Malavenda is located on Mentmore Terrace in Hackney, positioned beside London Fields and just a short walk from London Fields Overground station. This lively East London neighbourhood is known for its creative energy, independent cafés, music venues and weekend markets, making it an ideal setting for a cultural café with a strong artistic identity.
Described as a 'cultural café with a Southern soul and a global outlook', Malavenda blends Italian heritage with Hackney’s contemporary, community-driven spirit. The interior is warm, intimate and art-focused, with soft lighting, music that is truly heard, and artworks that fill the space without overwhelming it. The café is designed as a place to pause, reconnect and enjoy conversation, whether over coffee, brunch or a leisurely evening meal.
The menu reflects a seasonal, Italian-inspired bistro style, with dishes that change according to ingredients and the stories the team wants to tell. While the offering evolves, diners can expect thoughtful, well-crafted plates rooted in Italian comfort cooking. Current dishes include beef ragù lasagne, white vegetable lasagne, parmigiana, beef shin tortelloni, gnocchi in Malavenda’s signature sauce, tagliatelle with ricotta and mafaldine with pesto. The café also serves filled focaccias, such as salami or parmigiana, alongside desserts, soft drinks, wines and coffee.
Malavenda operates as both a café and bistro, opening from early morning through to the evening, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. It also hosts cultural events, including art gatherings and Italian-inspired brunches, reinforcing its role as a community hub.
With its Hackney location, creative atmosphere and seasonal Italian cooking, Malavenda has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite - an inviting space where food, art and conversation naturally come together.