Reviews of Café Below. (Restaurant) in London (London).

Café Below

206 Reviews

128 Comments

Restaurant

Modern European restaurant

St Mary Le Bow Church, Cheapside, London EC2V 6AU, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Café Below, Restaurant in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Café Below

Reviews of Café Below

D. N.

Booked at Cafe Below for a colleagues leaving meal, we were all extremely happy with our meals, I think we ordered nearly every individual item on the menu and all of them were delicious. Lovely and attentive service, speedy and efficient and everything was very reasonably priced. Thanks, would definitely recommend and return next time in the area.

J. R.

Just come back from a trip to the City and lunch at the Café Below (under St Mary le Bow, Cheapside). Quite faultless: the Sea Bream was just perfect: beautifully cooked, tasty with green beans and new potatoes beautifully presented; followed by a lovely apple and plum crumble; my wife had a beautiful fragipan-type desert. Really nice wines by the glass, we are already planning a return visit, mainly for the lunch!!

L. P.

Cozy cafe, lovely people working here. And the food was delicious as well! We had the quiche and the vegan shepherds pie and they were both delightful. The highlight was the crumble with custard though, perfect on a cold February day!

M. B.

Located in a medieval crypt of St Mary Le Bow, rustic and exquisite place in the heart of London serves delicious healthy food. The lime and coconut tart was mind blowing!

J. F.

Nice cafe. Gets a bit busy at lunch time but if you turn up early it's a lot quieter. Food was good and well priced, they do run out of stuff though, but there is plenty on the menu so you've got plenty of options. Despite being underground there is phone signal but it is patchy. Great place for lunch.

J. G.

Nice place for lunch. It gets very popular at lunch time but then empties out after 2. Prices are reasonable and the portion sizes very large.

S. S.

Good value for money. Opens only for Lunch One might book a table online Great brownies

B. W.

Food was fabulous, in lovely surroundings, will definitely visit again!

E. P.

Lovely place for breakfast in the city. Nice food, kind staff and very good atmosphere.

E. H.

Really interesting to eat in the old crypts, amazing atmosphere. Food was also very tasty and good value for money.

T. T.

Great cake/pudding. Good coffee. Lovely vaulted crypt

E. M.

I booked a table for fifteen people so that two U3A Groups could lunch at the Café Below on two different days in the same week. Booking by phone was easy and efficient. Our table was ready when we arrived on both occasions and Jay and his team served our drinks and food efficiently and promptly. We didn't have time for a large lunch so some members only selected one or two starters but everything was delicious and nicely presented. The restaurant was very busy and we clearly weren't big spenders but we still received excellent and attentive service. The location in the oldest (I believe) crypt in London is special. Many of us will be going back with family and friends to spend more time and sample more from the interesting menu.

M. V.

Ambience is great so is the service but I just wish there was more choice for breakfast for Vegetarians.

K. R.

Worth a visit for the unique ambience, quirky staff but service was on point. If you want scrambled eggs more firmly cooked, you may need to request it. Toast comes with no option for jam, but may need to request it?? Otherwise, food tasted good and was inexpensive. A good experience!

G. H.

My sister and I was looking for a cafe last week that does full English breakfast. It wasn't easy with so many healthy food places then we stumbled upon Cafe Below. When we walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile from the waitress. The young lady informed us that we were too late as breakfast had finished. We were gutted until the chef said he would do us a breakfast. It was delicious. The coffee was superb and the service excellent. Prices were very good and everyone was so accommodating. Definitely going back again... Lunch next time 👌

J. D.

Excellent food! Price range between £5 (for a starter) and £17 (for some of the main dishes), overall plan on around £26 for a three course meal, more for wine. Everything is made in house and sourced locally, and seems to be very high quality. I had the gnocchi with pesto/asparagus/watercress, and the chocolate brownie with clotted cream and honeycomb. The gnocchi was excellent, but the brownie was to die for. I may go back just for that!

C. C.

Need a quick lunch, dropped in and seated very quickly. Any later than 12.15 and wouldn't have got a table. Staff are great. Food arrives very quickly and the salads are probably the best I've ever eaten. Smoked Salmon the best I've had as well. 3 meals and 2 coffees cost us £25 and I'd say it was great value. Setting also very distinct. Will be back again.

S. L.

Really lovely location which is underground of a church. Perfect for a small group meal (went there for lunch and need to book as it gets quite busy) . Food was tasty and fresh, has a home cooking feel and large portion. Slightly on the pricier side but OK relative to other restaurants in this area. Service is fast and friendly.

S. H. L.

The staff were friendly, the beers crafty and the food distinctive. I had a fab selection of salads (not a limp lettuce leaf in sight) and a souffle, which was delicious and arrived very promptly. They were great with my baby too and even brought me a second soufflé when she ate all of my first one!

B. R.

I cannot oversell this place. I went here in 2015 with my girlfriend for dinner, which they recently started doing. It was just fantastic. I don't know if they do anything special for bigger manifestations, but for a reception it would be great. Since it is in a cellar, it is less suitable for handicapped or elderly, considering the stairs needed to be taken down into the place.

b. s.

Beautiful little Cafe in the middle of the Square mile under the world famous Bow Bells church St Mary le Bow. Not busy in the morning and VERY reasonably priced. Great food , fast service , friendly people. I love it.

K. D. A. S.

Actually called "the cafe below", tasty food and good portions, self-service inside, in the summer a few seats with waiters outside. Water on the table. Prices good for the location - £7-10 per portion, a bit cheaper as takeaway. 3 vegetarian and 3 non-vegetarian choices on the menu.

L. H.

First visit tonight, taken by friends. I have lived in London since 1987 but had no idea this delightful venue existed. It was wonderful and I have already booked my next meal there in early Feb. Delicious food and reasonably priced.

C. A.

Small menu of great food with plenty of veggie options. Perfect place to meet a friend for lunch in the City. Lovely service and food arrives quickly. And you're in a crypt.

S. P.

Really cool location in what used to be a church I believe. Being underground certainly adds pleasant novelty to the meal. The wine was delicious but the menu could use more vegan options.

E. J. S.

A darling café in the crypt of St Mary le Bow church in Cheapside. The coffee, roasted by Allpress and expertly brewed by the staff, is consistently good, and they're always ready to cater to your whims. Half skim-half soy extra hot moccacappulatte? Coming right up! The food is designed by the genius owner, Anthony Middleton, and lovingly crafted on a daily basis by an excellent team of chefs. Super fresh and in generous portions, you can't go wrong with lunch at Café Below. The menu changes regularly, but get down their before half one or you might be disappointed - these guys sell out on an almost daily basis. The service is impeccable, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Everyone feels welcome and nothing is too much to ask. The staff know names, preferences and where you went on holiday. Visit as soon as you can, and you'll be a regular before you know it.

H. S.

Great food in an even better space. Go into the church then head down to the crypts then walk past the kitchen to the quiet and beautiful seating area. Save space for dessert. It's delicious.

A. D.

Positively delightful food and service in very unique establishment being in the former crypt of St Mary Le Bow Church. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner... All you need to bring is conversation

K. H.

Delicious, healthy food and lovely staff. Not cheap but good value and a lovely atmosphere. If you're hard of hearing it may be a bit challenging to hold a conversation at busy times!

M. A.

The Café Below is a gem waiting to be discovered. Down in the crypt of St Mary Le Bow church, the stone walls are lit by flickering candle light, creating an unusual, romantic setting. We decided on the ‘small plates’ menu so you will need to order 2 to 3 each, but they are generously proportioned so you feel like you have had a proper meal. The snacks in particular are most generous. We had butternut squash pate and pork rillettes to keep our gin and tonics company. The rillettes arrived glistening in unctuous fat with pickled vegetables on the side to keep the dish perfectly balanced. Mains for us were octopus, perfectly cooked without a hint of rubber; humble courgettes and lentils made glorious with milky mozzarella; confit of carrots; and smoked salmon that was flavoursome without greasiness. We had just enough room to share an excellent chocolate tart with delightfully crumbly pastry. Excellent, unpretentious but assured cooking. Go Below!

P. M.

Food arrives super Quick: good fare as well. Full disclosure: it's not a fine dining experience, but a great little cafe.

A. O.

Ambience was great. However food a little too dry. I had the lamb and I must say wasn't overly impressive.

K. W.

What a lovely little cafe stop. Food wonderful and staff very welcoming, must book ahead next time. Thankyou to all the staff.

S. S.

Great food and service. Reasonably priced and good selection. Quiet and cosy, some small alcoves for initmate lunchtime chatting 😀

G. L. P.

It’s time to go underground. Not uncommon for a Londoner you say, but it is if it’s for dinner in the crypt of a church dating from 1080, we say. You might know that it makes you a right real cockney if you’re born within the sound of the Bow Bells – what you might not know is that in the crypt beneath St Mary-le-Bow is a gorgeous little place called Café Below. The crypt which houses the café (though this is a bit of a misnomer as it’s actually a bone fide restaurant) is the only remaining original part of the church. The original church was destroyed in the great fire of London in 1666, and the current church is one of the 55 that Sir Christopher Wren designed in its wake. Backing onto the tables where you sit is the door to a chapel; still in use by the vicar who – what with this being the City and all – doesn’t work Sundays. The setting is cosy, if not utterly intimate. There are tiny little tables between arches and bigger ones for the groups of City folk who stream in at lunch. The ceilings are vaulted and painted white (key info), with gentle (though maybe not quite gentle enough) uplighting setting the scene. The staff are real people who’d sooner have a chat than ship you out. Food-wise the baba ganoush with rosemary foccacia is a truly winning starter and the corn-fed chicken a none too shabby way to follow up. A lot of the ingredients – and staff – come straight from rural Herefordshire. All in all the place has a great story, good setting, lovely staff and food and its café prices won’t burn holes in your pinstriped pockets. Casually drop into the conversation that it was the sound of the Bow Bells which persuaded Dick Whittington to turn back from Highgate and remain in London to become Lord Mayor and you’ll sound proper London, innit.

A. C.

Excellent food. Everything is made in house and sourced locally, and seems to be very high quality.

A. C.

A really nice find, hidden away below the church. Had the mackerel which was lovely but I think I could have eaten everything on the menu. Hope to go back.

A. M.

The Café Below is a gem indeed, it is hidden away and its beautiful, yes its a bit pricey but it is worth it, incredible food and very good service.

A. P.

Always good, seasonal food. The service is quick, but not rushed, however some of the combinations on the plate are a bit... odd.

J. H.

Another City of London gem tucked away in the crypt of St Mary Le Bow church on Cheapside, the breakfast is excellent, , just get there early.

R. K. B.

The location is very special and the cafe has a nice vibe. But the selection of meals (we were there for breakfast) is not very big and the portions are on the smaller side.

D. J.

Delicious food, great indoor and outdoor seating. Nice service. Will be back!

M. W.

The food was really good. The location was also good. The price was reasonable. The service was very Good, pleasant.

L.

Staff a bit funny on occasion but brilliant good value food. Definitely worth a visit.

N. T.

Great for lunch with fast service, a fabulous location and food portions just the right size.

S. D.

Good food and decent prices considering the fact that it's in a church crypt in the middle of Bank.

C. H.

Really like food there. I bought take away for lunches and also has dinner, which was really nice and quiet..

J. B.

Delicious and healthy food in an unusual setting, served by friendly staff, at very reasonable prices.

A. B.

Nice Service great food unusual setting. Will certainly go again.

P. M. B.

Great spot in the city, very picturesque and great food! Good for a business lunch.

A. M.

I love this cute cafe and come here as often as possible when choosing to have lunch in this area :)

A. K.

Very atmospheric, punk history as well long-term London /church history. Good coffee, very nice flapjack

P. d. H.

Really the best place for a filling salad lunch. Great value too.

J. H.

Fantasic food, great Friday night atmosphere (but not too crazy), very friendly staff

C. W.

Great place for lunch in the city, lovely simple menu and friendly staff.

R. A.

Business lunch...lovely food, rather noisy for conversation, windowless as it's a crypt but interesting location.

J. L.

Good food, swift, efficient service, but not a cheap option. Soups probably the best value.

n. c.

Lovely food, excellent service and great atmosphere!

A. P.

Delicious food on affordable prices. Loved it. Recommend!

J. B.

Located in the crypt of a historic church and so gives a very different feel. Well worth a visit.

A. O.

Beautiful architecture, 5 different kinds of stone. Good breakfast too

K. L.

Amazing place. my fav. staff and atmosphere and food all top.

C. H.

Wonderful food, friendly staff and an awesome setting!

J. B.

Cool in hot weather; friendly service; healthy menu

F. M.

Wonderful food in an interesting setting, great service too!

B. D.

Great friendly staff. The food was delicious!

Z. H.

To notch food every time. They even have a good take away selection for a desk lunch.

A. M.

A very pleasant alternative to the normal city lunch/rush regime.

F. O.

Nice vegan food, friendly attentive staff

A. C.

Tasty, service not too fast. Very warm when busy.

R. K. B.

The location is very special and the cafe has a nice vibe. But the selection of meals (we were there for breakfast) is not very big and the portions are on the smaller side.

E. J. S.

A darling café in the crypt of St Mary le Bow church in Cheapside. The coffee, roasted by Allpress and expertly brewed by the staff, is …

G. L. P.

It’s time to go underground. Not uncommon for a Londoner you say, but it is if it’s for dinner in the crypt of a church dating from 1080, we say. You might know that it makes you a right real cockney if you’re born within the sound of the …

M. K.

Nice breakfast, well priced

Z. H.

To notch food every time. They even have a good take away selection for a desk lunch.

C. W.

It was fine. Unable to say much more as only dropped in for a coffee.

F. M.

Wonderful food in an interesting setting, great service too!

G. S.

Great breakfast, nice food and service

S. T.

Friendly service and nice to find an independent cafe in that area of London

A. M.

Nice food , positive energy

A. T.

Great location, ok food.

V. S.

Amazingly good quality of food!

R. D.

Excellent food and polite staff,

K. L. i. S.

Delicious, healthy, sizable. Loved it.

H. S.

Interesting place. Good food.

V. V. V.

Good comfortable place to quick catch up

M. G.

Good food and good service.

A. M.

Nice food , positive energy

K. S.

Simple, healthy options and hearty portions.

j. t.

Great food good team

J. A.

Wonderful food amazing

N. S.

Had a nice salad.

A. P.

very good place for eating

D. i.

Food was very tasty

H. P.

Great breakfast!

O. E.

Good takeaway lunch.

R. B.

Food was good.

A. P.

its ok.

J. A.

Fantastic quiche.

L. P.

Good

J. G.

Great salads

U. Z.

Nice spot in the city

S. W.

Nice

S. W.

Surprising in a good way

e. v.

Amazing spot

B. S.

(Translated) Chic and incredibly original restaurant, in the crypt of St-Mary-le-Bow! In addition, it is for a good cause: part of the bill finances the maintenance of the church! (Original) Resto chic et incroyablement original, dans la crypte de St-Mary-le-Bow ! En plus, c'est pour la bonne cause : une partie de la note finance l'entretien de l'église !

o. g. c.

(Translated) Fantastic unknown restaurant and difficult to find. It is the crypt of the church. Excellent meal (Original) Fantástico restaurante desconocido y dificil de encontrar. Es la cripta de la iglesia. Excelente comida

C. M.

(Translated) Amazing places we meet in a crypt to eat it's really original and we eat very well (Original) Lieux incroyable on se retrouve dans une crypte pour manger c'est vraiment original et on y mange très bien

j. R.

(Translated) unusual place under a church. correct meal..i recommend (Original) lieu insolite sous une eglise. repas correct..je recommande

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