From the team behind Zephyr and Bottarga, two of my favourite Mediterranean-inspired spots, Nina has been causing a stir online, making it notoriously difficult to get a reservation.
The team have been taking TikTok followers on a behind the scenes journey of getting the restaurant ready for diners, and it’s captured London diners’ appeal and tastebuds.
@emshelx I should gatekeep so I can actually get a reservation but this is the best new restaurant in London, add to your list immediately. A new Italian inspired restaurant in London and it might be the best focaccia I’ve ever had. #marylebonevillage #marylebonefood #londonrestaurant #londonrestaurants #pachamama #ninalondon #ninamarylebone #marylebone #bottarga #bottargalondon #londonfood #londonfoodie #newinlondon #londondateidea #londondatenight #chelsealondon #londonfoodspots #londonfoodguide #londonhotspots #londonhiddengems #londonlife #londonhotspots ♬ original sound – Puro Oldies
I managed to secure a table, and let me tell you – it was worth the hype.
The moment I walked in, I understood why people are obsessed.
The atmosphere is effortlessly stylish, with warm lighting, elegant decor, and a crowd that looks like they stepped out of a fashion editorial.
There’s a buzzy energy to the place, making it feel like the spot to be.
(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest) One of my favourite parts was the decor and the fun notes that have been put in place of pictures coming on the wall – with one saying “artwork reveal soon”.
Now, onto the food – because that’s where Nina really shines.
The focaccia with parmesan butter arrived first, and I could’ve made a meal out of it alone. The bread was perfectly fluffy with a golden crust, and the parmesan butter was indulgently rich, melting into every bite.
But my personal favorite? The tuna tataki on orange melon – a combination I’d never tried before, but one that worked beautifully.
It’s an Instagram and TikTok favourite, but it doesn’t just look good and that’s what I liked about it.
The raw tuna had just the right amount of bite, while the juicy melon added a burst of sweetness that made the whole dish sing.
For mains, we shared the tomato spaghetti and the duck ragu.
The spaghetti was a lesson in simplicity, with perfectly cooked pasta coated in a deep, vibrant tomato sauce.
When it came to dessert, I had my eye on the huge tiramisu that had been making the rounds on TikTok, but I couldn’t resist the chocolate sorbet with sea salt, especially because it was only for two of us.
It was the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and salty, with a texture so smooth it felt almost luxurious.
Between the effortlessly cool vibe, the seriously good food, and the impossible-to-get reservations, it’s clear why Nina has gone viral.
It’s the kind of place that feels like a special night out without being overly fussy.
If you manage to snag a table, consider yourself lucky – you’re in for a treat.
