Restaurants

Itto has the temporary look of somewhere just about to close or just about to open. Decor has been whittled down to off-purple walls, a framed Chinese art print and a free-standing heater. Tables are laminated wood, seating is on wooden stools, and only the dining room to the rear is softened by tea lights and place mats. Yet this easygoing pan-Asian noodle caff is considered something of a godsend by Stoke Newington folk, pulling in a good weekend crowd and steady takeaway trade. Staff are agreeably helpful, the menu a pleasant ramble through Thai curries, Chinese stir-fries, noodle soups and fried rice five ways. Vietnamese seems to be the strength, judging by a commendable, clean-tasting chicken pho (rice noodle soup with poached chicken, fresh herbs and chilli), and golden vietnamese spring rolls with a nuoc cham dipping sauce. For some reason, the kitchen gave vegetable pad thai noodles a cloyingly sweet, thick sauce reminiscent of an old-style Chinese sweet and sour.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008