Mozzarella aficionados Obicà have re-opened the doors of their refurbed Soho location to celebrate 10 years with a brand-new contemporary look. Industrial design breeze block walls and a concrete roof are softened with round mirrors, plants, and naked light fixtures. The interiors create an informal atmosphere with a cosmopolitan feel, typical of Italian piazzas and arcades. You’d think the space would lack warmth as you walk in, but the staff and buzz of the close-together tables create an atmosphere.

Campari, Aperol and Olive Oil bottles are dotted along the bar back with jars of olives, and there’s an open deli kitchen at the front as you walk in, where you can see the chefs making salads and slicing cured meats. The menu is made up of a ‘Mozzarella Bar’ from which diners can choose either the classic or smoked mozzarellas, as well as in bocconcini “bites” format, all produced exclusively with buffalo milk following the regulations of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP. Small plates include Prosciutto Crudo di Parma DOP aged 24 months and Bresaola di Chianina IGP, which can be ordered alongside the Mozzarella Bar’s Lievitati “Leavened” items such as focaccina and bruschette.

There is also a variety of pizza, pasta, salads, meats, and fish available on the menu and a delicious desserts list featuring tiramisù, ricotta di bufala cake with marron glace caramel, and torta di capri with ice cream. There are lots of vegetarian and vegan options, for an Italian restaurant, they do this well.

Some favourites that we ordered were the Classic Burrata (I asked the waitress what her favourite was), the Red Pepper Hummus, which came with flatbreads, and the Pomodorini del Piennolo del Vesuvio DOP and Fresh Oregano Bruschette really sung with some balsamic drizzled over it. The burrata was the best we’d had in a while, firm on the outside and gooey and creamy on the inside. The Red Pepper Hummus was something I hadn’t tried before but I was pleasantly surprised, it was slightly sweet and had a beautiful orange colour from the red pepper – this was served with ample soft, warm flatbreads.

The Bruschette had a few options you could choose from – it arrived at the table as two pieces. You could choose whether it was two of the same Bruschette or a mix and match. We went for the mix and match and ordered Cremoso di Bufala, Fried Artichoke, Black Summer Truffle and the Pomodorini del Piennolo del Vesuvio DOP and Fresh Oregano. The bread was fresh and the toppings were generous, I would recommend ordering a mix and match of these!

Obica is an ideal spot to meet in central whether you’re a two or a larger group, and it’s perfect for just having a glass of wine with some small plates or a larger meal, which takes you into the evening – there’s something for everyone!

Website: www.obica.com

Address: 19-20 Poland St, London, W1F 8QF

Written by Lenny Wright

Photography courtesy of Obicà