It was my birthday, so I booked a table for lunch at Bancone, London SE1. Although I organised and secured the reservation, I left the bill to my partner, so it was all good! If you’re looking for pasta places in Borough Yards, lunch near Borough Market, or dinner restaurants close to London Bridge, Bancone will delight you. Dine there, either with clients, friends, or your partner. It’s buzzy yet casual, the perfect mix!
“Tuck into fabulous freshly made pasta with knock-out sauces amidst the charming atmospheric Victorian arches of Borough Yards,” Homegirl London.
Bancone Menu
We indulged in two portions of fragrant rosemary and sea salt focaccia, delightfully soft and springy. I relished tearing apart the bread to accompany the velvety burrata, savouring these simple dining joys. The chicory and pear proved to be impeccable partners for the burrata, complemented by a drizzle of Barolo vinegar and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts.
Additional antipasti options comprised lardo atop toast drizzled with truffled honey, a cauliflower salad, grilled artichoke served with romesco and dill, Sardinian speck paired with caper berries and three crispy native oysters accompanied by tartare sauce. Antipasti prices range from £4 to £16.
Moving on to the pasta offerings, which can be prepared gluten-free upon request, their vegetarian options included chilli, garlic and parsley spaghetti, ‘alla chitarra.’ Silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and confit egg yolk was also available. Another tempting choice was bucatini cacao e pepe and gorgonzola with Swiss chard.
We opted for the vibrant green cavolo nero with chilli on casarecce pasta. Its appearance matched its super green flavour profile. However, the roasted pumpkin ravioli with oyster mushrooms and sage brown butter stole the spotlight with its exceptional taste. My only critique lies in the portion size; I wished for more.
For carnivores craving pasta, the spicy pork and nduja ragù, mafalde is an irresistible choice. Alternatively, meat lovers can indulge in braised feather blades with primitivo, mushrooms and casarecce. For a hearty option, consider the chargrilled ginger pig pork chop accompanied by radicchio, apple and crispy pig skin. Or, for a seafood dish, savour the scallop with miso, pickled fennel and charcoal tagliolini infused with chilli. Main courses range from £9 to £18.
We indulged in two desserts, including the smooth crème caramello infused with coffee and buckwheat, offering a delightful slide down the throat experience. The rich chocolate dessert with mascarpone and lime provided a decadent treat. Alternatively, there’s the praline cannolo adorned with crystallised hazelnuts. Desserts are priced between £4.50 and £7.
I opted for their gin drink with orange blossom, dry vermouth and Campari, which was strong yet highly enjoyable, leaving me feeling slightly giddy! Their cocktail list includes a pecan old-fashioned and grapefruit garibaldi. You’ll enjoy the wine list, showcasing Italy’s best, where you can sample wine from small, family-run producers to reputable winemakers.
Watch My Bancone Video
Helpful Information About Bancone Borough Yards
For more information, visit the Bancone website. They are located at Arch 213, Stoney Street, London, SE1 9AD, a short walk from London Bridge or Borough stations. Opening hours are Monday through Wednesday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Thursday through Saturday from 12 pm to 10.30 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 9.30 pm. Additional locations include Covent Garden and Golden Square, Soho.
The interiors of Bancone Borough Yards exude a laid-back atmosphere, featuring industrial elements housed within a Victorian arch. Bare brick walls add to the rustic charm, while an open kitchen offers counter seating, allowing guests to observe the culinary theatrics. Booth seating is available alongside traditional tables and chairs towards the front of the space. Overall, it is an exciting and welcoming space to enjoy an Italian meal.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Reasons To Visit Borough Yards London SE1
Ten Things To Try At Borough Market
Explore Southwark Via The Low Line Walk
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
