Louis Korovilas, of Locatelli and Bancone fame, has brought authentic Italian pasta to the heart of Islington. Noci (walnuts in Italian) looks over Islington Green and is just a six minute walk from Angel tube station. At Noci, Louis offers regional pasta dishes made with seasonal ingredients and updated versions of classic Italian street food dishes.
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 showcases fresh pasta from the kitchen.
Fritti - fried snacks - include parcels of leek, taleggio, gorgonzola and walnut, crispy sage and anchovy beignets and Louis' version of fritto misto, with fried squid and mussels and creamy anchovy and garlic dipping sauce. For something a bit lighter, there is freshly baked focaccia with datterini tomatoes and olives, house-cured bresaola with celeriac and toasted fennel mayo or burrata with caramelised pear, walnut and marjoram.
The menu changes frequently, but diners can expect the likes of lamb shoulder ravioli or fat tubes of paccheri tossed with Neopolitan Genovese ragu (this dish is often referred to as 'poor man's ragu' due to its money-saving ratio of onion to meat). Gnocchetti (mini gnocchi) come with confit tomato and smoked ricotta, and bucatini (long tubes) come with brown butter cacio e pepe (the simplest pasta dish and arguably one of the best ways to enjoy truly authentic pasta). Daily specials are scrawled on the central tiles so remember to check there for fear of missing out.
The drinks are just as seasonal as the food, with 'Seasonal Spritzes' on offer. These include playful flavours such as pear and marjoram, spiced kumquat and sage or grapefruit, pink peppercorn and thyme. There are also house cocktails, which are extremely reasonably priced.