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Despite being situated right across from the Piazza, Notto Covent Garden is bright, airy and calm. You enter through the bar, where staff wait to welcome you into the solace of the dining area.
The menu is refreshingly simple but satisfying, as is the wine list.
To start we tucked into a silky burrata seasoned with blood oranges and chilli, our server recommended mopping it up with a wedge of salty and warm rosemary and tomato focaccia so we did just that. The salad of baby violet artichokes and rocket leaves with parmesan and lemon dressing was tender and refreshing. Helpings were generous, especially the focaccia which made mopping up all those glorious oils and dressings nice and easy. A chilled glass of Prosecco Spumante was a delicious light accompaniment.
Ravioli of osso bucco with saffron butter, chive oil and parmesan was the jewel in the crown
The restaurant recommends sharing three pasta dishes between two people. We chose ravioli of ricotta and pecorino with morels and thyme, which sounded like delicate flavours yet was anything but, with a definite mushroom punch. Spaghettini with langoustine bisque, white Dorset crab, lemon zest and basil was pleasant, although the bisque lacked in flavour and the crab meat was sparse.
Last but definitely not least, ravioli of osso bucco with saffron butter, chive oil and parmesan – the jewel in the crown. The butter was rich but moreish and would rival offerings from the likes of Bancone and Padella.
Overall, Notto is a welcome addition to the Henrietta Street fold and definitely won’t disappoint diners looking to grab some pasta before braving the cobbles again.
The vibe Laid back, modern dining with friendly, attentive staff waiting to take your shopping bags.
The food Simple starters and delicately prepared pasta dishes with bags of flavour.
The drink A carefully selected wine list (we chose the only rosé) with plenty of cocktails, beers and spirits
Time Out tip The set lunch menu is particularly reasonable: for £19:50 you get a starter, main and dessert. It’s available until 3pm, so it works pre-matinee.