Calling All Pasta Lovers: The Soho Restaurant with Just One Item on the Menu!
- Where? Carnaby, 19 Ganton St, London, W1F 9BN
- How much? ££
- Cuisine? Pasta with seasonal ingredients
- Vegetarian options 🌽 – Yes
- Vegan options 🌱 – Yes
- Gluten free options 🌾 – Gluten free pasta available
- Dog-friendly? Yes
This was my second time visiting Pastaio, a colourful pasta spot located down one of the funky lanes of Carnaby. This area is one of my favourite foodie spots in the city, with Kingly Court just a short walk away, and rows of delicious hotspots lining each lane. Unsurprisingly, its central Soho location draws in quite the crowd, with streams of tourists piling into the neighbouring pubs, bars, and restaurants – so make sure to book ahead!
The restaurant itself has a great vibe. Bright patterned walls and industrial exposed brick give it an artsy allure. On both occasions I’ve visited, it has been bustling with visitors, all savoring forkfuls of freshly made pasta. Having now visited during the day and at night, I can personally say that I preferred visiting during the summer months at lunchtime. When it’s warm and sunny, the restaurant opens its sliding window facade, immersing you in the buzz of Carnaby! Overall however, I thoroughly enjoyed both visits, with excellent service, a great atmosphere and delicious pasta!
The Food
Aside from the antipasti selection and an extensive wine list, pasta is the only thing on the menu – I mean, the name does give it away! It’s no wonder therefore that Pastaio has truly mastered the art of pasta making. Each pasta was stretched and shaped to perfection and cooked just right – you can really taste the quality and freshness of the ingredients!
8 hour beef & Ukranian porcini bolognese, Parmesan, tagliatelle – £16
6/10 – Tagliatelle is one of my favourite pasta shapes, and the pasta itself was utter perfection. Not too thick and perfectly cooked, with the right ratio of pasta to bolognese. The bolognese was really rich and creamy, however, I did admittedly find it too salty (and I LOVE salt). This is something that I have since heard a few of my friends critique, which is a real shame, as the ingredients are so delicate and high quality.
Wild mushroom, butter, lemon zest, parsley, Parmesan, tagliatelle – £16.50
8/10 – My friend ordered this dish, so naturally, I had to try some! This was my favourite of the pasta dishes, as it tasted the most balanced. The lemon zest countered the saltiness, and the creamy wild mushrooms were earthy and hearty. I do, however, think that £16.50 for a mushroom pasta is a little over the top; while I have no doubt the ingredients are of high quality, I still can’t quite justify a price point above that of an 8-hour beef bolognese.
Aglio e olio, crusco chilli, parsley, new season purple garlic, linguine – £11
7/10 – This classic dish never fails to let me down. It’s simple, light, and tasty, an easy crowd-pleaser. It ticked all the boxes of a well-made Aglio e olio, but it didn’t necessarily blow me away. I’d avoid ordering this one on a date however – it is rife with garlic!
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