Newly opened at Q East by Alphabeta in Al Quoz, NESTT is a new café and restaurant serving fresh Euro-Mediterranean food, with a menu built around homemade dishes, good ingredients and familiar flavours. Open throughout the day, from morning coffee and breakfast to lunch and early dinner, NESTT offers a relaxed place to eat, meet friends or simply spend a few hours away from the city’s busier spots. With a welcoming atmosphere and space to settle in with a laptop, it also makes for a great co-working spot, whether for a productive morning, casual meetings or a change of scenery from the usual office routine.
Created by Haider Madani, Co-Founder of Mad-Room Group, and child psychologist and parenting educator Sarah Raslan, NESTT brings together a love for hospitality, food and design. While the space has plenty to offer beyond dining, the café has been given just as much attention, with a menu that stands on its own.
In the kitchen, the team makes almost everything from scratch. Bread is freshly baked using slow-fermented dough, while pizza dough, sauces and even ketchup are prepared in-house. It is these small details that make a difference, with the team focusing on doing simple things well rather than overcomplicating the food.
Speaking about the menu, Craig Small, Culinary Director of Mad-Room group, said: “For us, good food starts with the basics. We make our bread, sauces and even our ketchup in-house because we believe those little details make a real difference. We wanted to create a menu that people can enjoy any day of the week, with familiar dishes, good ingredients and a few unexpected touches. It’s about making food that tastes great and gives people a reason to come back.”
Pasta is one of the highlights of the menu. The Three-Cheese Agnolotti features handmade pasta parcels served with tomato and oregano sauce, Parmesan and garlic bread. The Beef Pappardelle comes with rich beef ragù, burrata, Parmesan and basil oil, while the Truffle Spaghetti combines black truffle cream, wild mushrooms, Parmesan and fresh truffle.
For those in the mood for something heartier, Bone Appétit is a must-try, made with double-smashed beef and bone marrow patties, caramelised onions, Red Leicester cheese and NESTT’s secret sauce. For a sweet treat, the Homemade Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread Panuozzo is a deliciously indulgent option, filled with chocolate spread, crushed hazelnuts, popping candy and chocolate pearls.
The menu also includes lighter options such as Beef Carpaccio, served with truffle mayonnaise, rocket, capers and homemade Parmesan potato crisps, and Tomato Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, crispy bread and vegan pesto. For something sweet, the Filled Italian Sandwich is made using 48-hour fermented dough and filled with homemade hazelnut and chocolate spread.
Younger guests have their own menu, with the same focus on freshly prepared food. Dishes include Grilled Lamb Chops with creamy mashed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots, Fish & Chips, Margherita Pizza made with homemade dough and Cheesecake Ice Cream Pops for dessert.
The setting is just as inviting as the food. Designed by H2R and Nakkash Design Studio, NESTT features natural wood, terrazzo, soft shapes and warm colours, with different seating areas for coffee breaks, working lunches or catching up with friends. The space feels relaxed and comfortable, whether visiting for a quick bite or staying a little longer.
NESTT also has a psychology-led indoor playground for children aged 0 to 8, with spaces created to encourage imagination, creativity and independent play. Parents can enjoy their time at the café while children explore the play areas.
Located in Al Quoz, NESTT is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood’s growing café and restaurant scene. With good coffee, homemade food, a comfortable setting, and a welcoming co-working space, it is an easy choice for breakfast, a casual lunch or an afternoon spent catching up over something delicious.
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