SOHO RESTAURATEUR NIMA SAFAEI BRINGS HIS CELEBRATED ITALIAN CUISINE HOME WITH DEBUT COOKBOOK

NIMA SAFAEI OPENS HIS HOME KITCHEN WITH DEBUT COOKBOOK ‘AT HOME WITH NIMA’

The founder of some of Soho’s most popular Italian restaurants is bringing his celebrated approach to ingredient-led cooking into homes across Britain with the publication of his first cookbook, offering readers the recipes, traditions and philosophy that have defined more than 15 years of culinary success.

One of London’s best-known independent restaurateurs is taking the next step in his culinary journey after announcing the publication of his debut cookbook.

Nima Safaei, founder of the acclaimed Soho restaurants Forty Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street and 27 Old Compton Street, has released At Home With Nima, a cookbook that brings together the recipes, family traditions and Italian influences that have shaped his career.

Rather than simply recreating restaurant dishes, the book offers readers a personal journey through the seasons, blending accessible Italian recipes with stories inspired by family life, travel and the gatherings that have become central to Safaei’s philosophy of hospitality.

From Tehran To Soho Via Florence

Born in Tehran and raised in London, Safaei originally trained as a pharmacist before making the life-changing decision to pursue a career in hospitality.

His passion for Italian food began after discovering the cuisine while living in London before spending time in Florence, where he immersed himself in authentic Italian cooking and learnt directly from local families.

Those experiences, combined with the influence of his late mother—whose generosity and love of cooking left a lasting impression—formed the foundations of the restaurant group he established in Soho in 2009.

Today, his restaurants are recognised for combining relaxed hospitality with simple, high-quality Italian cooking.

Celebrating Food, Family And The Seasons

At Home With Nima reflects that same philosophy.

Structured around the changing seasons, the cookbook follows a year of family celebrations, country weekends, Easter gatherings and summer entertaining, encouraging readers to create memorable occasions through food.

Recipes range from fresh spring favourites such as Pea and Mint Risotto to comforting winter dishes including Venison Mafalda with black truffle.

Readers will also find signature dishes inspired by Safaei’s restaurants, including Pappardelle with blue cheese, pear and walnut pangrattato, Ham and artichoke lasagne, Roasted game with squash salad and Pistachio tiramisu.

Simplicity Without Compromise

At the heart of the book is Safaei’s belief that exceptional cooking begins with outstanding ingredients rather than unnecessary complexity.

“When I first tasted osso buco, I felt like I had found my home from home,” said 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.”

He added: “Simple does not mean careless. It means intentional. When ingredients are at their best, you don’t need to overwork them.”

The cookbook marks another milestone for the entrepreneur, whose restaurants have become favourites among Londoners, international visitors and celebrities alike.

While his Soho dining rooms have built their reputation on warm hospitality and authentic Italian cooking, At Home With Nima now allows readers across the UK—and beyond—to recreate those same experiences around their own dining tables.

At Home With Nima is now available at Amazon. Click here to purchase