Seemor
Tempio Bar & RestaurantA-Worth Trying
5-10, Temple Avenue, Temple, London EC4Y 0HP
· Restaurant, Bar
· 4.5/5 Google (127 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A warmly run Italian near Blackfriars delivering tasty pasta, pizza, and crowd-pleasing mains with friendly service and solid value for central London.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Tempio Bar & Restaurant delivers reliable, well-executed Italian classics paired with genuinely welcoming and efficient service, earning solid A- grade performance. Consistent execution across pasta, pizza, and mains, combined with generous portions and strong repeat-customer loyalty, positions it competitively among the area's better neighborhood restaurants. The comfortable underground setting near Blackfriars suits business lunches and casual dining, though it lacks the distinctive character or destination appeal that would elevate it to grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked near Blackfriars, Tempio feels like a warm neighborhood Italian in a business district. Servers are genuinely welcoming, pacing dishes well. One diner summed it up: "Steak stayed juicy and service was spot on." The space is comfortable, though a reviewer notes seating is underground with stairs. Cooking leans classic over trendy: think thin-crust pizza, well-executed pastas, a hefty chilli cheeseburger, and a steak that arrives as ordered. It reads as straightforward Italian with a specials board rather than showy fusion, which suits folks who want quality over theatrics in central London. Families should do well here thanks to kid-friendly staples like Margherita-style pizzas, carbonara, Bolognese, and brownies or ice cream for dessert. There is no kids menu listed, but portions are generous and staff seem flexible; picky eaters will find simple, familiar options without fuss.
At a Glance
- Friendly, attentive table service with quick pacing
- Reliable classics—good pasta, pizza, burger, and steak
- Portions are generous, strong for business lunches
- Some items can be unavailable; check the specials board
- Seating accessed by stairs; not ideal for mobility issues
What Sets It Apart
- reliable_central_italian
- generous_portions_lunch_friendly
- near_thames_walks
What People Love
- Warm welcome that feels personal
- Steak cooked accurately and stays juicy
- Carbonara and Bolognese that satisfy cravings
- Crisp thin-crust pizzas for quick lunches
- Tiramisu and sorbets that finish strong
Points of Concern
- Pricing is central London and not the cheapest, though value is fair for quality
- Occasional menu shortages; rely on the specials board
- Access by stairs may limit accessibility
- Review patterns show natural booster language but no strong manipulation signals
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians, Giardiniera or Quattro Formaggi pizzas are reliable picks
- Value combo: Bruschetta + Carbonara + Affogato keeps total under £45 excluding drinks
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre bite near Blackfriars
- Workday lunch with colleagues
- Casual date night with comforting Italian
- Post-river-walk dinner
Location Insights
Area: Weekday business district by the Inns of Court and Thames; calmer evenings, office crowds at lunch.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit business quarter with steady foot traffic near the river.
Nearby: Near Blackfriars Bridge, Temple, the Thames path, offices, and legal chambers.
TempleTemple is a prestigious and historic area centered around the legal profession, home to the Inns of Court and numerous barristers' chambers. The dining scene caters largely to professionals seeking upscale and business-friendly restaurants, alongside some casual eateries for tourists and local workers. The atmosphere is formal during weekdays but quieter and more relaxed in the evenings and weekends.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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