What’s the draw?
The second of soon-to-be-three venues under restaurateur Nima Safei, 64 Old Compton Street shares a similar concept to its sister sites: authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Soho.
The menu’s journey from a perfectly humble garlic bread to saffron risotto bears in mind the simplicity of ingredient-led cooking, amid a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.
What to eat
If that old adage that you can tell how good a place is by its bread is true, you’ll know you’re due a good meal after sampling 64 Compton Street’s focaccia. From the truffle arancini to the fried squid and zucchini, 64 has Italian bar food dialled, and the antipasto misto and bruschetta demonstrate this.
Moving on to mains, you’re in safe hands with the pasta, which is freshly homemade each day. Shoutout to the carbonara, which gives Italian nonnas a run for their money. If you’ve had your fill of formaggio, prep your second stomach for the house pistachio tiramisu or one of 64’s many gelatos. Fear not, those who haven’t had their fill; there’s also a cheeseboard.
What to drink
64 Old Compton’s drinks menu carries on the venue’s theme of something for everyone. For the winethusiasts, there’s a pairing for every palate: reds, whites, rosés and all that sparkles. Cocktail offerings pay homage to timeless classics with flair, like their Italiano sour and Wildflower negroni, which highlight the team’s knowledge of both mixology and the Med.
This joins a tasteful selection of dessert wines, and for those already sweet enough, Safei supplies all the classic digestives.
