WHO
Repeat offenders Selin Kiazim and Laura Christie of Shoreditch’s Oklava have opened a second, considerably different restaurant focussed on Turkish pasta in Bloomsbury.
FOOD
Turkish with a twist, which results in plates that are surprising, exciting and delicious. Various sharing plates adorn the menu, though the spotlight clearly belongs to the three central pasta dishes.
Sheep’s milk feta cheese with crispy pita bread, chilli and candied watermelon (yes, you heard us right) – £5.5
Crispy tarama lavash, a contemporary take on a creamy fish taco – £4.5
Absurdly flavourful beef and sour cherry manti served as large tortelloni in a tin bowl with yoghurt, tomato-chilli butter and a generous sprinkling of pine nuts – £16
Best described as a liquid dessert, the spiced baharat and amaretto ayran on the rocks is a revolutionary delight that combines the final course and a digestif for those lacking stomach space – £7
DRINKS
Finally, a restaurant whose geographic knowledge extends beyond the fields of France, Italy and Germany with a wine list that’s on point.
A creative Grapefruit Sour with Mastiha liqueur from the Greek island of Chios – £9
Barudi 2017, a crisp and floral blend of Muscat, Chardonnay and Narince – £6
An Armenian Van Ardi Kangun 2017, with exotic notes of banana – £8.5
DECOR
A colourful yet understated mid-century feel where red and blue accents mingle with greenery, wooden furniture and elegantly integrated kitchen staples like cured meats.
NOISE
There was no noise, actually. It’s something of an urban oasis.
SEATING
Even though the interior is breathtaking, we recommend sitting outside. Everybody loves the sunshine and with a terrace nestled on a peaceful corner just minutes away from Warren Street station, there’s always something to see.
VIBE
If it was a perfume, it would be called Unruffled Perfection.
SERVICE
Young and attentive staff, who care about more than just their paycheck.
WOULD RECOMMEND
To your one friend who eats at the same Italian trattoria time and time again. It’s also perfect for family affairs, as it has exactly the right amount of sophistication to feel fancy and not really fancy at the same time.
WHO
Repeat offenders Selin Kiazim and Laura Christie of Shoreditch’s Oklava have opened a second, considerably different restaurant focussed on Turkish pasta in Bloomsbury.
FOOD
Turkish with a twist, which results in plates that are surprising, exciting and delicious. Various sharing plates adorn the menu, though the spotlight clearly belongs to the three central pasta dishes.
Sheep’s milk feta cheese with crispy pita bread, chilli and candied watermelon (yes, you heard us right) – £5.5
Crispy tarama lavash, a contemporary take on a creamy fish taco – £4.5
Absurdly flavourful beef and sour cherry manti served as large tortelloni in a tin bowl with yoghurt, tomato-chilli butter and a generous sprinkling of pine nuts – £16
Best described as a liquid dessert, the spiced baharat and amaretto ayran on the rocks is a revolutionary delight that combines the final course and a digestif for those lacking stomach space – £7
DRINKS
Finally, a restaurant whose geographic knowledge extends beyond the fields of France, Italy and Germany with a wine list that’s on point.
A creative Grapefruit Sour with Mastiha liqueur from the Greek island of Chios – £9
Barudi 2017, a crisp and floral blend of Muscat, Chardonnay and Narince – £6
An Armenian Van Ardi Kangun 2017, with exotic notes of banana – £8.5
DECOR
A colourful yet understated mid-century feel where red and blue accents mingle with greenery, wooden furniture and elegantly integrated kitchen staples like cured meats.
NOISE
There was no noise, actually. It’s something of an urban oasis.
SEATING
Even though the interior is breathtaking, we recommend sitting outside. Everybody loves the sunshine and with a terrace nestled on a peaceful corner just minutes away from Warren Street station, there’s always something to see.
VIBE
If it was a perfume, it would be called Unruffled Perfection.
SERVICE
Young and attentive staff, who care about more than just their paycheck.
WOULD RECOMMEND
To your one friend who eats at the same Italian trattoria time and time again. It’s also perfect for family affairs, as it has exactly the right amount of sophistication to feel fancy and not really fancy at the same time.
