I came across the Fare Italian restaurant with a friend during Clerkenwell Design Week. On Saturday, I found myself in the vicinity, so I returned to try the pizza and wasn’t disappointed. If you’re looking for Italian restaurants near Old Street, pizza in Clerkenwell or lunch specials in EC1, you’ll appreciate Fare.
“Treat yourself to the perfect pizza or pasta at Fare, the Italian restaurant on Old Street with outside seating for alfresco dining,” Homegirl London
Fare Italian Restaurant Pizza and Pasta Menu
When I stopped off for lunch, I tried the fabulously fresh focaccia bread with dipping olive oil.
On my second visit, I ate creamy burrata with minted broad bean relish, crunchy radishes and toasted pearl barley. I loved the combination because it was fresh tasting, had a summery vibe, and I’d never had burrata with those accompanying ingredients before. I will steal that recipe to replicate for a dinner party. Other antipasti include charcuterie and bone marrow with dandelion salad.
My friend and I chose the Fettuccine, marinated oyster mushrooms, wild garlic and Grand Padano. We both commented on how delicious it was. The oyster mushrooms had a meaty texture, and the garlic was thankfully subtle. I spilt a bit on my new jacket, which I had to wipe off; I’m such a sloppy eater! The meat pasta was reginette (ribbon pasta with curly edges) with smoked ham hock, or you can opt for the casarecce (short pasta with curled edges and groove down the middle) with Devon crab.
The reason why I wanted to return was for the pizza. We shared the Melanzanella, with aubergines and San Marzano base, fior de latte, ricotta musta and taggiasca olives. It had a rich sauce with an intriguing smoky taste. I enjoyed the large rustic pizza crust! The Giardino Verde is their vegan pizza featuring marinated courgettes, heritage tomatoes, Cecil bean aioli and garlic chips. Other ingredients include ‘nduja with spicy salami, pancetta and prosciutto for the meat-eaters.
Add a side; we had the little gem with shiso, Granny Smith apple and fig leaf vinaigrette. I had to look up what shiso is, and it’s a Japanese herb from the mint family that looks like a spikey leaf. Fine green beans with crispy garlic and chilli honey are also available, along with Jersey Royals with mint and butter.
We wanted to share the tiramisu and chocolate tart with blood orange, toasted hazelnut and whipped cream, but alas, the latter was all gone. We could have gone for gelato or sorbet but had some at home, so the tiramisu for two had to do. It wasn’t attractively presented, but it tasted divine, so I’ll let them off!
Antipasti cost £4-13, pasta £14-16, pizza £12-17 and desserts £7-9. Check out the excellent wine list and the cocktails.
Fare Italian Restaurant Old Street London Information
To find out more, visit the Fare Website. The address is 11 Old Street, London EC1V 9HL. Fare is a short walk from Old Street and the Barbican stations. Please check the website for current opening times. Inside, the restaurant décor is industrial chic. They have two floors, tables in the front on the pavement and at the back of the restaurant. It’s a great place to visit for a business lunch if you work in the area or the evening with friends.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about restaurants where I had a good experience. I recommend that you undertake further research as restaurant standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the restaurant is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover that this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
