Sola Pasta Bar Brings Exquisite Simplicity to Soho

Dec 16

Dec 16 Sola Pasta Bar Brings Exquisite Simplicity to Soho

Any restaurant that has a giant cheese wheel at both its literal and gastronomic centre has me at the word go. And Sola Pasta Bar, which recently stormed onto West Broadway, is no exception.

Sola is as much a visual experience as it is an edible one. Guests don’t just merely glance into the kitchen; it is the central feature of the restaurant, completely open to eager eyes ready to follow their food’s journey from prep to presentation on plate. I was quite transfixed watching the team of 5 chefs, expertly weaving around each other in the modern kitchen, complete with gastronomic gadgets galore. It works exceptionally well at ensuring hungry guests.

Expertly sliced Prosciutto di Carpegna by Fratelli Beretta, with sharp yet complimentary Vezzena cheese set the evening off in a traditionally Italian style, especially with the arrival of a tangy, fresh Aperol Spritz to wash it all down. Next I was prepared for my taste buds to be wheeled over by the exquisite combination of cheese, pepper and pasta. Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe is a bastion of innovative Italian cooking and Sola’s interpretation more than delivered. Guests watch as their pasta is delicately twisted and turned within the giant wheel of Monti Trentini Pecorino cheese, before the signature black pepper seasoning is added and then served.

Creamy Polenta plated with Porcini Mushrooms, dusted with a generous helping of Urbani White Truffles made for a hearty and flavorsome third course. This dish is simple yet effective, each individual ingredient speaks clearly for itself. This is indicative of Sola’s philosophy in general. The restaurant’s story begins with the vision of the three founding owners: Nicola, Simone and Massimo Sola (Awarded Michelin Star Chef). Simplicity paired with excellent quality of ingredients is the mantra. Their mission is to pay exquisite attention to authentic flavors and exceptional Italian cuisine, in its simplest form.

To end, the underrated combination of Pear and Chocolate is served with the flaky crunch of Filo Pastry, by Bindi. It’s a smooth, velvety end to an evening that went above and beyond expections in order to delivery Italian authenticity at its finest. From vegan options to five dish pasta tastings, there is certainly something to satisfy all preferences and palettes.