The temperatures really dropped last week, and before walking around Lumiere London, I decided to get myself sorted by treating myself to a hot chocolate and cake. I opted for SAID dal 1923, a cafe that has a branch in Rome and has been in operation since 1923 selling chocolates, cakes, and more. The hot chocolate is melted chocolate, and they add melted chocolate to the rim of the glass. I wish that I'd ordered a larger size as I didn't realise a 'regular' size would be so small.
The hot chocolate was delicious and I would define it as a traditional Italian hot chocolate, which is like a liquid chocolate. I ordered the dark hot chocolate, but milk and white were also available, and they could also be served with cream. I'd definately go there again and order a large one next time. I could have done with a lot more to settle me in for the long evening of walking ahead.
When I arrived at the little cafe in Soho, there was a little bit of a queue. I arrived on a Thursday at about 3:15, and I had to wait about five minutes. The cafe was popular and every seat was taken with many opting to stay longer to avoid the cold. One lady told me that she had been to the cafe three times previously, and it was starting to get busier and busier.
The restaurant still had its Christmas merchandise in the window (chocolate-filled baubles) as well as its other items for sale. I also bought a dark chocolate spread and a chocolate and olive oil spread, which tasted delicious.
There aren't many seats in the cafe, and everyone is kind of squashed together. More room would have been nice, and that is the only drawback. I loved the many chocolate moulds hanging on the walls. I saw truck, fish, lamb, and carrot moulds.
I also had a slice of carrot cake, and the slice was very generous. I could not even eat all of it, but it was tasty.
At the end, I purchased a couple of chocolates to take away: a mint one and a cinnamon truffle. I actually ate these both when I got home very late and felt like I needed a treat from all the walking and cold. Both were delicious. The mint one tasted almost like a truffle with a mint flavour and a perfect texture. The cinnamon truffle was my favourite of the two with a slightly creamy interior that offered the perfect consistency and light cinnamon flavour.
What is my verdict? I will be back for sure.
Update: I went back a week later, and I was not impressed. I ordered the large dark hot chocolate this time, and it did not taste or look the same at all. It wasn't as good. I also had the Dolce chocolate cake, and that was okay. I am disappointed that the hot chocolate was not good the second time around. You can even see in the photographs that it does not look quite the same. I would have to say that this cafe is inconsistent, and I prefer to know that what I get is going to be the best and the same each time I visit.
My verdict? This means that I am still looking for London's best hot chocolate.
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