A cult-favorite canalside spot in Hackney that balances the energy of a scruffy Venetian bacaro with the precision of a high-end modern Italian kitchen.
Ordering Strategy
The menu is highly seasonal and often revolves around a set 'Chef's Menu' at dinner, which is the best way to experience the kitchen's range. If ordering à la carte, start with the Gnocco Fritto and share a pasta before mains.
What to order
Gnocco Fritto with Wild Boar Mortadella
Ombra has perfected this classic, serving golden, lightly fried dough that offers a "gratifying crunch before almost melting away" under peppery slices of mortadella.
Tagliolini with Trompette de la Mort and Black Truffle
A "triumph of less is more," this hand-rolled pasta is buttery and quietly confident, featuring truffles shaved over the top like a "pungent blanket."
Crostino with Home-Cured Pancetta
Ranked by critics as "one of the singularly most delicious mouthfuls I have ever tasted," this snack features light, crispy bread topped with translucent, home-cured meat.
Ravioli with Fonduta and Prosciutto
A deceptively simple dish with "eye-popping moreishness" that diners report thinking about for a long time afterwards, thanks to its deeply umami, salty notes.
More in Hackney
- Café CeciliaModern British / Irish · £££90
- Marksman Public HouseBritish Gastropub · £££89
- Big NightBritish-Japanese Skewers / Izakaya · ££85
Signal Score
Signal score reflects how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.
Top critic: Molly Codyre (100%)
Editorial Weight 54 pts
Authority + depth + recency
Agreement 7 pts
How aligned the critics are
Coverage 10 pts
How many real review signals exist
Public Signal 6 pts
Google rating + volume
Boosts 0 pts
Manual boosts + hidden gem
Review signals
2 Elite · 4 Editorial · 5 total signals
Public signal
4.2★ (761 reviews)
Good to know
Located right on Regent's Canal with a heated terrace. They are famous for a minor scandal where they charged for extra parmesan, a policy they stand by (and critics now defend due to the quality).
Locations
Trust signals
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- mediumConfidence level
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