This place is slightly out of the way to get to in Shoreditch, but worth making the trek to get the freshest pasta. It's certainly faster and cheaper than going all the way to Italy, and it doesn't get any more authentic and fresh than here. This place is tiny, and doesn't have more than 6-8 tables, so get here early when they open if you want to get a seat, or make a reservation in advance. It's also not great for big groups so come with a party of 2-4 people. You can watch them make pasta up at the front, and you can buy some to take home.
The buratta here is one of the best I've ever had - creamy, soft and just perfect - best shared with 2-4 people. It also comes with some thin crackers but not bread, so if you want bread, you'll have to order that separately. I ate the whole thing by myself along with a serving pasta only because I wanted to try the burrata - it was perfection.
They usually have 5 different varieties of pasta and they range from £11-13; the portions are quite small so if you're starving or have a big appetite, you can probably eat two. It's nice to be able to try different kinds of pasta and sauces if you come with multiple people, and share the dishes. I think the ones that have sauces that are more simple are better than the ones that have a lot more ingredients. Simple is better when it comes to pasta.
The menu changes very frequently with what is fresh, but this is what I had when I went:
- Tajarin with courgettes (zucchini), mullet roe and mint - This was probably my least favorite of the pastas, I just think there was too much going on with the roe and mint. I think I just prefer Italian pastas with tomato sauce.
- Strozzaperti with pesto of sundried tomatoes, almonds, ricotta, capers and oregano - This one was one of my favorites - traditional ingredients and a delicious sauce.
- Agnolotti Cavour - These are raviolis filled with beef, pork, and spinach, in a butter and sage sauce - I liked these and got it once by myself and then once to share with 2 other people. I liked sharing this better than having to eat the whole thing solo, as I found I started getting tired of eating this by myself. It's good, but the butter/sage sauce is fairly mild and the portion of ravioli is a bit on the small side. This is usually always on their menu, as it's one of their signature dishes.
All in all, the pasta is super fresh and as authentic as if you had gone to Italy, the place is small and cozy, and the sauces and pastas are interesting. The quantity is a bit on the smaller side and the prices are a bit high, but you're paying for quality over quantity. I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for good pasta - I prefer the pasta here over Padella. read more