Date spot in Soho and Covent Garden
Bar Italia
Perch at the counter or grab a pavement table for an espresso at the Soho café that has been open on Frith Street since 1949.
Why it's a good date: The place to end up after a show or the jazz across the road, when you're not ready for the night to end. Look up for the plaque: John Logie Baird first showed off television in this building.
Photo: Matt Brown, CC BY 2.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Soho and Covent Garden guide
Bao Soho
Lexington Street, Soho
Address: Bao Soho, 53 Lexington Street, London W1F 9AS- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Squeeze into the tiny original Bao on Lexington Street for soft Taiwanese steamed buns and small plates to share.
Why it's a good date: It's held a Michelin Bib Gourmand for years and still feels like a little neighbourhood spot. It's walk-in only, so go early or late to keep the queue short.
Bancone Covent Garden
William IV Street, Covent Garden
Address: Bancone, 39 William IV Street, London WC2N 4DD- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Share bowls of fresh handmade pasta at the long marble counter of this smart little pasta bar off Trafalgar Square.
Why it's a good date: It feels far posher than the bill suggests, which makes it a great pre-theatre pick. Sit at the counter to watch the pasta being made.
Imad's Syrian Kitchen
Kingly Court, Soho
Address: Imad's Syrian Kitchen, Top Floor, Kingly Court, London W1B 5PW- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Climb to the top floor of Kingly Court for warm, home-style Syrian cooking from chef Imad Alarnab, with mezze to share.
Why it's a good date: Generous, comforting food with a lovely story behind it, and a Michelin Bib Gourmand to its name. Have a nose round the courtyard's other spots after.