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Lina Stores is a new version of Italian comfort food topped with a bit of more elegance and class. And we love a good ol’ Italian cuisine feast!

Thank God for the Italians that invented pasta although I’m pretty sure it had to do something with Marco Palo brining back noodles from China upon returning from his trips to China in the 13th century. Fast forward to 2020, pasta has become somewhat of a sacred cult in London. And although there are many niche specialists out there, Lina Stores is somewhere between mainstream and well-curated so we always love to go back. Although their Soho outpost is much more cosy and cute, we recently visited their Kings Cross deli and restaurant for a quick bite and loved it!

Lina Stores deli at the front of the house

Pasta is meticulously prepared at Lina Stores with the menu changing every so often. However, some classics seems to remain on the catalogue that is long and funky. Sitting at the bar you can catch all the action as numerous chefs prepare pasta and other dishes right in front you very eyes; otherwise opt for one of the tables. During busy times the restaurant gets busy so make sure you get a reservation in advance. And if you think of lunch-break in this very busy -nowadays- part of town then don’t even think of paying a visit with no prior arrangements.

We loved the Rondini con Granchio e Capesante, as the cherry tomato confit was very delicate and balanced off the crab and scallop very nicely. More so, we absolutely got crazy about the Ravioli Doppi di Parmigianno e Topinambur – double ravioli with artichokes and parmesan filling topped with some salted ricotta! Wow! Simply amazing! Although we didn’t try any of the antipasti, we were told by friends that their Anchovies dish that comes with a freshly baked brioche and butter is mesmerising (if you’re in for it!) and that their Capolina is also a classic.

As we made our exit and had a look at the nicely decorated tabletop of the deli, we couldn’t help but devour a couple of their bomboloni with nutella – soft, chewy and crunchy, also sprinkled in sugar!