We’re loving NOPI, the new Soho based restaurant from the team at Ottolenghi‘s for two reasons. First, for the array of fresh and innovative sharing plates and the second for the interiors of clean white, brass and gold designed by award winning architect Alex Meitlis. The restaurant is split between two levels, upstairs features a more formal fare with reclaimed brass doors and replicas of antique lamps from old Jaffa hanging from the ceiling. This is highlighted by a back drop of white ceramic tiles and gold trimmings, NOPI exudes luxury but not pretention.

Downstairs has a more communal feel where tables (like the food) are shared. It has two main features, one is the open kitchen, filled with unique aromas and chillies hanging in their hunders and the other is the open pantry, so you really feel like you are a part of the cooking experience. NOPI’s menu encourages sharing, here the ‘brasserie with a twist’ is open all day serving Middle-Eastern and Asian infused food. We can’t possibly begin to pick a favourite dish but the seared prawns with fennel and chargrilled octopus with salmorejo sauce were bursting with flavour and their home made sour dough bread is must. Arguably the menu is slightly pricey but for the standard of innovative and fresh food in rich surrounding we would definitely recommend it…