27 Old Compton Street — Review by Eating With Tod
London, United Kingdom — Italian
This late-night Italian restaurant in Soho serves exceptional pasta until 1am, with standout dishes like the pistachio carbonara made traditionally and truffle mushroom lasagna. The reviewer praised the quality and affordability, especially the Monday deal offering pasta and dessert for just £10, though warned that the free gnocchi balls can be messy to eat.
What was great: Pistachio carbonara made the traditional way with egg yolk and crushed pistachios, mushroom and truffle lasagna, beef ragu, free pistachio deep-fried gnocchi balls, late night service until 1am, affordable Monday deal at £10 for pasta and dessert
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The reviewer started with mushroom and truffle lasagna as a starter, which impressed with its generous cheese content and required careful study due to its richness. The highlight was undoubtedly the pistachio carbonara, prepared the traditional way with egg yolk, pistachio paste, and rigatoni topped with crushed pistachios. The reviewer described this dish as an Italian's dream and noted it tastes like a dessert and pasta had a baby together. The beef ragu came highly recommended as a must-order item. Complimentary pistachio deep-fried gnocchi balls arrived with the carbonara order, which turned out to be the most popular pasta on the menu and featured vodka in its preparation.
The Experience
The restaurant operates as a late-night establishment in Soho's heart, with a unique setup featuring pasta makers downstairs creating fresh shapes and the renowned Chef Bruno, referred to as the Italian stallion, overseeing operations upstairs. The atmosphere appears relaxed and suitable for casual dining, though the reviewer was notably tipsy during the visit, suggesting a fun, social environment.
Value and Pricing
The pricing is exceptionally reasonable, particularly the Monday special offering pasta and dessert for just £10. The reviewer noted that the free gnocchi balls, while delicious, proved to be the most expensive item on the menu in terms of value perception, with a tongue-in-cheek warning about needing a dry cleaner after eating them.
Notable Moments
This is literally an Italian's dream. Pistachio carbonara.
If a dessert and a pasta had a baby, it's absolutely outrageous.
Does anyone have a dry cleaner's number, please?
The Verdict
This Soho institution is an excellent choice for late-night Italian dining, offering authentic pasta dishes at affordable prices. The pistachio carbonara is a must-try for adventurous pasta lovers, and the Monday deal makes it perfect for budget-conscious diners. Best suited for those seeking quality Italian cuisine beyond typical hours and willing to embrace the casual, slightly chaotic dining experience.