Coco Di Mama

I end up there because I wanted to have something quick and hot to eat between 2 meetings. The queue was not too long even if it was lunch hours (12.15). I could see they had pasta so this is why I entered there. I ordered pasta with pesto and chicken. I took the mall portion. It is really small, if you are starving, go for the bigger one. I was hungry after a few hours, the small one was not enough food for me.
Now my opinion on the food: It looks good but actually I was a bit disappointed! The pasta were not hot enough, the chicken was cold and it’s normal, that’s the way they sell it and I asked for Parmesan because I love it when the cheese melt on my pasta but It could not happen with this cold chicken and not so hot pasta!
So I went back to the office pop this into the microwave but everything in a plate and could finally have something at least descent… But obviously I was late for my meeting!
So my tips there:
— warm it up, the melting Parmesan with the chicken was not bad this is why I giving a 3 stars rating
— I tried it only once so maybe make sure for the other pasta ie: bolognese or carbonara, everything is hot as it should be
— get Parmesan, pasta are always better with cheese.
And finally the price, less than £5 for the small pot of pasta so not too bad for a quick hot meal but don’t forget if you are hungry go for the bit pot!

Its barely ok.
I walk past the London Wall location often and there’s always a line out the door. So for a Friday pasta treat I decide to join the queue.
In order to test Coco for the first time I decided on a large Bolognese pasta, since this is an italian menu staple that should be done properly. I had some parmesan and chili oil added as well.
Got my lunch back to the office and I’m not impressed. The sauce was flavourless despite my additions of parmensan and non existent chili oil. I had to add 2 packets of salt just to make it bearable. And after a large I’m still hungry! I should have had the pie and mash at EAT.
Maybe I ordered the wrong thing but based on this I really don’t understand the popularity of Coco di Mama. I won’t be returning unless someone can convince me Coco has better fare.

Oh hello Coco! How I have missed you! Hadn’t been to this, their second branch, until I was vaguely nearby the other day and thought, I know who always tries to make me happy: it’s you, Coco.
I really like Coco’s approach, I think they’re really serious about trying to be a good business in terms of the food, service, portions and price. Lunch here was good although I probably shouldn’t have gone off piste and got one of the baked options — it was truffle mac and cheese which since Salt Yard I constantly fantasise about but it was near the end of the lunch hour and mine was basically just too dry. Also a bit disappointed they didn’t have chocolate covered espresso beans in that day, although god knows I haven’t been long enough at my new job to unleash Espresso Natalie on them just yet. Side salad was good, lovely peppery leaves and a perfect size.
So anyway — still 4 stars because I KNOW it’s generally awesome. Next time I’ll get one of the fresh pasta dishes, and so should you!

Coco di Mama is a new addition to the City lunch choice and something that seems to cater directly for my tastes, as they sell pasta with sauces for a reasonable price. They sell hot food in two sizes midi or grande with grande offering a larger more expensive portion. I favour the bolognaise sauce which has pancetta mixed in, they also sell lasagne and other specialties. There are also a selection of sandwiches for and a range of other food that I am yet to try.
The service is friendly but also quick, all in all a pretty good place to grab lunch from.