Nopi – Soho, London

Nopi is Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern and Asian inspired restaurant in Soho. With white and brass interior it looks like a nice place to stop for a lunch – so I did! And here is how my experience turned out.

As I usually don’t eat lunch the menu looked light and about right (steak fans please look elsewhere). I regret that I could not try any of the starters and sharing plates as the selection was beautiful! Instead I went straight for the main course but with an anticipation of a nice dessert as a treat!

For the main course I ordered sea bass with Calabrese peppers and spring greens, which turned out to be the right choice. Despite waitress’s warning the fish was served promptly. The fish was perhaps slightly overcooked to my taste with some added sweetness. However, balance that with a sprinkle of sea salt and lemon and we got a perfect plate, accompanied with verdicchio (and sparkling water of course!).

But the real star was yet to come. I am a great believer in staff recommendations so following the tip I ordered coffee and pecan financiers with maple cream and an espresso. Wonderful little soft cakes with a creamy sauce full of aroma. This is the one to try!

And the acoustics? Well, when you walk in it does not look promising; hard surfaces, tables; plan ceiling, glass, a big hall with a bar on the side! And yet the noise level remained reasonable allowing conversation – acoustic paint and few other tricks in use, I am told!

With the smooth service, lovely atmosphere and good food this is a nice place to stop for lunch, especially upstairs as downstairs has just one communal table. The video art and kaleidoscopic toilets (go and see for yourself!) add to the experience!

Acoustics
Banqueting
Courtesy
Décor

Nopi
21-22 Warwick Street, W1B 5NE London
www.ottolenghi.co.uk/nopi