Embark on an exquisite Italian odyssey at Noci, a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Richmond. This charming Mediterranean eatery invites you to live La Dolce Vita, offering an experience that tantalises the senses and sparks the taste buds like a love affair.
Fall in love with every bite as you live out your epicurean fantasies. Noci beckons culinary connoisseurs to revel in their revolutionary pasta cooked to perfection topped with a cascade of cheese, shaved directly from the wheel, to make your heart sing.
From the moment you enter Noci, the inviting ambiance envelops you. The smell of freshly baked rosemary focaccia and simmering sauces waft through the air, signalling that you’re in for a feast to remember. The warm, rustic décor complements the enticing aromas, setting the stage for a delightful evening.
Pasta La Vista!
Noci (meaning walnut in Italian) serves a selection of enticing starters as well as nonna-pleasing homemade signature pasta dishes, regional specialities and delectable treats that showcase authentic Italian flavours and innovative culinary artistry.
The crispy fried parcels of aubergine parmigiana complemented by a refreshing basil mayo are a standout and a delightful introduction of what’s to follow. Equally impressive are the nduja arancini, showcasing the bold spicy notes of Calabrian salami, enveloped in crispy rice balls. This dish was elevated by the luxurious parmesan foam, providing a creamy texture that beautifully balanced the heat of the nduja.
Embracing the famous Italian phrase ‘dolce far niente’ which translates to ‘the sweetness of doing nothing’ I sat back in my seat, allowing myself to fully enjoy the moment as I awaited my main course. Sipping on the Godfather of all drinks, a classic Negroni, eased my anticipation. The vibrant notes of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth allowed me to unwind.
At Noci, the pasta offerings seamlessly fuse traditional Italian flavours with contemporary innovations, with each dish meticulously crafted to reflect culture and creativity. I opted for the veal and pork Genovese ragu served with paccheri. The ragu was rich and savoury, with tender pieces of meat simmered to perfection, enveloping the wide, ridged paccheri that captured every bit of the flavourful sauce. The addition of Monk’s Head cheese added a layer of creaminess, creating a silky mouthfeel. Next time I’m looking forward to trying the spicy green olive and feta pesto rigatoni, which promises to deliver a vibrant twist on classic flavours.
With each sumptuous bite, I took a generous sip of Primitivo – a bold, luscious red wine infused with strong notes of berries and subtle hints of spice. The sharpness of the wine paired with the richness of the sauce was sublime. It was a moment of pure indulgence as I relished in exquisite food and impeccable wine pairing, echoing the famous mantra of the legendary Sophia Loren: “I’d much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0.”
That’s Amore
There is always room for dessert so why not culminate your culinary journey with a decadent dessert. Afterall, it would be rude not to. For my sweet finale, I opted for the Miso panna cotta with bitter chocolate and white balsamic. The panna cotta was impossibly smooth with a velvety texture that melted in my mouth. The tangy balsamic and dark bitter chocolate was a divine balance of flavours against the creamy richness of the dessert. It was like a little cloud of heaven on my plate. Utterly content, I finished off with a shot of espresso reflecting on how Noci had orchestrated a meal that was nothing short of magical. In that moment I knew that I had stumbled upon a treasure in Richmond – one that I would return to again.
With food and drink reasonably price, Noci is a perfect option for budget conscious diners that doesn’t compromise on quality making even the most discerning foodies swoon. I was pleasantly surprised at their generous portions and enjoyed a top-notch dining experience without breaking the bank.
Buon cibo. Buon vino. Buoni amici
