Pastaio

Right in the heart of Soho off Carnaby Street, Pastaio celebrates the simple joy of pasta and aperitivo. This is a place where bold, comforting flavours take the lead, with Italian traditions meeting a contemporary city pace. Think unfussy plates, quality ingredients and an atmosphere made for lingering conversation.

The pasta does the talking: cacio e pepe, all pecorino and fragrant Tellicherry pepper spun through spaghetti, and wild mushroom casarecce glossed with butter, lemon zest, parsley and Parmesan. Starters set a generous tone, from squash caponata lifted with tomato, olive, pine nut, raisin and mint to a black truffle and burrata fried sandwich.

Little plates and sides keep things lively. Nocellara olives and the Pastaio X Wildfarmed focaccia are ideal for tearing and sharing, while radicchio and pomegranate bring crunch and zip. Rainbow chard, scented with garlic, fennel seeds and chilli flakes, adds warmth and colour to the table.

To finish, tiramisu comes with a good deed attached, supporting NotJustYou, or there is affogato, with the option of grappa for a spirited flourish. Classic sips like an Aperol Spritz or Negroni set the mood. Book a seat, follow the twirl of the fork, and let pasta lead the dance.