in town (especially of the “reasonably priced” variety). “It’s not just your standard Italian trat fayre, yet neither is it merely über-trendy small plates”. Instead, an “unrivalled selection of vigorous and distinctive dishes are labelled by region and available in two sizes” (tapas-style or ‘main’). “Dishes are from all over Italy, change regularly” and “are often unusual (for example fried calf’s foot)”. There’s also “a terrific Italian wine list (available by the carafe), with knowledgeable advice available at all price levels”. “Go early if possible, as it can get too buzzy” and “vibrant” and “is quite packed-in” (although most reporters feel that “the food justifies any lack of comfort”). “Sit at the counter for a bird’s-eye-view of the chefs” (although these perches in particular can feel “high, cramped and noisy”). “I think I have eaten over 75 times at Bocca and the food and team there remain at the top of their game – the food is always different and amazingly authentic to its origins”. Top Menu Tip: “great puddings including the signature sanguinaccio (blood, pistachio, chocolate)”.
For 31 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).
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Restaurant details
Bocca di Lupo Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A repeat visit to this amazing Italian tratoria. I asked how often they change the menu - "tonight" was the answer. So you can keep going for new experiences. As a regular, we seem to be very well treated but the manager visited all the tables for a chat with those who wanted. Service is also outstanding with plenty of staff who deliver the bread and olive oil ( free for once) as you sit down. Courgette flower filled with anchovy, crab on toast; spaghetti with squid; clam broth with bollotto beans ; torta (chocolate) - all superb. It is quite noisy when full..."
"Lovely place for lunch with exceptional service but it’s not cheap and probably just about earns a ‘very good’ on food. Wine list was excellent "
"The food and service were impeccable. It was busy and buzzing "
"Always delicious and always crowded, even for midweek lunch. Speaking of which, the "workers lunch" is wonderful value. Exceptional variety and flair from pasta to suckling pig. Combining small and large plates caters for all tastes. And an extensive Italian wine list. Not cheap but worth every penny. "
"Always great. Sitting at the counter is the best spot. Very tasty food."
"Seated at the counter, we had five small plates- polenta with egg, risotto, and three pasta dishes. All were delightful. "
"I am really wondering why the hype? The recommended "signature" dishes such as the coppa or bream ceviche were below average. Pumpkin ravioli was quite nice. The so-called "Sommelier" was overstrained when asked to recommend a white wine below GBP 50."
"We love this restaurant for the food! The menu changes constantly and they add daily specials too. On our visit they added turbot head as a cheaper option to the full fish. The lunch time we had the decent value quick lunch (£22.50 for 3 courses inc wine and coffee) with lightly fried soft aubergine pieces, semolina pasta, salad etc. The other courses were fossil fish £16 but huge and simple, watermelon salad and rabbit pappardelle. And of course a chocolate cake.. Service is always super attentive and they change a table even when full to accommodate our aversion to noise ( we like to talk to each other !) That last point is why we do not score the ambiance so highly. It is a small place and understandably they want to squeeze in the covers. However, now the Covid partitions have gone, the tables are close together again and the noise level is high. Or go when less busy! "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £22.50 |  |
 |
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £8.30 | £24.00 | £8.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £24.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
12 Archer St, London, W1D 7BB
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
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