I love Italy. And I quite often question why I wasn’t born Italian, the food, the language, the weather, it really does have it all. Two years ago I visited Sorrento and fell head over heels the moment I stepped off the plane.
So naturally I pay homage to every Italian themed restaurant going and a couple of months back I paid a visit to Paesan which sits on the edge of Exmouth Market looking out at the giant that is Mount Pleasant Post Office. As a non-native Londoner the sheer size of that building blows my mind, as does the general location. Is it Angel, Farringdon, Clerkenwell, Islington? I have no idea but the closest tube stops are Farringdon, Angel and Chancery Lane.
But back to the food..
Paesan aims to present a small piece of what is the essence of Italy. With a rustic interior of wooden floors, stripped back walls and dinning it looks to reflect the tradition that is Italian food.
The menu is simple and honest and pretty damn tasty. I had the pan roasted sea bass which sat on a bed of chickpeas and kale, a frangipani cake for dessert, washed down with a glass of Campari.
I had a pang of regret not ordering a pasta dish once the waitress had mentioned all pasta is made at the restaurant, but the fish was amazing. There’s nothing better than a light fish dish and though Italy is of course synonymous with pasta, Italian style carne and pesce dishes are some of the best. There’s also the added bonus of being able to squeeze in a dessert when the main is so light and lovely.
If you’re looking for a laid back dinner, laid back drinks at a laid back restaurant and you just happen to be in the Farringdon area, then Paesan is the place for you. You can find an example of Paesan’s menus here.
