Last Updated on March 10, 2024
64 Old Compton Street – Old school Italian hospitality in the heart of Soho
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Soho, among the bustling streets and neon lights of this iconic London neighbourhood, at 64 Old Compton Street you’ll discover a true gem. This small friendly Italian family-run restaurant offers a warm and inviting embrace, making it a perfect haven for everyone from locals to theatre-goers, and media professionals to curious tourists.
When we arrived on an early mid-week evening the restaurant was already busy with a pre-theatre crowd. The décor of this cosy Italian eatery boasts wood panelling, royal blue wallpaper, with floral prints blue and white plates adorning the walls and an impressive display of vintage gold round framed mirrors. Wooden floors and tables, sumptuous royal blue banquettes and hanging glass globe lights complete the look.
We took a table in the window where we were able to watch the busy comings and goings on Old Compton Street, whilst 80s dance pop music played over the stereo.
At the rear of the restaurant, you’ll find the bar where they craft an enticing array of house specialities and timeless classic cocktails. We began with a Negroni Sbagliato – a fizzy lighter version of a Negroni, which has a hint of bitterness without the alcohol kick of the original and a classic vodka Martini with a green olive.
64 Old Compton Street offer a set menu along with an à la carte, both of which focus on using fresh seasonal produce. The menu is divided into four sections; starters, pizzas and salads, and mains, which mainly consist of classic Italian pasta dishes although there was also a chicken Milanese, potato gnocchi and risotto and a selection of sides.
We began with some light and fluffy focaccia with an olive oil and balsamic dip, followed by some hot and crisp arancini balls filled with tasty wild mushrooms, truffle and smoked mozzarella, served with a rich truffle mayo. And a generous portion of hand-cut squid and zucchini with a sprinkle of paprika and garlicky aioli sauce.
A bottle of Gavi di Gavi Magda Padrini Piedmont Italy, with citrus and melon notes and good acidity, paired well with our meal.
I’ve always loved spaghetti carbonara and consider it a real treat. Here it was served in classic Anglo-Italian style with lashings of cream and salty nuggets of pancetta topped with grated Parmesan, just as it should be!
For mains, my companion enjoyed a bountiful portion of lobster linguine, served in a rich brandy shellfish bisque with cherry tomatoes, the ideal winter warmer. On the side a fresh collation of green leaves with spinach and shards of pear.
And finally, an ample portion of salted caramel cheesecake, rich and indulgent with a luscious velvety texture, served with pistachio ice cream and a couple of fresh raspberries on the side – a perfect balance of sweet and salty notes. But one last thing – when in Italy, you should always have a limoncello.
64 Old Compton Street offers old-school Italian hospitality in the heart of Soho, lovely service, great food at affordable prices and even your well-behaved pooch is welcome.
64 Old Compton Street
Soho
London
W1D 4UQ
UK
Tel: 020 7287 2043
Looking for something different? We also love Robata on Old Compton Street, for Japanese Izakaya Food at sensible prices
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