A warmly run Italian near Blackfriars delivering tasty pasta, pizza, and crowd-pleasing mains with friendly service and solid value for central London.
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.
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.
Area vibe: 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.
What's nearby: Near Blackfriars Bridge, Temple, the Thames path, offices, and legal chambers.
Standout dishes include Spaghetti Carbonara, Crab Linguine, a 10oz Hereford sirloin and Quattro Formaggi pizza.
It’s casual and convenient by Tube, but note limited parking, stairs to some seating and busier service on Fridays.
Expect a warm, nonfussy Italian atmosphere that feels tucked-away and shifts from calm to buzzy on busy nights.