Italian Marvels and the Pasta Enigma
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy Italian dining experience near Old Street station, and let’s face it, finding one can be tricky in this area, then Noci is your kind of hideaway.
Kind of ? Yes, this charming eatery is all about showcasing their homemade pasta prowess, but while they aced the appetizers, the pasta dishes left me twirling my fork for more.
Ambiance:
It has casual and modern elements, creating the perfect space for a group gathering. Their large windows welcome everyone inside.
Service:
Decent service, and all the staff were friendly. They provided warm plates each time, which was a high point for me. However, I felt that their knowledge of the dishes was insufficient.
Price: ££
Given the portion sizes and the overall experience, the pricing is fair.
What I Ordered:
Nduja arancini & Parmesan foam
It was a dish that flawlessly combined bold and vibrant flavors, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate innovative yet authentic gastronomy.
The Nduja arancini had this spicy, creamy, flavor explosion inside, all wrapped up in a crunchy, golden coat.
The Parmesan foam, with its velvety texture and rich, salty profile, was a perfect companion to the arancini. It provided a creamy, indulgent contrast to the arancini’s crunch while infusing a savory undertone to the dish. The foam not only enhanced the flavor but also added to the overall visual appeal.
Parma ham, stracchino cheese & basil torta fritta
They are good at fried dishes apparently. So, these torta fritta things, with its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, provided the ideal canvas for the flavors that followed.
The Parma ham, with its salty, aged richness, harmonized perfectly with the creamy stracchino cheese.
*Crispy fried mussels, shaved fennel & cucumber salad, yoghurt dressing
My top pick of the night. The mussels, though on the smaller side, were wonderfully complemented by the refreshing and zesty fennel and cucumber salad, creating a perfect blend of flavors. The creamy, tangy yogurt dressing brought everything together, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Butter bean hummus, sweet tomato salsa, thyme, almonds and mullet
Total Mediterranean vibes! The butter bean hummus, super silky and rich, brought that subtle earthy thing that mixed so well with the sweet and zesty tomato salsa. And the mullet was perfectly cooked, tender and mild.
Strozzapreti, tomato, taggiasca olives, fried aubergine & Superstraccia
The dish lacked certain elements to make it complex and satisfying. The strozzapreti pasta, with its unique twisted and dense structure, provided a delightful texture, and I thoroughly enjoyed the earthy flavors of the fried aubergine.
However, the sauce needed a touch more saltiness. Those olives tried, but they didn’t quite hit the salty spot.
Silk handkerchiefs, beef & marsala jus, confit egg yolk, guanciale & sage crisp
This dish left me feeling pretty let down. You know, I’d seen all those Instagram posts hyping up the egg yolk, but it turned out to be just another Instagrammer’s trick. Egg dish is always tricky!
The pasta was perfectly al dente, but unfortunately, the Marsala jus didn’t deliver the rich, robust essence I expected. All I could taste was the egg yolk. And where was the guanciale’s salty kick? That crispy bite was way too small for my liking.
Coffee & tequila cheesecake, amaretti
The flavor of this dessert was a delightful mix of rich coffee notes and the warmth of tequila, all perfectly balanced within the creamy cheesecake. But, honestly, it felt more like I was having tiramisu than cheesecake.
And come on, they could’ve made it look a bit fancier. Instead, it came in a plain plastic cup, with no plates to share. Doesn’t it seem a bit sad?
Conclusion:
While the pasta dishes may not have ignited the same passion as the rest of the menu, Noci Shoreditch still manages to create a decent Italian fusion dining experience.
Tips from Hanako:
- Order more from the starters than Pasta. Menu looks amazing anyway.
- They have one in Islington and Battersea power station too. Booking is available here: https://nocirestaurant.co.uk/book-a-table/
