A Michelin Bib Gourmand holder just a short walk from Charing Cross, Bancone is one of London's finest pasta restaurants, with every strand and sheet made by hand on site each day. The long counter overlooking the open kitchen is the best seat in the house, and the signature silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and confit egg yolk is the dish that keeps people coming back.
A buzzy NYC-style pizzeria, Alley Cats does one thing and does it brilliantly: big, crispy, foldable 14-inch New York pies with a light, crackly base that stands apart from the city's sea of Neapolitan spots. The gingham tablecloths, exposed concrete walls and open kitchen nail the borough vibe, and the vodka pizza, a riff on penne alla vodka, is the one to order.
Freshly fried Sicilian arancini made to order, with generously packed fillings ranging from classic beef ragù and ham and béchamel to aubergine and nduja. The golden, crispy exterior and molten fillings have made it a favourite with the lunchtime crowd, and at under £7 a ball it is one of the best value bites in central London.
