My quest to be proven wrong about fine dining in Bucharest took a giant leap forward last night when we took an enlightening epicurean journey at Noua. Clearly one of the city’s finest restaurants, this gem is to be found in the cool Fire Tower area to the east of Universitat subtly hidden by an abundance of vine/ivy vegetation on Strada Popa Nan.
We went for the “tasting menu” but there is the straightforward menu should you prefer and there is a beautiful terrace with rugs etc and even a stove should you prefer to dine mask-less outside.
The idea of Noua is very much “farm to table” and elevating familiar and recognisable Romanian stalwarts to an entirely different level and when I said we went on a journey that is what happened albeit within the very agreeable surroundings of Noua. Relaxed lighting with warm woods, Romanian patterns and sheepskins are the order of the day. Refreshingly un-intrusive but identifiably and agreeably Romanian music provide the sonic backdrop. Our server Vlad introduced us to and guided us through our mystery “journey” and mysterious it was and this report will not be revealing much other than to say we enjoyed every single step.
Each morsel is lovingly crafted by chef/patron Alex Petricean and his very able team. We enjoyed upwards of 10 courses over about three delirious hours. The place was unsurprisingly packed so if you’d like to go be sure to book.
Find Noua on Facebook.
