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Cicchetti Piccadilly - London PiccadillyB-Worth Trying
Cicchetti, 172-173 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EJ
· Italian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (4161 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Stylish Italian small-plates spot in prime Piccadilly with standout pastas and polished ambiance, but service inconsistency and time-limited seating can undercut the experience.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Cicchetti Piccadilly delivers an appealing West End experience anchored by exceptional setting appeal and solid food quality in its best dishes—beef cheek, carbonara, and porcini risotto earn consistent praise. However, inconsistent execution across the menu and variable service attentiveness prevent a higher grade; staggered plate arrivals and occasional rudeness undermine the elegant atmosphere. Worth visiting for the setting and pasta-focused menu, but manage expectations around portion sizes and service consistency.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels stunning and buzzy, all marble sheen and warm lighting, the kind of place where you instantly want a Negroni and a plate of something saucy. Servers are often warm and on-the-ball—several guests even ask for them by name—though others report waits, time-limit reminders, and mixed pacing. One diner summed it up well: "Beautiful space and lively energy, but timing hiccups can steal some joy." The cooking skews elevated traditional rather than experimental—think slow-cooked ragùs and truffle pastas, lemon sole, and a few tableside moments for risotto. The culinary approach leans classic Italian with polish: comforting flavors, good ingredients, and a sharing format that shines when you pick winners like beef cheek, carbonara, and porcini risotto, but feels underwhelming if you land on a dry Baked Norma or over-fried seafood. Families should find it approachable thanks to familiar pizzas and pastas (Margherita, lasagne, carbonara, fries), though the small-plates cadence can stagger arrival. There is help for vegetarians, decent but not broad vegan paths, and gluten-free guidance varies—coeliac diners may want to confirm details in advance.
At a Glance
- Elegant interior and lively atmosphere in a prime West End location
- Pastas and slow-cooked dishes (beef cheek, carbonara, porcini risotto) earn consistent praise
- Service inconsistencies—staggered plates, time-limit reminders, and occasional rudeness reported
- Portions feel small for the price if you expect full mains
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- tableside_pecorino_wheel_risotto
- prime_piccadilly_location
- elegant_marble_interior
What People Love
- The marble-and-brass look that feels special on arrival
- Well-executed classics like carbonara and ragù
- Attentive, personable servers who guide orders
- Desserts that cap the meal on a high note
Points of Concern
- Timing and pacing can be uneven, with plates arriving far apart during peak hours
- Some diners feel rushed due to two-hour table limits
- Fried seafood and a few baked dishes can miss the mark
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (templated owner responses and repeated staff-name praise) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£44-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For a satisfying share: carbonara + beef cheek + porcini truffle risotto, then split a tiramisu
- Value-focused duo: Margherita pizza (£9.95) + Lasagne (£13.25) with a shared salad
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre dinner within walking distance of Piccadilly and Green Park
- Date night with shared plates and polished ambiance
- Groups celebrating who want stylish surroundings (with reservations and clear pacing requests)
- Travelers seeking a central London Italian with familiar classics
Location Insights
Area: Upscale, high-footfall West End corridor drawing shoppers, theatergoers, and business diners.
Safety: Busy, well-lit, and generally safe with constant pedestrian traffic.
Nearby: Steps from Fortnum & Mason, near Green Park and Piccadilly Circus; strong pre/post-theatre demand.
SohoSoho is a lively and eclectic neighborhood famous for its diverse dining scene, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. It has a bustling social atmosphere with a mix of trendy bars, theaters, and late-night venues, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for vibrant nightlife and innovative cuisine.
Piccadilly Circus AreaThe Piccadilly Circus area is a busy and iconic part of Soho, known for its bright lights, theaters, and proximity to major shopping streets. Dining here caters to a broad audience, including tourists and professionals, with a mix of casual and upscale options in a high-energy urban setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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