Nima Safaei, one of Soho's most recognised restaurateurs, is launching his debut cookbook, At Home With Nima, next month. The book captures a year in Safaei's life through dishes he cooks for family and friends.
From Tehran to London via Florence
Born in Tehran and raised in London, Safaei's love affair with Italian cuisine began with a single dish. His passion deepened through regular visits to Florence, where his sister introduced him to the city's rich food culture. Immersing himself in local traditions and learning from Italian home cooks gave him a lifelong appreciation for the craft and simplicity that underpin Italian cooking.
Alongside those experiences, family has remained central to his relationship with food. His late mother instilled in him the warmth, generosity and sense of connection that continue to define his approach today.
Finding a home in Italian cuisine
“When I first tasted osso buco, I felt like I had found my home from home,” says Safaei. “To put it simply, I have a strong passion for classic Italian recipes and dedicated myself to learning them properly. Geography should never be an obstacle to pursuing what you truly believe in. Alongside that, the kitchen has always been the heart of my family.”
The book reflects the spirit that made his restaurants—Forty Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street and 27 Old Compton Street—favourites with locals, visitors and celebrities. It features dishes refined over years of professional cooking and family gatherings, including:
- Pappardelle with blue cheese, pear and walnut pangrattato
- Ham and artichoke lasagne
- Roasted game with squash salad, orzo and sage
- Beetroot, bean and hazelnut salad
- Pistachio tiramisu
The philosophy of simplicity
At the heart of the book is Safaei's belief that simplicity is a discipline, not a compromise. “Simple does not mean careless,” Safaei said. “It means intentional. When ingredients are at their best, you don't need to overwork them.”
