Nina

Food

House Focaccia – Light, fluffy and perfectly airy, the warm focaccia is baked to perfection with a perfectly crisp crust. The addition of tomato within the bread adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour, while the whipped Parmesan butter provides a rich, savoury finish that complements every bite. Quite simply, the best focaccia I have had.

Beef Carpaccio Tonnato – Finely sliced, deli-style beef topped generously with Parmesan, fresh rocket and a light dressing. While the tonnato was more subtle than expected, it let the quality of the meat shine through. The meat was exceptionally fresh, beautifully presented and full of flavour, with the Parmesan adding a welcome savoury richness. A light drizzle of oil provided just enough moisture to bring everything together without ruining the balance of the dish.

Yellowtail Crudo – Fresh yellowtail, generously sliced and beautifully presented, siting atop a bed of jalapeño and stracciatella, finished with a delicate ponzu sauce. This was some of of the best sushi grade fish I have ever tasted, which was fresh & mild whilst not too fatty, not having the typical fishy aftertaste you may expect. The ponzu brings a refreshing citrus tang that enhances the clean, delicate flavour of the fish, while the creamy stracciatella adds richness. The subtle heat from the jalapeño provides just enough kick to elevate each bite without overpowering the dish. A dish built around contrasts, where each element complements the other beautifully.

Cacio e Pepe – A simple Italian classic executed in the best possible way. The seasoned creamy sauce was packed with cheese and balanced with just the right amount of pepper, creating a home-cooked feel while still feeling refined.
The addition of an egg yolk was a perfect touch, bringing extra richness and another layer of flavour while complementing the traditional recipe rather than taking away from it. Finished generously with cheese and presented beautifully, this was a dish that again proved simplicity can often deliver the greatest results.

Duck Ragu Bianco – Another classic pasta dish that showcases traditional Italian cooking. The duck was well incorporated into the ragu sauce, allowing the rich flavours of the duck to absorb into the pasta rather than sitting separately. Unlike some dishes where the main ingredient can feel sparsely added, the duck was present throughout and worked beautifully with the pasta.
However, the balance between cheese and duck was slightly uneven, with the cheese becoming a little too dominant and masked some of the flavour that the duck could have brought to the dish. Despite this the white ragu sauce holds on closely to the cheese and meat, creating a satisfyingly, silky and clean bite. A little more duck would have elevated this from a very good pasta to an exceptional one.

Dark Chocolate Sorbet – A thoughtful treat provided on the house to celebrate a birthday, this was a thoughtful way to finish the meal. Despite being labelled as a sorbet, the richness of the chocolate made it feel closer to an ice cream in texture and flavour. The deep dark chocolate notes were complemented by small specks of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil, adding a surprising savoury element that elevated the overall experience.
However, the richness of the sorbet did make it slightly challenging to enjoy after an already substantial meal. While the flavour was excellent, the richness meant that it felt more of a final struggle than a perfect finish to the meal.

Service

The service at Nina was welcoming from the moment we arrived. Our waiter did an excellent job explaining how the restaurant operates, including the family-style dining concept and the inspiration behind the restaurant’s unique styling, helping to create a more personal connection with the experience.
The passion for the food was clear, with recommendations and explanations delivered with genuine enthusiasm rather than feeling scripted. The team also went above and beyond to make the birthday celebration feel special, providing a birthday card from the restaurant which was a thoughtful and memorable touch.

Ambiance

Set downstairs away from the busy Marylebone streets, Nina immediately feels like a hidden dining destination. The interior combines a vintage Italian glamour with a retro, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Exposed brickwork, candlelit tables and intimate private dining areas give the restaurant a homely yet stylish character, while the private rooms with lounge-style seating makes it feel more relaxed than a traditional restaurant setting.
The open kitchen adds to the experience, allowing guests to see the chefs at work, although it is designed as part of the atmosphere rather than a counter-dining concept. Despite being busy throughout the evening, the restaurant maintained a comfortable feel without becoming overly loud.

Value

Exceptional value for the quality of food provided. At around £40–£45 per person for a bread course, two starters and two mains, this felt like an incredibly well-priced meal considering the standard of the dishes and the overall experience.
While it may not be the cheapest Italian meal in London, especially in such a prime central location, it would be a challenge to find the same level of quality, execution and attention to detail at a similar price point. I left the restaurant feeling that this was one of the best Italian meals I have ever had, with every dish feeling carefully considered and delivering on quality. Nothing felt overpriced or unjustified and I would happily pay the same again when I inevitably return.

Amenities

The amenities at Nina are simple which was expected. The toilets were clean, well maintained and thoughtfully designed, fitting with the restaurant’s overall aesthetic rather than feeling like an afterthought. While there are no particularly unique amenities to highlight, everything is well considered and contributes to the polished feel of the restaurant.