Albers is a modern European restaurant in Dalston serving seasonal, ingredient-led small plates from its light-filled space on Englefield Road. Founded by Scott Pattinson, Albers has built a loyal following as a neighbourhood restaurant known for its seasonal and ever-changing menus. Open for lunch and dinner, it works well for everything from birthday dinners and special occasions to low-key meals with family, friends or colleagues.
The cooking focuses on seasonality and confident flavour combinations. Smaller plates on the Albers menu include dishes such as oysters with mignonette; fennel with pear, stilton and pecan; grilled mackerel with blood orange and whey; and scallop crudo, paired with cucumber and shiso.
Larger plates hint at the kitchen's experimental, flavourful approach with dishes including tempura squash with ricotta and celery chutney, cod with nutmeg and gooseberry, lamb cutlet with borlotti and anise, venison with celeriac, and beef with peppercorn sauce. Vegetarian options are woven throughout the menu, making it suitable for groups with differing dietary requirements. Sides, meanwhile, might include plates of purple kale with mustard, creamed leeks and other seasonal vegetables, which round off the savoury offering, while desserts might include banoffee babka, chocolate fondant or pear sorbet.
At lunch, the offering is slightly pared back, with dishes such as veal carpaccio with creme fraiche, sausage with tomato and beans, or mackerel with blood orange and fennel. A worker’s lunch option is available, with the choice to add a glass of house wine. Behind the scenes, experienced chefs curate the menus, drawing on backgrounds in well-regarded kitchens to shape dishes that feel exciting and well-balanced.
Albers balances Scandinavian-inspired decor with warm hospitality. Large windows flood the dining room with natural light, highlighting neutral walls, wooden tables and pendant lighting. A short drinks list includes cocktails such as the restaurant's famous Negronis, alongside wines designed to complement the seasonal menu.