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19/10/2026
MANGIA, MANGIA!
In 1968, our grandparents opened their first Italian caffè and restaurant on Tooley Street, London Bridge. With red-checkered tablecloths, they served mainly local workers at a time when London’s old riverside docks were slowly closing.
They were among a generation of Italian families bringing home cooking and espresso machines into Britain’s beloved greasy spoon caffs.
Telling Nonna you weren’t hungry was never really an option. (If you know, you know.)
Mamma grew up on her family’s farm in Calabria, while Papà grew up in London’s caffè industry. Food and hospitality has always been part of our lives.
When Papà opened Caffè Tropea in 1981, tea still outsold coffee. A cuppa cost 15p, filter coffee 20p.
By then, “Spag Bol” was already a British favourite. Today, people are discovering more of Italy’s regional cooking. Italian cooking has always been wonderfully regional and individualistic. For example, our auntie from Bologna married into our Calabrian family and cooked very differently from everyone else. Not that there’s anything wrong with a proper Ragù alla bolognese, best served with Tagliatelle to soak up that delicious sauce. Italian comfort food at its best.
More on our food and drink Caffè Tropea® soon...
Bacon sarnies & Espresso since 1981.
07/10/2026
Tropea is our family surname and a seaside town in Calabria, Southern Italy, where our parents were born.
The historic Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola has watched over the town for centuries. We like to think it still watches over us too.
Our family still returns to Calabria, where our parents pick olives from the family land to make their own olive oil.
Back in London, Caffè Tropea opened in Bloomsbury in 1981, and the baby on the Russell Square lawn grew up to work alongside Mamma and Papà.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll share more of the food, coffee, people and places that shaped us Caffè Tropea®.
From Calabria to Bloomsbury. Since 1981.
29/10/2025
To loyal Tifosi & thank-you for your continued support. Salute 🥂🥂
15/10/2024
To all our customers thank-you for your support and for being such wonderful guests .
Grazie mille ! 🥂
09/07/2021
The Anglo-Italian Job® our Signature Full English Breakfast
ITALY vs ENGLAND Final
A celebration of life 🇮🇹🏴❤️
05/07/2021
Coffee Capsules
Click the link in Bio to get our Nespresso® compatible Coffee Capsules on Amazon UK.
12/04/2021
AL FRESCO dining
Today our outside seating area is OPEN ! No booking required, turn up and enjoy a little freedom in Russell Square gardens, central London’s oasis.
To all our friends and family in the hospitality industry good luck with today’s gradual easing of the restrictions. Stay safe.. we’ll get there 💪
01/03/2021
Caffè Tropea celebrating 40years. Famiglia-Run Since 1981.
Born in Calabria, Southern Italy the Tropea Family left Italy for the UK in the early 1960’s. Papà opened the doors to our London Caffè in Russell Square Gardens in the first week of March 1981 with Nonno and Nonna. When mamma came to London and married papà in the eighties, she introduced a new wave of Italian cuisine.
Today the founders of our business are still proudly involved and the new generation feel blessed to be able to continue embracing old traditions while staying future-forward at the same time, to make sure we always bring authentic and exciting flavours to our table especially in these challenging times.
Wherever you are please continue to support your local, independent businesses and stay safe. From all the family, Grazie mille 🙏 Cent’anni 🥂
05/11/2020
STILL OPEN FOR TAKEAWAY !
We are offering takeaway food and drink in Russell Square gardens throughout November’s lockdown.
To all our loyal customers and colleagues in the hospitality industry stay safe but don’t give up !
Our coffee range is also available via search or click link in bio.
Why not check out our menu on too ?
01/10/2020
Happy International Coffee day! Search on Amazon UK.
🇬🇧 🇮🇹
Address
Russell Square
London
WC1B 5EH
To reach the café and Italian restaurant near Russell Square, you can take the Piccadilly line on the London Underground to the Russell Square station. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the nearby stop on Russell Square or drive and park in one of several parking garages in the area.
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What people say
Caffè Tropea, located in Russell Square, London, is a charming café and Italian restaurant that has been serving the community for over 40 years. The Tropea family's passion for food and hospitality is evident in every aspect of their business. From their warm welcome to their delicious menu offerings, Caffè Tropea truly feels like a family kitchen where locals feel loved and newcomers feel at home.
One of the highlights of Caffè Tropea is their signature Full English Breakfast called "The Anglo-Italian Job®," which has received rave reviews from customers on social media. They also offer Nespresso® compatible coffee capsules that can be purchased on Amazon UK, perfect for those who want to enjoy Caffè Tropea's coffee at home.
During the warmer months, customers can enjoy al fresco dining in their outside seating area located in Russell Square Gardens. No booking is required, so visitors can simply turn up and enjoy a little freedom in central London's oasis.
What sets Caffè Tropea apart from other cafes and restaurants is its rich history and tradition. The founders of the business are still proudly involved today, while the new generation continues to embrace old traditions while staying future-forward. Overall, Caffè Tropea offers an authentic Italian experience with delicious food and warm hospitality that will make you feel like part of the family.
