The 55-cover, two-tier restaurant is situated on the former Café Nuvo site in New Row, serving a mixture of 'create your own' Thai, Japanese and Indian dishes alongside an extensive cocktail offering.
Yasuji Morizumi - the first Michelin-starred ramen chef – has designed the menu ‘with comfort and flavour in mind’; with rice, noodles and pita bread all taking prominence on the menu.
“Pacata is a new concept in London dining,” said Morizumi. “It is bringing the essence of Asian street food to the Lanes of London. The menu needed to really grasp the palate of the discerning Londoner while adding an authentic Asian tang.”
Boon Rawd Brewery operates a number of restaurants in Thailand and this is its first in Europe. The Picata concept was previously trialled in London, though, with a pop-up also situated in Covent Garden.
Mix and match
The grade II-listed building in which the new restaurant is situated is part of the site that was once King John’s kitchen garden. The refurbished venue has been designed by May Noradee Properties & Designs and now boasts ‘an authentic amalgam of styles’ with vintage knickknacks and historically tiled bathrooms giving Pacata a homely feel. Private dining for smaller parties will be available in the basement.
Open for Asian breakfast, take-out and eat-in lunches, and leisurely evening meals, Picata London allows customers to create their meals from a combination of pre-ordained options. A base of rice, noodles or pita can be topped with different curries, meats and vegetables.
On offer will be the likes of ‘Pacata Pasta’ (Thai-style squid ink Tagliatelle with spring onion, eggs, bean sprouts, Chinese tofu and prawns); seared sea basswith a choice of green curry, Massaman curry or Japanese curry; and beef yakiniku (premium stir-fry beef served with naan bread).
The restaurant’s cocktail menu will stay true to its Thai roots, with a hint of Singha often among the mixes.
Pacata is now open at 4 New Row, Covent Garden, London.