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Bolton's

Italian·
££££
·
Bronze Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Bolton's

Bronze Award

Loveably old-school, Bolton’s entices customers with a below-stairs dining room that laughs in the face of fashionable restaurant tropes. The rich red carpeting, stained glass detailing and heavily dressed tables speak of a different era, while the menu talks the language of home tables in the old country. Starters of wild boar bresaola or lobster soup spiked with brandy might precede mains featuring variations on escalope of veal and fillet of beef (al pepe, alla Stilton) – the kind of dishes that have been raising smiles for generations. Pasta is trattoria-style stuff (think farfalle with salmon, vodka and cream or pappardelle Alfie with meatballs and ceps), while desserts from the restaurant’s Soho patisserie are served with an element of Anglo-Italian showmanship via a trolley. In a rushed and breathless world, Bolton’s is also the place for a little contemplation over a glass of something Tuscan.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
Italian
Eat at Home
Deliveroo, Home delivery, Just Eat, Takeaway service, Uber Eats
Ambience
Lively, Traditional
Food Occasions
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Gluten-free options, Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Celebrations, Dates, Group dining [8+], Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

If you have grown tired of the London restaurant scene’s need to constantly outdo itself with ever zanier concepts and oh-so-modern dishes (deconstructed Earl Grey cheesecake, anyone?), consider Bolton’s for your next meal out - a resolutely traditional restaurant which will embrace you like a warm hug from an old friend.

Found in the heart of the City of London, the subterranean dining room at Bolton’s is joyfully old-school, complete with a deep red carpet, tables dressed with white tablecloths and oil paintings depicting historical figures or pastoral scenes. While the space feels quintessentially British, the focus of the kitchen is actually Italian cuisine - fastidiously sourced produce lies at the core of the a la carte, which is replete with staple Italian dishes that in some instances, have been given contemporary updates.

The offering kicks off with breakfast, served from 8am, when early risers can tuck into a full English (vegetarian and vegan versions available), eggs any style or toasted baps filled with the likes of bacon and sausage. For the more virtuous, there is smashed avocado on toast, which can be washed down with a freshly blitzed smoothie.

Later in the day, the a la carte takes centre stage, offering a whole host of comforting Italian fare. Begin with starters such as deep-fried calamari or scallops topped with bacon and spinach, before moving on to indulgent pasta dishes such as lobster linguine or pappardelle topped with meatballs, tomato sauce and a touch of cream. Carnivorous types meanwhile, can enjoy veal, beef or chicken cooked various ways, padded out with side orders of sauteed mushrooms or a mixed leaf salad.

Bolton’s wine menu is lengthy, but well considered, featuring bottles sourced from across Italy, as well as varieties from Spain, France and Portugal. For those who don’t fancy wine, there are spirits, brandies and non-alcoholic juices.


FAQs

Are there gluten-free options on the menu at Bolton's?

Yes there are gluten-free options on the menu at Bolton's.

Helpful? 0

Does Bolton's serve breakfast?

Yes, breakfast is served at Bolton's from 8-10.30am.

Helpful? 0

Does Bolton's have a dress code?

There is no official dress code, but most diners opt for a smart casual look.

Helpful? 0
Meet the team
Bolton's

Chef Domenico

Head Chef

Italian Chef Domenico boasts over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Originally from Italy, he has trained in some of the finest Italian restaurants in the world, where he honed his skills and perfected his understanding of traditional Italian cuisine. Domenico has worked at Bolton's Italian restaurant for the past 25 years, where he creates authentic and delicious dishes designed to transport the diner to Italy.


Bolton's is featured in

This venue also offers

Bolton’s Restaurant
Christmas Parties

Bolton’s Restaurant

Bolton's
Private Group Dining

Bolton's

Location

Bolton House, 13 Cullum Street, Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 7JJ

020 7929 1981 020 7929 1981

Website

Opening Times

Breakfast
Mon 08:00-10:30
Tue 08:00-10:30
Wed 08:00-10:30
Thu 08:00-10:30
Fri 08:00-10:30
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Lunch
Mon 11:30-15:00
Tue 11:30-15:00
Wed 11:30-15:00
Thu 11:30-15:00
Fri 11:30-15:00
Sat Closed
Sun Closed

Reviews

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4 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Darren G

01 February 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Janine M

02 March 2022   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 5
Value 4
Business lunch at Bolton's

Never fails to impress!

Gary M

27 October 2017  
Food & Drink 4
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 3.5
First time at Boltons
Didn't know what to expect at this traditional Italian. I wasn't disappointed, it was an exceptional meal and the service was outstanding. Despite the restaurant being very busy we were looked after very well and the food came promptly. My guest needed a gluten free meal and all the waiters who attended our table were aware. The food was excellent, fillet steak cooked to perfection. All in all a trust worthy venue which I will return to.

Simon S

15 February 2015  
Food & Drink 4
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
Classic service and away from the maddening crowd
Fantastic venue for lunch with colleagues / clients - charming hosts, pleasant service and great food - don't be put off by the renovation work to the nearby buildings / exterior on Cullum Street, descend the steps to the restaurant and you are transported back in time
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Delivery or takeaway

Order takeaway from Bolton's by calling 020 7929 1981.

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