Tucked into the heart of Soho, 27 Old Compton Street is a vibrant pasta bar bringing the spirit of Italian tavola calda to central London. Opened by Nima Safaei, the restaurateur behind neighbourhood favourites 40 Dean Street and 64 Old Compton Street, the restaurant offers a relaxed, walk-in dining experience that puts flavour, freshness and spontaneity at its core.
The menu focuses on handmade pasta and comforting classics, offering a concise but carefully chosen selection of dishes. Highlights include bucatini cacio e pepe, pumpkin and ricotta ravioli with sage butter, and black crab tortelloni in a light tomato and basil sauce. Each plate is generous, flavourful and made to order. Plant-based options are just as thoughtfully prepared, such as porcini and truffle risotto or vegan gnocchi with cavolo nero pesto. Alongside the mains, a handful of snacks and small plates like arancini, courgette fries and focaccia round out the offering, ideal for grazing or sharing.
To drink, the focus stays refreshingly simple. A compact wine list leans Italian, with accessible options by the glass. Cocktails are minimal but memorable, including the Vecchio Amore, which blends brandy, amaro and hazelnut liqueur into a rich, bittersweet sip that pairs beautifully with the food.
The design of the space matches the menu’s charm and simplicity. Upstairs, diners can enjoy the theatre of an open kitchen, while downstairs offers a cosier feel with intimate booths and soft lighting. With seating for around 30, the atmosphere strikes a balance between buzzy and laid-back, making it just as suited to solo suppers as to dinner with friends.
Casual, warm and full of flavour, 27 Old Compton Street delivers crowd-pleasing Italian food with a Soho edge. It is an easy choice for those craving good pasta without the fuss.