Every so often a restaurant opens and instantly feels as though it has always been there. That’s exactly how I felt walking into Osteria Vibrato on Greek Street in Soho.
The room is candlelit and atmospheric, with dark wood, a piano in the centre of the dining room, and a small bar tucked away at the back. It reminded me a little of Noble Rot; relaxed, understated and effortlessly cool. The sort of place where you settle in for one glass of wine and somehow end up staying all evening.
Opened by Charlie Mellor, the founder of the much-loved Laughing Heart, Osteria Vibrato has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurant openings in Soho. The food is Italian, but without any unnecessary fuss. Classic dishes, excellent ingredients and a focus on flavour.
One dish I haven’t stopped thinking about is the white risotto with 30-month Parmigiano Reggiano. Rich, comforting and deeply savoury, it’s exactly the kind of plate that makes you immediately plan a return visit.
Of course, I was equally interested in the wine list.
And what a wine list it is.
Wine has always been central to Charlie Mellor’s restaurants, and Osteria Vibrato continues that tradition with an extensive cellar featuring both classic and low-intervention producers. There are around 250 wines on the list, many sourced directly from private collections.
I started with the Fabbrica di San Martino Bianco 2024, IGT Costa Toscana. Fresh, bright and incredibly drinkable, it was the perfect opening glass. The sort of wine that disappears far too quickly while you’re deciding what to order.
For the red, I chose the Langhe Nebbiolo 2024 from Olek Bondonio. If Barolo can sometimes feel like a serious conversation, this felt more like a charming dinner guest. Fragrant, elegant and lighter in style than a classic Barolo, it worked beautifully with the food while still delivering all the character that makes Nebbiolo such a fascinating grape variety.
What impressed me most, however, wasn’t just the food or the wine. It was the atmosphere.
The team were warm, knowledgeable and genuinely welcoming. The room buzzed with energy without feeling pretentious. Soho has always been at its best when restaurants feel lived in rather than designed, and Osteria Vibrato already has that quality.
London has no shortage of excellent Italian restaurants, but few places make me want to return before I’ve even left. Osteria Vibrato does exactly that.
If you’re looking for one of the most exciting new restaurant openings in London, put this firmly at the top of your list.
