Photo: Naf Castanas, @adashandasplash
You might say 40 Dean Street is a bit of a Soho institution. In its 20 years of life, this cosy, independent spot has been reliably serving incredible Italian food to locals and tourists.
When founder and executive chef Nima Safaei first bought 40 Dean Street, he fully intended to turn it into a bar – but that was before he’d visited the Italian spot that occupied the space and fell in love with the restaurant and its wonderful team. So he roped in his sister, who had grown up in Florence, and stayed true to its Italian origins. This was the start of Safaei’s blossoming career as a chef, though he still threw a lot of love into the bar. We’ll get to that in a moment.
Photo: Naf Castanas, @adashandasplash
Since taking over, Safaei and his sister have taken inspiration from many regions across Italy and the Mediterranean, and you can expect to see a huge range of classic and contemporary dishes on the menu. The ingredients used are nothing but the best, with many sourced from local Soho delis. Their coffee, for example, hails from Secret London favourite, Algerian Coffee Stores.
Classics include Bruschetta and Arancini, and of course the thing no Italian restaurant would be complete without: an Antipasto platter. Meats and cheeses always pleases. But the pasta, which is handmade each and every day, is the real showstopper at 40 Dean Street. Choose from the likes of Ricotta and Truffle Ravioli, Beef Ragu Pappardelle, or the restaurant’s signature Seafood Linguine. There are pizzas, risotto and grill options on the menu too, as well as a divine selection of desserts, including Pistachio Tiramisu and Profiteroles.
Photo: Naf Castanas, @adashandasplash
The wine list covers all corners of Italy, and comes at a price that won’t make you faint. But the cocktail menu is arguably where it’s at, featuring some gorgeous serves like the Blood Orange Martini, the Italiano Sour, or the Wildflower Negroni. And it wouldn’t be a peculiar evening if Nima Safaei made and served you your drinks himself. Grabbing an outside table and sipping a Sour on a sunny day in Soho is surely one for the summer bucket list? (How’s that for a tongue twister?)
Safaei is all about supporting local businesses, as well as the local community. He says his main aim, whether that be for Londoners or visitors, has always been “to ensure every person leaves with a smile on their face.”
📍 Address: Find 40 Dean Street at, well, 40 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 4PX. Nearest stations are Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus.
🗓️ Opening times: Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 11:30pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays, 12pm to 10:30pm.
🍴 Book a table over on the restaurant’s website.
🐕 40 Dean Street is dog-friendly.