Osteria Angelina

The original Angelina made waves when it launched its ambitious Japanese-Italian tasting menu. After some initial bafflement, Angelina proved a point emphatically - this particular fusion of cuisines was more than a gimmick. In fact, the two cuisines live together in such symbiotic happiness that a second location - Osteria Angelina - has opened in Spitalfields’ stylish Norton Folgate district.

Norton Folgate itself has been beautifully redeveloped. The Victorian industrial bones remain, now elevated by cobbled streets, granite curbs, and pointed brick walls. Through two enormous front windows, the first glimpse of Osteria’s magic is a dedicated pasta kitchen, where a chef pipes filling into metres of agnolotti, scattering flour and slicing pasta with balletic grace.

Inside, Osteria Angelina is buzzing. Tables are tightly packed, and the staff clearly revel in the theatre - flourishing the cloches from smoked Negronis and gliding between tables with plates of pasta and slabs of nori focaccia. The open kitchen hums with energy, chefs moving in sync from station to pass, where there are rarely fewer than eight plates ready to go. This is a serious, well-oiled operation.

As for the food, Osteria Angelina is putting out some of the most distinct, delicious cooking in London. The milk bread with kumquat and burnt honey butter might be the most incredible bread we’ve ever eaten - butter melting into pillowy bread, with jammy kumquat as the perfect foil. Pasta dishes are magnificent: ultra-wide fazzoletti are tossed in a rich duck ragu, whilst tortellini come packed with cheesy, truffly filling, lifted by little strips of braised kombu. A charcoal-grilled pork chop arrives thick and juicy, pink at the centre and worth every penny of its £30 price tag. Then there’s the magic of luxurious crudo plates, a clever semi-frozen tomato salad, and outstanding cocktails.

Osteria Angelina could easily rely on its sultry looks and concept, but it doesn’t. This is the real deal - intelligent, satisfying, and downright delicious. It’s already one of London’s essential dining destinations.

Osteria Angelina is a standout destination in London’s vibrant dining scene, created by the team behind the acclaimed Angelina Dalston. Nestled in a beautifully restored Victorian warehouse in Norton Folgate - on the border of Spitalfields, Shoreditch, and the City - the restaurant masterfully blends the traditions of Italian and Japanese cuisine, offering a refined yet approachable dining experience.

At the heart of Osteria Angelina is its dedication to handmade pasta, crafted daily with a distinctive Japanese twist. The menu features regularly rotating pasta dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. The Binchotan grill presents large, expertly prepared cuts of meat and seafood designed for sharing.

The dining space is designed to enhance the culinary experience, with a 75-cover open kitchen and bar that places craftsmanship at the forefront. Guests can watch the chefs at work, including a pastaio in a dedicated glass-walled pasta-making area. Designed by Anna Owens, the interiors embrace a monochromatic aesthetic, balancing comfort with understated elegance. The venue’s high ceilings and preserved original features add to the distinctive charm, while a private dining room on the lower ground floor offers an intimate setting for up to 20 guests.

Osteria Angelina’s beverage program is as meticulously curated as its menu. The extensive wine list boasts over 300 Italian wines, celebrating the country’s diverse indigenous grape varieties and their rich histories. A carefully selected range of sake, curated by London sake expert Masayo Nuttall, further enhances the offering. The cocktail menu reflects the restaurant’s Italian-Japanese fusion, incorporating flavours and ingredients from both traditions. Guests can also explore one of London’s most extensive grappa collections, alongside an impressive selection of Japanese whiskies, creating an immersive and well-rounded drinking experience.

With its harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, Osteria Angelina redefines the dining landscape. Whether for a quick pasta lunch, a leisurely dinner, or a special celebration, the restaurant offers an inviting and versatile space that seamlessly fuses culture, flavour, and hospitality.