The new London dining spot that's taking TikTok by storm
As a devoted admirer of London's ever-evolving dining scene, I knew I had to check out Nina - the new Italian hotspot in Marylebone that's been all over TikTok.
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.
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.
(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest)Next, we had yellowtail with Stracciatella, a dish that balanced fresh, silky fish with creamy cheese in a way that felt both unexpected and genius.
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.
(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest)Meanwhile, the duck ragu was rich, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor - the kind of dish that makes you want to mop up every last drop with some leftover focaccia.
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.
(Image: Nina)
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.
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Tips from Elsass: These are the easier treat if you don't have the energy for a box of donuts, but still fun and exciting to bring. A quick toss with some lightly browned butter and toasted coconut shreds gives these krispies an unusually great depth of flavor. When you're planning your toppings, keep in mind that you ideally want a mix of colors, sizes, textures, flavors and shapes for maximum impact. Use a light-colored enamel or stainless-steel pot to brown the butter. Anything with a black surface will literally leave you in the dark. I keep a box of metal binder clips in my kitchen. They're super helpful for keeping parchment in place and oven-safe. Use a small piece of parchment coated with nonstick spray to press the krispies into the pan. Maximum control and clean hands! 'GMA' kitchen picks By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave and and these e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies. 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