BANCONE

Bancone is packed with people who clearly love their pasta, but the hype might just be a bit too loud for the lackluster dishes. I mean, the signature carbonara looks stunning, but it’s just slightly above average. You’ve got the artichoke and gnocchi getting some love, but then there's the pasta fritter that’s as exciting as watching paint dry. The open-kitchen seating is fun, but it won’t distract from the sluggish service when you're left waiting for your orders like it's rush hour on the Tube. Overall, the vibe screams 'cool Italian spot', but the execution? A bit meh.

If you're seeking Italian mastery, you might wanna check out the competition, because Bancone feels more like a social media darling than a culinary powerhouse. Sure, it’s clean and has a spiffy 5-star hygiene rating, but sometimes, that’s just not enough to impress the taste buds. Book ahead or be prepared to queue; it’s popular enough to make you wonder if it’s worth the wait.