It is always a treat to step inside Lina Stores with its heaving shelves of shiny amaretti tins and Bialetti coffee makers’ and inviting deli counter freshly stocked with little ravioli, cured hams and tempting antipasti. A Soho institution, the deli at 18 Brewer Street has been making fresh pasta since 1944, and has long been known as London’s top destination for Italian produce.
Now, Lina Stores has opened a restaurant on nearby Greek Street. Serving up the proscutti, cheeses and antipasti that we’re familiar with from the shop as starters, the menu includes a small selection of delicious fresh pasta dishes; Tortellini in brodo, Fusi all’Arrabiata; Spaghetti chitarra with baby clams and bottarga and Gnocchi stuffed with fresh ricotta and white truffle. There’s something of Wes Anderson’s Bar Luce about the interiors; think mint green counters, globe pendant lighting and formica chairs. Split across two floors, sip a blood orange bellini at the bar and watch the goings-on in the kitchen, or head downstairs and bag a green tiled banquette with a gang of friends.
