Seemor
Officina 00BWorth Trying
156 Old St, London EC1V 9BW
· Italian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (874 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Fresh, creative pasta with a few knockout bites and some divisive flavor combos; great for adventurous pasta lovers, less ideal for big appetites or classic-only purists.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Officina 00 delivers strong food quality with inventive house-made pasta that earns consistent praise, supported by warm, attentive service and an engaging open-kitchen atmosphere. However, inconsistent execution across services and tight seating arrangements prevent it from reaching higher territory—the restaurant excels at what it does but lacks the polish and reliability of grade A-grade establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with an open kitchen where pasta is rolled and sauced within view. Service is often friendly and attentive, with several diners calling out staff by name, and plates land with a casual energy that suits the neighborhood. The cooking leans contemporary Italian with creative edges—think pistachio pesto livened by yuzukoshu or miso butter enriching a silky raviolo. It is chef-driven comfort more than nonna’s classics, great when you enjoy playful flavors and textures, less so if you want strict traditionalism. Portions can feel modest, but fresh pasta and a few headline snacks (panko lasagna, fried cacio e pepe raviolo) deliver distinctive bites that many find memorable. For families, the atmosphere is relaxed and the pasta-making show can be a hit; bread, croquettes, and ragù pappardelle are likely winners. That said, there is no dedicated kids menu, and several sauces skew bold or citrus-herb forward. Consider sticking to simpler items and sharing, as portions can run small for hungry teens.
At a Glance
- Fresh, house-made pasta with inventive sauces
- Engaging open kitchen and warm, casual vibe
- Portions can feel small relative to price
- Creative flavor combos are divisive for traditionalists
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- open_kitchen_pasta_bar
- creative_Italian_flavor_fusions
- standout_snack_items
What People Love
- Watching pasta made right in front of them
- Playful, memorable snacks like panko lasagna
- Silky ragù pastas that feel comforting
- Friendly staff who keep service relaxed
Points of Concern
- Portions described as modest; some diners left wanting more
- Occasional service delays and timing hiccups on busy nights
- Creative sauces can feel unbalanced or overpowering to some palates
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, templated responses) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£34-45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Sourdough Focaccia (£5.50) or Croquette (£9) to share
- Pick one classic-leaning pasta (Curly Pappardelle £17.50) and one creative (Caserecce £16.50) per two diners
- If sensitive to anchovy or strong aromas, choose Buffalo Burrata (£14) or Baby Gem salad (£9.50) as a safer starter
Perfect For
- After-work pasta and wine at the counter
- Casual date night with modern Italian
- Small-group dinners where sharing snacks and pastas works
- Adventurous pasta fans exploring contemporary flavors
Location Insights
Area: Creative tech-corridor meets Shoreditch edge; young professional crowd with after-work dining and drinks.
Safety: Generally safe and busy in evenings; typical central London foot traffic.
Nearby: Near coworking hubs, bars, and other modern Italian pasta spots; open-kitchen venues are common nearby.
ClerkenwellA trendy, historically industrial area known for its cutting-edge design scene, innovative restaurants, and transformed warehouses. Characterized by a mix of historic charm and contemporary urban lifestyle.
Old StreetThe heart of London's 'Silicon Roundabout', a dense tech ecosystem with numerous co-working spaces, innovative eateries, and a vibrant startup culture.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30
Saturday11:30–15:30, 17:00–22:30
Sunday11:30–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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