Noci (meaning walnut in Italian) looks over Islington Green and is just a six-minute walk from Angel tube station. Now boasting four sites across London, Noci Islington is the original branch, where it serves regional pasta dishes made with seasonal ingredients and Italian small plates for sharing. In fact, many of the Noci team have been here since day one.
Plush banquette and window seats orbit the central communal table and high stools, with reclaimed materials being put to good use here. The whole space is bathed in light thanks to the large windows and a terrazzo-topped dresser, which showcases fresh pasta from the kitchen.
The chefs take inspiration from their heritage and travels across Italy to create fresh pasta dishes, spritzes and small plates with more modern twists. There's also a concise but perfectly formed wine list, offering up a selection of wines from small-scale, independent producers.
The Noci Islington menu kicks things off with snacks like house focaccia with datterini tomato, garlic, and rosemary and garlic, and juicy nocellara olives. Then, guests can expect a clever range of small plates from beef carpaccio and tuna crudo to wild mushroom and mozzarella arancini. Elsewhere, you'll find larger bowls of pasta including silk handkerchiefs with courgettes, peas, and leeks; prawn linguine with semi-dried tomatoes, parsley and white wine; and an indulgent Chianti and beef shin ragu pappardelle.
For midweek lunches, Noci Islington also puts on a set menu, offering a drink, focaccia, and pasta for an incredibly affordable price. As for the drinks, they're just as seasonal as the food, with cocktails on tap as well as 'Seasonal Spritzes' on offer. These include playful flavours such as yuzu and rhubarb, and grapefruit and elderflower. Plus, Noci Islington is located near many popular attractions, including the Everyman Screen On The Green, The Almeida and The Business Design Centre.