REVIEW: OTTALENGHI'S NOPI

(image courtesy of  nopi-restaurant.com)

Brainchild of the team behind Jerusalem-born chef and cookery writer Yotam Ottolenghi, Nopi is a stylish brasserie that serves up a Middle-east and Asia inspired breakfast menu until 12 pm. Located centrally, near Piccadilly Station, the lavish and tastefully decorated restaurant boasts a pretty and light interior; mainly white with touches of marble and brass adding a warm and sophisticated touch.

The service was helpful and very friendly indeed, with the staff seating us promptly and happily offering knowledgeable recommendations from the menu. A wonderfully creamy flat white started us off while we debated over the varied menu, tempted by the black rice, coconut milk, banana, and mango, and the shakshuka; a dish of braised eggs, piquante tomato sauce and smoked labneh, which we discovered is a kind of strained yogurt. After deliberation, I opted for the bagel with smoked salmon and wasabi cream, while my companion and beauty blogger over at Style Lobster, Emily chose the French toast with star anise sugar, berry compote and orange yoghurt.

Emily’s choice was envy-inducing. The French toast was thick but light, crunchy yet moist, and although the egg had soaked all the way through the slices it wasn’t stodgy in the slightest. It was a huge portion of an unabashed sugary feast, definitely to be recommended to any friend with a serious sweet tooth.

My dish was flavoursome and refreshing, and was served it a cute little vinaigrette-dressed pickle and radish side salad. It was the wasabi cream which had pulled me in – I am a sucker for wasabi – and it didn’t disappoint. Paired deliciously with the delicate flavour of the smoked salmon (which was nice and thick – just the way I like it), the cream was subtle but still packed that hot, horseradish-y punch. Emily and I also treated ourselves to a side of bacon each, being the meat fiends that we are. The English-style bacon was fried and fairly tasty, as far as bacon goes, although not the best I’ve ever had.

As a whole Nopi is a lovely spot for a chilled, late breakfast and brunch, catching up with a friend. The central heating was on rather high, which I worried would be uncomfortable for the duration of our meal, but we adjusted and the cosy temperature added to the intimate feel of the place. We felt right at home, and stayed until we had to leave to make way for a lunchtime booking. Also a special mention has to be made for the many mirrored ladies’ toilet. It is very art deco and a selfie haven.

REVIEW: OTTALENGHI'S NOPI

(image courtesy of  nopi-restaurant.com)

Brainchild of the team behind Jerusalem-born chef and cookery writer Yotam Ottolenghi, Nopi is a stylish brasserie that serves up a Middle-east and Asia inspired breakfast menu until 12 pm. Located centrally, near Piccadilly Station, the lavish and tastefully decorated restaurant boasts a pretty and light interior; mainly white with touches of marble and brass adding a warm and sophisticated touch.

The service was helpful and very friendly indeed, with the staff seating us promptly and happily offering knowledgeable recommendations from the menu. A wonderfully creamy flat white started us off while we debated over the varied menu, tempted by the black rice, coconut milk, banana, and mango, and the shakshuka; a dish of braised eggs, piquante tomato sauce and smoked labneh, which we discovered is a kind of strained yogurt. After deliberation, I opted for the bagel with smoked salmon and wasabi cream, while my companion and beauty blogger over at Style Lobster, Emily chose the French toast with star anise sugar, berry compote and orange yoghurt.

Emily’s choice was envy-inducing. The French toast was thick but light, crunchy yet moist, and although the egg had soaked all the way through the slices it wasn’t stodgy in the slightest. It was a huge portion of an unabashed sugary feast, definitely to be recommended to any friend with a serious sweet tooth.

My dish was flavoursome and refreshing, and was served it a cute little vinaigrette-dressed pickle and radish side salad. It was the wasabi cream which had pulled me in – I am a sucker for wasabi – and it didn’t disappoint. Paired deliciously with the delicate flavour of the smoked salmon (which was nice and thick – just the way I like it), the cream was subtle but still packed that hot, horseradish-y punch. Emily and I also treated ourselves to a side of bacon each, being the meat fiends that we are. The English-style bacon was fried and fairly tasty, as far as bacon goes, although not the best I’ve ever had.

As a whole Nopi is a lovely spot for a chilled, late breakfast and brunch, catching up with a friend. The central heating was on rather high, which I worried would be uncomfortable for the duration of our meal, but we adjusted and the cosy temperature added to the intimate feel of the place. We felt right at home, and stayed until we had to leave to make way for a lunchtime booking. Also a special mention has to be made for the many mirrored ladies’ toilet. It is very art deco and a selfie haven.