FOOD : Officina 00 Italian Restaurant, London
Italian food embodies a beautiful simplicity that is truly captivating. From the vibrant colours of fresh tomatoes and basil to the aroma of garlic sautéing in olive oil, Italian cuisine celebrates the pure flavours of its ingredients. The magic lies in the art of combining just a few high-quality components to create dishes that are both comforting and delicious. Whether it's a classic spaghetti aglio e olio or a rustic tomato bruschetta, Italian food reminds us that great taste can be achieved with minimal fuss.
At Officina 00, each dish is and feels like a homage to tradition and a celebration of the bountiful produce that their home town of Naples and Italy is famous for. Embracing the essence of simplicity, owners, parters and best friends, Elia Sebregondi and Enzo Mirto, allow the ingredients to shine, resulting in dishes that are both satisfying and soul-warming.
The joy of Officiana 00 lies in their extremely freshly pasta, made throughout the day in a small station across the restaurant. Their pasta embodies simplicity and sophistication in equal measure. The process of transforming basic ingredients such as flour and eggs into delicate strands of pasta requires skill and patience, resulting in a texture and flavour like no other.
REVIEW OF OFFICINA 00, LONDON
Officina 00 embraces the open plan kitchen/dining room concept with a mixture of table seats as well as counter seating that surrounds the kitchen area, providing an interactive dining experience, allowing you to witness the culinary process first hand. The transparency of this open kitchen adds a level of excitement and authenticity to the meal, as you can see the chefs' skills in action. From the sizzle of the pan to the artful plating of dishes, every step is exposed, creating a sense of trust and connection between the chefs and the guests.
With front row seats to my whole lunch preparation and presentation, is was fascinating to watch the love and care taken in dishing up these bread dishes - so good they let me try both!
There is something truly magical about a loaf of perfectly baked sourdough bread. The crust, with its crackly exterior and deep golden hue, gives way to a soft and chewy interior. Each slice is a celebration of the baker's skill and the natural alchemy of flour, water, wild yeast, and time.
Sourdough Bread with whipped Parmigiano butter (£5.00). This was nuttier and tighter and the butter superb!
Sourdough Focaccia with Datterino tomatoes, black olives and oregano (£5.50) whilst this one was full of flavours that reminded me of Summer. Less chewy but with more depth of flavour.
Croquette with aubergine and nduja, ricotta salata and honey (£8.00)
Three perfectly golden-brown croquettes, boasting a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft and gooey centre. But these croquettes aren’t just any ordinary croquettes - oh no. They’re packed with a satisfying kick of spiciness that dances on your taste buds.
The first bite reveals a creamy and velvety interior, exquisitely flavoured with the spicy nduja that awaken your senses. Each mouthful is a delightful medley of textures - the crunch of the outer layer contrasts harmoniously with the molten filling inside.
And just when you think it couldn't get any better, the generous drizzle of sweet honey over the croquettes, add a sweet and intense dimension to an already sensational dish.
Buffalo Burrata with tomato tartare, anchovy mayo and peashoots (£13.00)
Chef told me this is one of his favourite dishes on the menu. Finely chopped tomatoes provide the resting place for the gorgeous glistening burrata bubble thats primed ready for bursting. As the outer shell gently gives way, a creamy centre of stracciatella curds and fresh cream oozes out, creating a luscious contrast in textures. The whole dish is mild, creamy and decadent.
Spaghetti Truffle Carbonara with crispy guanciala, percorino romano (£16.50)
Truffle carbonara is a luxurious twist on the classic Italian dish, combining the rich flavours of creamy egg yolk, crispy guanciale, and percorino romano cheese with the delicate earthiness of black truffles. The distinctive aroma of truffles infuses the silky sauce, adding a depth of flavour that elevates this simple pasta dish to an indulgent experience. Each bite is a harmonious balance of umami and creaminess that delights the taste buds. This dish impresses!
Primitivo Di Puglia A mano (£9.00)
I enjoyed an Italian red wine of course - this primitivo from the heel of Italy has great freshness and its light, despite its full-fruited and intense style. There are fresh raspberries, cherries and blackcurrants on the nose, with a little spice developing on the palate. It is a fairly thin wine but I thought it worked well at lunchtime when you don’t want something too heavy. It paired superbly well with the pasta and really intensified the truffle.
During my pause between mains and dessert, I wandered over to the pasta station. It is such a beautiful process and I could easily have spent all afternoon just watching a variety of pasta being freshly made. Officina 00 host three various pasta making workshops starting from £65.00pp for 1.5 hours.
Lemon Delizia, Limoncello Custard and pistachio crumble (£8.00)
After indulging in my hearty Italian meal filled with rich flavours, finishing off with a dessert infused with limoncello brings a refreshing and zesty end to my dining experience. The tangy lemon liqueur adds a burst of citrus brightness that cuts through any lingering richness from the main course. The creamy limoncello custard was delightful that left a lingering sweetness. A very light and easy dessert.
As soon as you step inside Officina 00, you’ll be transported to Italy with a warm and welcoming ambiance. The menu is filled with twists on classic Italian dishes made with extremely fresh and high-quality ingredients. Overall, Officina 00 is a true culinary journey that left me satisfied and longing to return for another memorable meal.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT OFFICINA 00, LONDON
They do have gluten free pasta
They can cater for vegetarians
They are not dog friendly
Disabled accessible with entry straight off the street. Plenty of space for a wheelchair but might be worth informing them ahead of your visit
They have two restaurants in London, one in Fitzrovia and the other on Old Street
Officina 00, 156 Old Street, London, EC1V 9BW www.officina00.co.uk
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by Officina 00 to review their menu.
Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.
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