Noci, Islington
By Sophie Weir, Senior Editorial Assistant, Luxury Hospitality Magazine.
Overlooking Islington Green, Noci offers a calm escape from the city’s pace. We visited on an autumn lunchtime, and the restaurant felt effortlessly inviting. Its modern-rustic interiors — warm wood tones, subtle lighting, and clean lines — created a space that was both relaxed and refined.
Families, couples, and groups of friends moved comfortably through the dining room, reflecting the restaurant’s broad charm. Service flowed gently yet assuredly, guiding our meal with attentiveness that never felt overbearing.
Our meal began with a warming surprise — two complimentary focaccias, one soft and tomato-rich, the other aromatic with garlic, both served with extra virgin olive oil. Still warm, the breads were fragrant and comforting, a thoughtful gesture that awakened the palate and hinted at the Italian flavours to come. This small but considered introduction set the rhythm for the meal, balancing comfort and refinement with subtle elegance.
Focaccias, Noci, Islington
Our starters were equally precise. The Burrata was silky and creamy, accompanied by lightly pickled asparagus, tender broad beans, and a subtle citrus drizzle. Each bite was fresh, textured, and harmonious — the perfect introduction to showcase ingredient quality and restraint. The Beef Carpaccio followed, artfully presented with black olive powder, cream truffle, and fresh herbs. Delicate slices melted under the fork, seasoned to enhance without overwhelming, demonstrating both refined restraint and subtle inventiveness.
Noci’s signature pasta revealed the kitchen’s technical skill and creative touch. The Strozzapreti with creamed courgettes, pine nuts, and Parmesan was perfectly al dente, light, and nuanced, offering a gentle interplay of texture and flavour. In contrast, the Chianti beef pappardelle delivered richness and depth — slow-cooked beef, tender to the point of melting, paired with crispy shallots in a reduced Chianti sauce that enhanced rather than overpowered the dish. Both dishes exemplified Noci’s meticulous attention to detail, balancing seasoning, texture, and portion size with refinement.
Chianti beef pappardelle, Noci, Islington
Our desserts were a highlight of culinary invention. The dark chocolate mousse, served with chantilly cream and dried cherries, was rich yet airy, finishing the meal with elegance rather than heaviness. A particular standout was the Tirami-chou, a hybrid of tiramisu and profiterole. Layers of coffee-infused cream and delicate pastry created a playful contrast of textures, transforming a classic dessert into an inventive, precise creation. These desserts revealed a kitchen unafraid to experiment, harmonising technical skill with bold imagination.
Noci, ©Laura Jalbert
The drinks complemented the meal with equal care. A peach and elderflower gin fizz offered light effervescence and bright, floral notes, while a spicy mango margarita balanced gentle warmth with tropical sweetness. Both were invitingly nuanced, enhancing the meal without dominating it and encouraging measured sips alongside conversation.
Throughout, Noci demonstrates a seamless combination of space, service, and cuisine. Starters intrigue the senses, mains satisfy without feeling heavy, and desserts leave a lasting impression. The staff guide the meal with effortless assurance, allowing each course to unfold naturally. The experience is calm, considered, and wholly welcoming.
Noci
A visit in autumn captures the essence of approachable luxury — inventive dishes, precise execution, and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The complimentary focaccia sets the tone with comforting care, while the starters intrigue and excite. Pasta showcases technical skill and balance, desserts delight with creativity and playfulness, and the drinks complement each course with subtle complexity. Together, these elements work in synchrony to create a dining experience that feels indulgent yet effortless.
For those seeking Italian cuisine that balances technique, creativity, and atmosphere, Noci delivers with understated assurance. It is a space that feels both familiar and exhilarating, where culinary invention meets comfort and meticulous attention to detail is evident at every stage — from the inventive Tirami-chou to the perfectly seasoned courses. The result is a meal that leaves diners satisfied, inspired, and eager to return, proving that Italian dining at its best can be simultaneously comforting and brilliantly inventive.
For more information, and to book a reservation, please visit: https://nocirestaurant.co.uk/
