Also known as ICCo or Ecco, this pizza place on the corner of Goodge Street and Charlotte Street is a handy one to know.

The Venue
The Italiano Coffee Company has a basic, canteen-style layout, with long, high metal tables and stools, which fill up quickly at busy times. You place your order at the bar, take a ticket and wait until your name is called – rarely longer than 10 minutes. There are also tables outside when the sun shines.

The Atmosphere
Popular with local UCL students, ICCo is noisy and lively, crowded at times, and unpretentious. It attracts a fair few passing tourists as well as plenty of local media types. The staff aren’t particularly friendly or rude, just busy and usually efficient. You can watch the pizzas being made, although theatre isn’t really the point – the restaurant’s unfussiness is part of its appeal.

The Food
The big, floppy pizzas are great value for money, starting from around £3.00. They’re basic but tasty and a good way to fill up on a shoestring. Other options are paninis and salads, which are also good, but it’s really the pizzas that give the place its reputation.

The Drink
The Italiano Coffee Company serves all the typical varieties of coffee, as well as standard soft drinks and beer.

The Last Word
This is a great budget option and the relatively short wait makes it a useful meeting place for lunch or before going out in the West End.

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