Soho’s INO celebrates second anniversary

In May, the hardworking INO team celebrated the restaurant’s second anniversary. The milestone has been achieved simply because the food is extraordinarily good and the team is incredibly passionate about it.

Driven by the ancient Greek technique of cooking over charcoal, the menu at INO is centered around the traditions of the Greek ‘Psistaria’ grill. The result is this amazing smokiness that’s consistent throughout each plate, and even in some of the cocktails.

Inspired by the chefs’ love of cooking over charcoal as well as from the dining culture of classic tavernas across Greece, INO makes extensive use of carefully sourced ingredients, supplied from prominent farms across the UK, as well as directly from Greece.

Bag yourself a table out front so you can people watch in the heart of Soho, or seat yourself down directly in front of the chefs and watch them master their craft; they’ll happily engage with you and explain what they’re cooking.

The menu showcases this signature style of cooking across a collection of comforting small plates that are designed to share. The tuna tartlet with fava and Santorini wild capers is a must-try. It’s fresh and colourful, and beautifully presented.

Order some traditional Okra for the table. These come with smoked tomato, feta ‘Imam’, grilled aubergine, charred onions and tomatoes, and feta.

Everything’s designed for dipping and sharing, but when it comes to ordering for yourself, go for the delicious octopus taco with smoked tomato, onion crisps and olive oil flatbread; or the succulent Gyros with Iberico Secreto pork, tzatziki, smoked tomato and olive oil flatbread; or even the melt-in-mouth tender Souvlaki with 150gr USDA Prime Rib eye steak, garlic yoghurt and olive oil flat bread.

Save room for dessert because we highly recommend rounding off your Greek feast with Kaimaki ice cream, served with sour cherry spoon sweet and baklavas cracker.

INO is derived from the ancient Greek word for wine, so it comes as no surprise that Greece’s most exciting producers are showcased here via an entirely Greek wine list, curated by Andreas Labridis. These are all available by the glass, encouraging diners to experiment and explore alongside dishes from the menu. The amazing team will happily talk you through them; we’d suggest the Kir-Yianni Ramnista, the Nests Roussanne, the Emphasis Chardonnay and the Omega sweet wine to accompany your dessert.

The wines are accompanied by chilled draft beers from boutique breweries and a selection of barrel-aged cocktails. Of the former, there are further impressive options, including Greek martinis and signatures such as Blood and Smoke, which is made with Vida Mezcal, Amaro Montenegro, Dry Vermouth and Sour Cherry.

Situated in a cosy single fronted site on Newburgh Street, the restaurant is set across two levels with a total of 25 covers. Interiors are filled with natural materials and handmade furniture. The space unifies traditional and modern elements, featuring Mediterranean terrazzo marble, original brickwork, wooden tabletops, custom-made wine cages and cast-iron shelving, made by co-founder Nikos’ father, a Greek silverware artisan with vast experience on brass and iron crafting.

INO is open throughout the day and is the perfect spot for West End shoppers looking to take a break over a few plates and a glass of wine, but also for diners who prefer a more relaxed affair, taking time to linger over freshly prepared dishes. Forget what you know about Greek food, INO invites diners on a Greek gastronomic journey and we say, here’s to many more years to come!