Pastaio

The location is even more dreamy, just off the legendary Carnaby Street, right in the heart of Soho. The bright airy restaurant offers terrace dining, with an equally inviting informal inside dining area.

The restaurant first opened in 2017 by Chef Steve Parle, who had the vision of creating a restaurant with menu of fresh, seasonal dishes, as well as pasta made daily by his team of highly skilled pastais.

So, what shall I order?

Seasonal Slushie Drink

A grown-up slushie drink, for adults only, is the summer drink of the season. It’s so good we’re hoping they’ll eventually add it to the permanent menu, such is the deliciousness of the drink. The slushie creations are inspired directly from Rome’s top bars including the Jerry Thomas Bar Room and Freni e Frizioni.

We tried the Garibaldi Riviera Slushie which pairs Campari and orange with tomato cordial and strawberry – the most refreshing twist on the classic Garibaldi cocktail.

Sardinian Crisp Bread and Nocellara Olives

Once you’ve had a drink you instantly crave something to nibble alongside, and the Sardinian Crisp Bread is the perfect savoury accompaniment. The crisp bread itself is wafer thin, covered in a generous glug of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of good sea salt. Additionally, it’s great to have on the table throughout the meal, especially when it comes to dipping into the pasta sauces.

And not forgetting the bright green Sicilian Nocellara Olives which match well with the crispbreads. These are an exceptional variety of olives known for their buttery texture, with a touch of nuttiness, too. Simply addictive!

Nduja, Honey & Mozzarella Fried Sandwich

If you’re looking for the ultimate fried sandwich, the search is officially over. This delectable crispy sandwich, fried in the pan with oodles of butter is worth the visit to the restaurant alone.
The combination of the spicy Nduja spread with generous slices of creamy mozzarella and a dab of natural sweetness from the honey is a moreish delight.

This sandwich creation has remained firmly on the menu since Pastaio first opened and long may it continue. It’s also a great starter to share with a friend as you each get a slice.

8 Hour Beef & Ukrainian Porcini Bolognese, Hand Cut Pappardelle, Parmesan

Slow-cooked, rich Bolognese sauce is one of life’s great culinary pleasures. So much love and time has gone into this sauce – eight full hours to be exact. The beef is rendered to a pate-like softness and combined with heady mix of porcini mushrooms gives it an even richer and more complex flavour.

You’ll discover the sauce sticks to each silky ribbon of the homemade Pappardelle as though they were made for each other. The dish also comes with a generous shaving of Parmesan, but don’t be shy to ask for extra.

Nettle & Spinach, Sheep’s Ricotta Ravioli, Butter, Sage

Pillowy-soft ravioli coated in a mellow, buttery sauce made our eyes widen as it was presented on the table. With the bright green hue of the nettle and spinach pasta it’s pleasing to the eye as well as the palette. Inside each ravioli parcel is a creamy ricotta cheese which works in balance with leafy, green spinach and nettle.

The butter sauce adds an extra layer of creaminess to this dish and the earthiness of the sage brings the whole plate together.

Tiramisu

If there’s one dessert that continues to enthral and delight, it is the classic Tiramisu. Layers of soft, espresso-dipped sponge covered in a rich mascarpone cream and a final dusting of cocoa powder. This Italian ‘pick me up’ is a fanj favourite and Pastaio do it particularly well.

Best of all, when you order this dessert £1.00 is donated to charity.

Anything else to know…

We were impressed with their selection of non-alcoholic drinks which include a zesty Hibiscus Agua Fresca and an elegant Peony Blush Sparkling Tea.

Perfect for…

A great value lunch in the centre of town. If you’re heading to the Carnaby/Soho area, it’s the perfect pitstop. Also. If you’re having a busy day in London, there’s nothing quite like a hearty plate of pasta to keep you fuelled up.

Do you need to book?

We would recommend making a booking. Although the restaurant has plenty of seating, over the weekend, the tables fill up quickly. Walk-ins are of course always welcome, but it’s best to book to avoid disappointment.

Where to find Pastaio

19 Ganton Street
Carnaby
London
W1F 9BN

Website:

https://pastaio.co.uk/

Nearest tube:

Oxford Circus