The heart behind Pasta Nostra

Rapid is taking the time to learn more about the hearts and brains behind our favourite restaurants across London. First under the spotlight: Pasta Nostra - a quaint yet vibrant Italian spot tucked into the vivacious streets of Shoreditch.

Founded in 2019 by two budding chefs, Wilfred Mafham and Luca Cianti, Pasta Nostra quickly became a hub for authentic, homey Italian dishes. The menu is simple and refined, packed with pasta recipes that have been nurtured and perfected over the years. Today, Cianti co-owns the restaurant with Baz, an energetic figure who knows the hospitality scene - and the pulse of London’s nightlife - like the back of his hand.

While Nostra serves fresh, flavourful pasta, it’s also a place built on community. Regulars come and go daily, the team is tight-knit, and everyone under that roof genuinely understands their clientele.

When speaking with head chef Amrit and co-owner Baz, it was clear that the energy of the space - and the mission to make people feel cared for - is at the heart of everything they do. To them, Nostra is more than a place to grab food. It’s somewhere guests can feel at home. A space where personality and expression are encouraged, just as they are among the team. From Amrit, who expresses himself through the art of cooking, to Charlie, the manager who keeps staff feeling supported; to Baz, who brings the pulse; to Luca, who kickstarted it all with his love for Italian cuisine - Nostra is a celebration of identity, culture and the true meaning of hospitality.

At Rapid, we think it’s crucial to highlight what hospitality actually is. We often forget that this industry is built on craftsmanship and passion - a level of care you rarely find in fast food chains. It’s found in the hidden gems nestled between offices, supermarkets and high-street brands. These spots are vibrant, creative, full of heart… and too often overlooked out of convenience. Rapid’s mission is to bring diners back to those overlooked places - to make eating well easy, accessible and worth the extra step. Because “service with a smile” is more than a cliché. It’s the hallmark of people who genuinely love what they do. Check out our exclusive interview with Chef Amrit in the link below and click here to book Pasta Nostra now and claim 50% off the lunch set menu!