Dalston, Italian Restaurant Guide

“Remarkable food combinations”, “full of delicious surprises” win high ratings for this Italo-Japanese project in Dalston, whose “innovative dishes” are paired with “excellent wines” by “well-informed and thoughtful” staff. Meals are served kaiseki-style, with 13 courses on a menu that changes every five weeks. Success here has led to a follow-up venture, pasta and grill specialist Osteria Angelina, opening in Shoreditch last spring (see also).

A new modern Italian restaurant and bar owned by Simone & Lidia Crepaldi, featuring traditional Italian family recipes led by chef Riccardo Lottero. The ground floor (30 covers inside, with additional outdoor seating) is casual with a semi-open plan kitchen, while downstairs boasts a late-night cocktail bar called "The Devil You Know." Sample dishes: Steak tartare, fried courgette, roasted tuna, slow-cooked beef cheek, house cacio e pepe, tiramisu.