Bancone

There is a new pasta sheriff in town, and his name is Bancone. At the time of dining at Bancone, I had only visited Padella. Since then, I have also visited manteca (the last in the triumvirate of lauded pasta restaurants in London), and can confidently declare Bancone is offering the best hand-made pasta. Here's why. 

Bancone can be found in Covent Garden (slightly away from all the hubbub), its dark blue interior and mood lighting creating a sexy atmosphere that complements the elegance of the pasta dishes on offer. I opted first for their signature dish, pictured above: silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and confit egg yolks. This was the best pasta dish I've ever tasted. Delicious, velvety pasta with nutty creaminess to boot. Delicious.

I could have left it there, but went for the Bucatini cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper), in an effort to see whether it can hold up to Padella's pici cacio e pepe. While I think the pici pairs better with the cheese and pepper, Bancone's plate was still delicious.

I cannot wait to go back to Bancone, and it is likely to be my go-to pasta place for some time. They have recently added a new dish to the menu, potato ravioli with Burford brown eggs, which I am yearning for. 

Value for money? £25 for two plates. Great pasta for this price earns no complaints. 

Would I return? I would and will.