OPINION: I finally visited London’s iconic Japanese-Italian restaurant that has been taking social media by storm, with dreamy flavour combos and unexpected pairings throughout the entire menu
I’d been dying to try this place ever since I first saw it popping off online, and after finally visiting I can safely say it was absolutely worth the wait. Osteria Angelina is nestled in the heart of Shoreditch, with a decadent menu that combines Japanese and Italian flavours in some truly unexpected ways.
The staff were warm and genuine, and went above and beyond to help at every step of the way. They guided us through the menu and pointed out their top picks and although the menu itself appears simple, don’t let that fool you.
Every dish packs a punch – so much so, that went went back in for seconds more than once and I’m still thinking about everything I ate to this day.
First up was the Hokkaido Milk Bread which was light and fluffy, hitting that perfect balance between sweet and savoury. It was served with an indulgent burnt honey butter and gooey jam. It was so delicious that we had to get another portion and fought over the last bite, so top tip: get one per person!
The tomato salad was so fresh that it practically melted in the mouth and even thought it is so simple, the dish proves just how much can be done when you have premium ingredients.
Then came everyone’s favourite, the truffle and kombu tortellini. These juicy little parcels are packed with flavour and melt-in-the-mouth centres and smothered with a deep yellow earthy, umami sauce that can only be described as liquid gold.
By this point I was completely stuffed but I simply had to have more, so we ordered a second bowl and devoured it as quickly as the first. I would return simply for this dish alone and I’m not even much of a pasta lover, so that’s really saying something.
But perhaps the thing I love most about Osteria Angelina was how much fun there is to be had with the food. The flavours are so unique and thoughtfully put together that I found myself experimenting and creating combinations of my own, right there at the dinner table.
Some of them were too good not to share, so if you visit then do yourself a favour and please try these combinations:
- Tomato Salad with the Hamachi, Truffle Soy & Furikake– a fresh, vibrant pairing that works an absolute treat.
- Hokkaido Milk Bread with the Scallop & Soy Burnt Butter– trust me on this one. The richness of the scallop sauce alongside the fluffy, sweet bread is something very special.
- Scallops with juice from the Tomato Salad– a combination that brings out the best in both ingredients.
They also have a carefully curated dessert menu for anyone with room to spare, and mouthwatering signature cocktails such as the Sol Levante with vodka, melon liqueur, watermelon and lime, and the Passion Hinode with passionfruit liqueur, sipello and ginger beer.
This element of discovery made dining at Osteria Angelina one of the most memorable foodie experiences I’ve ever had. I felt like I was in my own kitchen, playing with flavours and discovering combinations I’d never think to pair together.
If this place has been on your must-try list for a while, I’m delighted to say that I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. It’s a restaurant I’d happily return to and given how quickly we polished off that second helping of tortellini, I don’t think it’ll be long before they see me again!
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