There’s something rather magical about the idea of an ‘emporium’, it evokes an image of an old-timey store filled with bewitching trinkets — the kind of shop that wouldn’t look out of place in Diagon Alley. So it’s fair to say when Pasta Evangelists revealed they were opening their first ever Pasta Emporium in Richmond, I had pretty high expectations. And the new restaurant certainly is rather special — from the chef handmaking pasta in the window, who stops to smile and wave at passers by, to the self-serve wine machine that gives out free wine, there’s a lot to write home about here.
The pasta company started in a basement in London in 2016, and was the brainchild of Alessandro Savelli, who teamed up with Finn Lagun, and Chris Rennoldson to bring fresh pasta, (just like he used to make with his nonna in Italy ), to British kitchens. Despite being told by Dragons’ Den that they were ‘delusional’ and the business would be a ‘disaster’, Pasta Evangelists has gone on to thrive, making millions in revenue, being supported by top chefs like Prue Leith and Gordon Ramsay, and operating 48 takeaway locations across the UK, as well as a pasta bar in Harrods. Oh, and they also have a pasta academy in London, where people can learn to make pasta the Italian way.
The brand new Emporium is Pasta Evangelists’ very first dedicated restaurant space and a lot of work has gone into making it a real experience — there’s a pasta counter where you can watch your food being prepared and see exactly what you’re getting, self-service machines to allow you to fully customise your order, and outside you might even spot a branded Vespa which Deliveroo drivers will be rocking up to your house on when you order food. Even the decor has a real significance. Stunning photographs line the terracotta limewashed walls showcasing the team’s travels to Italy, with Chef Roberta d’Elia, the head pastaia (pasta artisan) featuring in several pictures.
My favourite was an image of a gentleman looking out of his window in Puglia, where Roberta is from. She told me the photo was called ‘dolce far niente’, an Italian phrase which translates to ‘the sweetness of doing nothing at all’. This sentiment is something the team are hoping customers will embrace in the emporium, sit back, eat some pasta, and enjoy nothing more than the sweetness of the moment.
And to make the whole thing even sweeter, you can have a free glass of wine as you do so! Customers over 18 are able to claim a free glass of either white or red after they’ve ordered their food. Currently the wine is being handed out by staff, but in a few weeks a wine machine will be installed to the side of the pasta counter, so people can help themselves to some delicious vino. Dreamy! Latest London news The 13 beloved London pubs at risk as owner goes into administration Map shows hottest places in the UK in current heatwave Girl, 9, shot in head during drive-by in east London ‘may never speak again’ To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.
co.uk's London news hub . As well as a tour of the new restaurant, I got to try some of the food during my visit and while they’ve got all the classics (carbonara, pesto, and lasagne), there are also some dishes you don’t see very often, such as braised venison cannelloni, pistachio pesto, and angry vodka tomato sauce (which has a special secret ingredient).
There are also fun varieties of pasta to choose from, including Corzetti — which are pasta coins stamped with the Pasta Evangelists’ logo — as well as Triangoli, which has a unique triangular shape. Prices for pasta dishes start from £9.50 and go up to £17.
20 for the most expensive. There are also options to have ‘half and half’ pasta, trying two dishes for the price of one, or you can have pasta, sauce, and a salad for £11.50.
Prices vary depending on whether you pick regular pasta, filled pasta, or baked pasta. One of the most unexpected delights from the menu was the £6.75 Focaccia di Recco, (or Genoese cheese pizza slice).
This is focaccia but not like you know it — instead of a fluffy, pillowy bread, it’s an almost crepe-thin soft bread, filled with creamy stracchino cheese from Liguria. I was also a big fan of the pistachio, cashew, and chilli pesto, which pairs wonderfully with the Corzetti. It’s a classic Sicilian pesto with pistachio, but the nuts here aren’t finely ground, instead they are left chunky, which gives a really nice bite.
There’s also a hint of chilli and lemon added in to balance out the flavours. New Pasta Evangelist restaurants opening in the UK: Richmond, now open Greenwich, August 2024 Chiswick, Date TBC Guildford, Date TBC Plus five more locations still to be announced But with Roberta creating the pasta itself, and two Michelin-starred chef Giancarlo Perbellini (who previously worked as a personal chef for Pavarotti) dreaming up the dishes as executive chef, it’s no surprise the food is so tasty. Don’t just take my word for it though.
Despite only operating on a soft launch basis this week, the Pasta Emporium was full of customers when I arrived at 2pm on a Monday, and remained that way solidly for the next two hours. More Trending Urgent recall of frozen food that should never have been sold 'Delicious' rare pink Cadbury chocolate bar has returned to the UK Classic American snack is finally coming to supermarkets in the UK Huge 90s band announce 30th anniversary re-release of ‘greatest album’ Fans on social media also have lots of lovely things to say about the company, hailing the food as ‘spectacular’, ‘beautiful’, and ‘perfection’ on Instagram. And with eight more restaurants set to open by the end of the year, it really does look like Pasta Evangelists have the recipe for success.
Some of the upcoming locations include Greenwich, Chiswick, and Guildford, with Greenwich opening in August. For those wanting to try the new Richmond restaurant, it’s open daily between 11am and 10pm, and it’s hosting a number of free community events over the next few weeks as it makes itself at home in the area. This includes complimentary pasta classes for children, free wine tastings, and an Italian social where you can learn to speak Italian while enjoying some charcuterie, cheese, and olives.
Booking is open on the Pasta Evangelists website and places are limited, so be quick if you want to get involved! Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .
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