By Majella Taylor
Restaurant News is sponsored by Newbridge Software
For the past 20 years Italian restaurant 40 Dean Street has welcomed a loyal group of diners including Brad Pitt, Rupert Everett, and Princess Beatrice. Now this Soho mainstay has opened a new addition to the family – 64 Old Compton Street.
The latest venture is by Nima Safei and is only a two-minute walk away from 40.
Like its famous sibling, 64 aims to transport diners directly to the heart of Italy with its thoughtfully crafted, purse-friendly dishes. That said, each restaurant has a distinct personality.
Guests are greeted with a bold red exterior design that hints at the mischief within. The dining room, with its dark blue hues and antiques, half hidden from view by a café curtain, is intimate and a little decadent, rather like Soho itself.
The menu is divided into three sections: cold, fritti & baked; pizzas & salads and pasta, risotto & oven.
A line-up of homemade pastas – think rich and indulgent pappardelle beef ragu and creamy spinach ravioli with ricotta truffle & mushrooms – pizzas, with mushroom & truffle a particular standout, and devilishly moreish piadina bread with Parma ham, mozzarella, rocket & pesto.
This gorgeous fare is complemented by an equally carefully curated cocktail collection, featuring both in-house creations such as Refuel Martini – a beguiling blend of watermelon juice, sugar syrup and Stolichnaya – and all the classics.
A concise but mighty wine list meanwhile focuses primarily on Italian vintages.
64 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 4UQ