Amato - London - Restaurants Reviews

Whether you’re enjoying a day of shopping, galleries, sight-seeing or people watching, at some point in all the fun you’re going to have to take a break. A time to sit down and revel in the joys of the bargain you found in Camden Market, debate the artistic merit of the latest installation in the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, or just watch the beautiful people of Soho. One of my favourite places to do this, and enjoy some of the best coffee in London is Amato. This caffé pasticeria is situated in the heart of Soho, and provides the perfect watering hole all day and late into the evening.

The caffé itself is pretty small, with seating for less than 30 people at one. Therefore, at busy times you may have to wait for a seat, and when you get one it is likely to be sharing a bench-like table with another couple. But it’s all worth it. Because, as soon as you enter you are immediately accosted by a wide range of pastries and cakes. All the offerings are authentic Italian and French delicacies, including chocolate éclairs, cartoccio ricotta, and a range of semifreddo and cheesecakes.

Takeout is available from the bar, but table service is provided in the seating area. The espresso is delicious. I usually order a caffe latte. Unlike the overly milky coffees usually served at the chain coffee shops, the Amato coffees have the right balance of espresso and milk to give a rich drink. And if you want a milky macchiato you can simply ask for one.

I’ve been going here for almost ten years and my favourite desserts are the torta di limone and the giotto (kind of a cake version of a tiramisu) but I could recommend almost everything they make. The chefs at Amato are so skilled at presentation, so their pastries and desserts look as good as they taste. A few years ago some friends of mine ordered a wedding cake from here, and it was the most exquisite one I’ve ever seen.

Because the eating area isn’t the most comfortable I’ve never had a meal here, though they do have a decent menu of Italian meals. With all the great restaurants in London I’d prefer to eat elsewhere, but for a cake and coffee break this is definitely the place to go.