Restaurants

Although it’s long been overshadowed by Maison Bertaux and Pâtisserie Valerie , its rather more charismatic neighbours in Soho café society, this established caffè and pasticceria nonetheless retains a devoted following. The coffee is generally good and strong, and the fuller-than-you’d-expect menu offers some nice options (including a confident rendition of eggs benedict, served from the breakfast menu until noon). But it’s the cakes that really catch the eye, with the colourful window displays tempting all but the most miserable Soho stroller. The choice is immense; we particularly liked the giotto, a light yet immersive number soaked in mascarpone cheese that comes with a distinctly alcoholic tang, though the guiltiest pleasures are almost certainly the preposterously good doughnuts. The tidy seating area isn’t very attractive, but it is pretty large, and the friendly, efficient staff generally don’t mind if you linger for a while.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008