Launched by two young chefs – Wilfred Mafham (Trinity, Bistro Union) and Luca Cianti (Pastaficio, Restaurant Ours) – Pasta Nostra is the product of a succession of popular masterclasses at Tooting Broadway Market. From fettuccine to pappardelle, orecchiette, spaghetti and any other shape you can think of, these guys really know their pasta, as you’ll witness for yourself thanks to the fully exposed kitchen at their Old Street restaurant.
This place is all about cutting back on the fluff and no spiel; and instead, just a mission for simplicity and honesty, to be the best pasta in all of London - these are the qualities which sum up perfectly this small but vibrant eatery’s approach to its cooking.
Pasta Nostra’s menu is short, sweet and easy to share. Small plates of traditional cicchetti take the form of Italian classics like Nduja meatballs with arrabbiata, fresh bruschetta with stracciatella, confit datterini tomatoes and basil, as well as slices of Prosciutto and Salami. Other plates include arancini stuffed with tomato, mozzarella and basil and the unmissable house focaccia, which is baked fresh in-house every day.
When it comes to the main event, you could go for something like the soft, rich pappardelle with confit duck leg ragu, butter, salted ricotta and pangrattato or one of the restaurant’s unique creations like vegan ravioli with pea and mint, spinach nutmeg cream and romesco sauce, or seasonal gnocchi with butternut squash, spinach, salted ricotta, pumpkin seeds and sage oil.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners are all catered for, as are those without time to stop, thanks to the good-value takeaway menu which includes a portion of homemade pasta (choose from its four staples), house focaccia and mixed leaf salad. Be sure to save room for the classic, delicious desserts like tiramisu, affogato and cannolo, stuffed with sweet ricotta with pistachio and chocolate.