Exmouth Market is fast becoming one of my favourite foodie haunts in the city so when I was invited down to try out the delights of Paesan, I couldn't say yes quick enough. The Italian kitchen boasts a snazzy restaurant upstairs but we trudged down into the basement to enjoy the cocktail bar. With lots of cocktails. Lots and lots of cocktails.
Specialising in small plates, the restaurant totally spoiled us. After sampling a good few cocktails on the menu - the Basil Grande a personal highlight! - we got stuck into a feast. The antipasti came out first overflowing with moorish fennel salami, freshly baked focaccia smothered in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, salty prosciutto and spicy soppressata piccante. A complete attack on the tastebuds in the most perfect way.
Pasta was up next. I always find pasta is incredibly hard to execute in a restaurant. I very rarely leave wowed by a pasta dish and find they often come up short. Well, not at Paesan! I was blown away by the hand cut el dente Pappardelle pasta with a generous helping of melt-in-your-mouth, rich braised rabbit paired with nutty wild mushrooms. I had more than my fair share of this dish!
Although not pictured, I've got to give a shout out to the tender steak tagliata too. With peppery rocket, balsamic vinegar and a scattering of rich parmesan, it totally converted this girl. Definitely one to choose if you don't fancy a pasta dish.
The moist, citrus lemon cake was the perfect end to such a gorgeous meal. I may have nicked a triamasu too. You know, just to make sure it passed the test.
Paesan also have a lunchtime stall outside the restaurant for those who work in the area. At just £5 for an enormous portion and a different option daily, it seems a crime not to try it out!
Thanks so much for the invite guys!
