Dalla is a small but soulful Italian restaurant that captures the essence of slow, considered dining. Tucked behind Hackney’s more hurried streets, this understated gem offers something rare in London: a sense of time slowing down.
Founded by designer Gennaro Leone, alongside his brother Gianmarco and Canadian-born chef Mitchell Damota, Dalla blends timeless Italian hospitality with a uniquely personal creative vision. The name, meaning 'from' or 'of' in Italian, feels appropriate – every element of the restaurant draws from lived experience, heritage, and passion.
At the heart of the menu is fresh pasta – handmade daily with respect for traditional methods. The menu changes often, but previous examples have included trofie with parsley pesto and goat’s cheese, and fieno di canepina – a hay-coloured, ribbon-like pasta – tangled with rich mushrooms and sausage. The team don't shy away from indulgence either, with the likes of tortellini alla panna con tartufo bianco - tortellini with cream and white truffle - up for grabs.
The rest of the menu champions simple, traditional flavours and techniques. Think golden fried artichokes dressed in anchovy oil, seasonal vegetables and Italian cheeses, all treated with the sort of attention usually reserved for centrepieces. To finish, you can usually find a tiramisu on the list.
Beyond the menu, Dalla offers a warm and immersive atmosphere that feels a world away from the chaos of the city. Gennaro’s design sensibility is on full display – the dining room is a thoughtful collage of vintage treasures and tactile surfaces, but the overall aesthetic is minimal and calm. White walls, crisp tablecloths and neutral tones offer a serene backdrop.
Finally, a concise Italian wine list is easy and fun to navigate, and includes a selection of low intervention bottles. Dalla has quickly made a name for itself for its beautiful, almost cinematic charm, homely food and kind service.