Seemor
Notto Pasta Bar PiccadillyB+Worth Trying
198 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EZ
· Italian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1036 reviews)
Reservations
Stylish pasta bar in Piccadilly delivering fresh, house-made pasta with a great-value set lunch and a few showpiece dishes, but expect smallish portions, a 14.5% service charge, and occasional service inconsistencies.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Notto Pasta Bar Piccadilly delivers solid food quality with standout fresh pasta and excellent set lunch value, supported by efficient service speed and a prime central location. However, quality variation across visits, cramped seating, and occasional service miscommunications prevent it from reaching higher territory. A reliable neighborhood choice for quick, well-executed Italian dining rather than a destination restaurant.
Restaurant Summary
A sleek pasta bar in the heart of Piccadilly where you can watch chefs work the pans in an open kitchen. The vibe is lively and polished rather than rustic, with staff who often keep things moving for the busy lunch and pre-theater rush. As one diner put it, the place is a reliable stop for fresh pasta when you are in the center, though at peak times it can feel a touch brisk. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional Italian: fresh, al dente pasta, a burrata bar with classic dressings, and premium flourishes like truffle and crab. The set lunch draws raves for value, while cacio e pepe, pappardelle with ragu, and a delicate tiramisu are frequent favorites. Portions tend to be modest, so sharing two to three pastas for two is commonly suggested by staff and reviewers. For families, simple staples like cacio e pepe, spaghetti bolognese, focaccia, and tiramisu make it approachable for kids. There is no explicit kids menu and space is tight, but the straightforward pasta options usually land well. Vegan choices appear limited unless requested, so confirm with staff if you need plant-based dishes.
At a Glance
- Fresh, well-executed pasta with a great-value set lunch
- Central Piccadilly location with an engaging open kitchen
- Portions skew small; sharing is often needed to feel full
- Service can feel rushed and miscommunications occur (water, bills, timing)
- 14.5% service charge and water upsells surprise some diners
What Sets It Apart
- open_kitchen_pasta_making
- great_value_set_lunch
- burrata_bar_variations
What People Love
- Watching chefs in the open kitchen
- Al dente pasta with balanced sauces
- Set lunch value
- Friendly servers when on-form
- Comforting tiramisu finish
Points of Concern
- Small-to-moderate portions relative to price; plan to share multiple pastas
- Service charge of 14.5% and water charges can feel pushy if not clarified upfront
- Service consistency varies: some rushed turns, billing or drinks miscommunication
- A few reports of over-salty or oily sauces; occasional dish misses
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£32-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with focaccia or a burrata variation, then choose one mid-tier pasta (e.g., gnocchetti with sausage) and one premium (e.g., crab tagliolini) to share.
- End with tiramisu; it is well-priced and widely praised for balance.
Perfect For
- Quick but quality central London lunch
- Pre-theater pasta and a glass of wine
- Solo meal at off-peak hours
- Casual date night with shared plates
Location Insights
Area: High-footfall, central London arts-and-shopping corridor attracting office workers, theatergoers, and tourists.
Safety: Well-lit, busy main artery with steady pedestrian traffic; typical central London safety profile.
Nearby: Near galleries, theaters, Regent Street and St James retail; easy link to Soho/Mayfair dining and nightlife.
MayfairExclusive and sophisticated neighborhood characterized by upscale restaurants, designer boutiques, and prestigious private members' clubs. Known for its refined dining scene and elite social atmosphere.
St. James'sHistoric sub-district with traditional gentleman's clubs, fine dining establishments, and a legacy of aristocratic heritage.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:00
Sunday12:00–20:00
Available: Reservations
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