LINO

LINO – an Italian bistro where tradition meets modernity.

Meet LINO – the latest and greatest addition from London Restaurant Group. A premiere filled with sunshine, infused with Mediterranean flavors, and wrapped in the aroma of coffee, like a scarf. LINO is a cozy Italian restaurant that promises guests the most delightful culinary experiences. If you've read "Under the Tuscan Sun" or rewatched "Eat, Pray, Love," where the air is filled with the rich aromas of joy, pasta, and wine, then LINO will be an unforgettable experience for you. Inspired by Italy, with an espresso bar, smart drinks, and… linen – let's take a closer look at this new project. In Italian, LINO means "linen." The project creators chose this name to emphasize naturalness, quality, and simplicity. This idea is reflected in the interior design: creamy beige tones, flowing lines, no sharp corners, and an abundance of natural materials. "We're creating a completely modern project, but we're drawing inspiration from Italy. This is reflected in our slogan: 'Inspired by Italy. Reimagined at LINO.' We want to showcase Italy from a modern perspective, in every aspect: from the way we interact with guests to the visual design, the kitchen, and the bar. We're not creating a classic Italian restaurant; we're creating a modern, even modernist, interpretation of it," says Dmitry Nikitin, operating director of LRG. Yes, the feeling of lightness and the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean are very present at LINO. The casual and unpretentious atmosphere is also reflected in the format of the restaurant – an Italian bistro that aims to be welcoming, informal, and friendly. Compared to other projects by London Restaurant Group, LINO is the most compact: the total area of the dining room is 160 square meters, and the terraces are 80 square meters. In this cozy space, the team has created a visually appealing and tactile interior, an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, a stylish wine room, and even an espresso bar. But more on the coffee later. For now, let's talk about the culinary offerings. Chef Pavel Piteckiy, with extensive experience in Italian and авторская cuisine restaurants in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, was specially invited to lead the kitchen at this new location in Sochi. "We've kept some classic dishes for our guests to enjoy, but we've reimagined 70% of the menu. We've created unique decorative elements that you won't find anywhere else. I believe we've developed very interesting presentations and flavor combinations," says the chef. "For example, we have signature LINO ravioli: we've found a special tool that allows us to imprint the LINO logo on a number of dishes. The flax flower directly on the pasta is beautiful, stylish, and unique." Yes, the menu at LINO is heartwarming, warm, infused with sunshine and a lot of love, and made with handcrafted care. Homemade ricotta, homemade sauces and creams, a dozen airy Roman pizzas, ravioli with Taleggio mousse, or beetroot ravioli – each dish highlights a unique Italian culinary perspective. LINO also features some truly innovative creations. For example, duck ravioli are served as a single ravioli, rolled into a rose. Or pasta "tela" (which means "canvas" in Italian) – another tribute to the theme of linen. This patterned pasta is made with spinach dough and served with a carrot cream and braised beef tails. It's through these amazing transformations of familiar dishes that Pavel Piteckiy demonstrates that pasta is not just delicious food, but also a form of creative expression. The bar menu also supports this creative spirit. It features a section called "Smart Drinks." Given that the London Restaurant Group's own laboratory is responsible for the drinks, you can be sure that guests will be offered something unique. "We've divided the bar into two sections: morning and day/evening. We'll guide guests through the key offerings," says Nikita Sidenko, head bartender at LRG. "As for the Smart Drinks, these are carefully crafted and balanced drinks, designed not only for flavor but also for chemical combinations. In addition to авторская aperitifs, digestifs, evening cocktails, and familiar drinks, we also have signature infusions. We've reimagined the classic Limoncello and offer both grain and cream versions. We also make our own vermouth, "Amaro." It will be the perfect accompaniment to the duck ravioli." Another interesting detail worth mentioning is the beautiful round wine room located in the center of the main dining room. During the morning and daytime, it's covered with curtains to create an atmosphere that evokes the magic of the beginning of the day – when a cup of strong coffee is on the table, cars are driving by on the promenade, and the aroma of coffee awakens and spreads warmth in your heart: there's still a lot to do before lunch, but you already have your own little secret. Yes, coffee at LINO is a special and very delicious experience. "What else is Italy famous for? Of course, coffee! That's why we created a concept within a concept – an espresso bar," says Dmitry Nikitin. "Coffee isn't just good or bad; it's a matter of personal preference. Some people like it strong and bitter, while others prefer it acidic and more nuanced. We want to cater to all tastes." The espresso bar features three grinders. One uses 100% Arabica beans for a more acidic coffee. The second is for a strong, intense, and tannic coffee. And the third grinder offers an alternative option. The espresso bar at LINO offers this level of luxury to suit every taste. A skilled barista has been brought in specifically for this section, creating incredible coffee creations: even the classic cappuccino offers variations. When it comes to desserts, LINO takes inspiration from classic Italian cuisine and then virtuously reimagines the recipes and presentations. All the desserts here are incredibly delicate and enjoyable. The silky texture is often achieved through the use of low-sugar chocolate. The creativity of the recipes is particularly captivating: take, for example, the Italian meringue roll. The pastry chef, Nikolai Khazkevich, adds stracciatella with cherries and a white chocolate ganache. The rum babka will also appear in an unusual form – the soaking is made with Limoncello, and the recipe includes a cream cheese-based cream. Of course, classics like tiramisu, chocolate-nut cake, and cheesecake will also be available. And for the espresso bar, LINO also makes cookies, truffles, and candies. Everything is handmade, made with the finest ingredients, and infused with a lot of love. This love is reflected in the fact that an Italian native is responsible for training the staff at LINO. He teaches the team characteristic Italian gestures, expressions, and intonations, so that guests literally feel like they are under the warm sun of Tuscany.