Caffè Concerto

Conveniently Central with Decadent Cakes

In the vibrant heart of London’s theatre district, Caffe Concerto stands proudly, a beacon for both eager theatre-goers and casual strollers alike. From the moment I stepped inside, it was clear the chic interior aimed to capture the elegance found in traditional European cafés. Amidst this aesthetic allure, however, lay a rather mixed tale of service and culinary experience. On one hand, the menu is rich, featuring an impressive array of desserts like the highly-praised Biscoff Lotus Cheesecake, alongside traditional Italian favorites such as excellent risottos and pastas. Meanwhile, their unique varieties of coffee create tempting pairings for any sweet indulgence. "Delicious" is a frequently borrowed adjective from other diners' comments on cakes; tarts and delightfully decorated dining ware seem to be a hallmark here.

My visit teetered between comfortably pleasant and mildly frustrating – a saga of brisk efficiency tangled occasionally by unexpected snags. While attentive staff members like Joanna and Renata impressed me with their warmth and quick smiles, longer waits for orders seemed not uncommon according to collective testimonies. It seems some dishes labor more under expectation than others; alluding most notably to Black Forest cakes that fell dry and shy off the authentic mark. However, given the stunning ambiance, my visit was imbued with enough charm to overlook occasional blunders – the postlude being more triumph of setting and fellowship over fleeting fumbles. Amidst this theater of gustatory delights and charming chaos, Caffe Concerto provides a memorable scene of culinary culture before curtain calls at nearby iconic stages. — Jasper Griddle