Date Night in Hackney

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Sage and Anchovy Fritti

Described as 'peculiarly delightful' and 'never forget,' these light bites are praised for their 'Italian prowess' and are a staple across critic reviews.

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Beef and Barley Bun

Regarded as Britain’s answer to the char siu bun, this 'glazed dome of soft bread' is filled with rich braised beef and served with a fiery horseradish cream. It is a 'gloriously simple' must-order.

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Chicken and Spring Onion Skewer

Universally praised as a 'jubilation' of charred, juicy thighs that 'practically burst in the mouth' and offer the savoury goodness one craves when 'teetering on tipsy.'

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Tiramisu

Described as 'superlative' and quintessential Italian comfort food, this dish is a staple of the restaurant's nostalgic charm and was even selected for Charli xcx's wedding menu.

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Soy-braised beef short rib

Described as a 'monument to patience and skill', this dish features meat that 'pulls apart perfectly' with 'silvery strands of fat' that break with a gentle pluck.

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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.

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Beef Rump Tataki

Described as 'rosy sheafs of obliging, raw rump steak,' this dish comes with an 'effective activity centre of dips and intensifiers' including hot mustard and soy.

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Chongqing cauliflower

Universally loved by critics; described as 'craggy, almost southern-fried boulders' and a 'bhaji-lover’s wet dream' that delivers just the right amount of tingly fire.

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English Breakfast Udon

The restaurant's iconic dish, tweaked here into a 'kamatama style' where the heat of the noodles 'cooks' a raw egg yolk into a sauce, accompanied by bacon and mushrooms—critics warn 'don't call it a Japanese carbonara'.

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Katsu Sando

Regarded as a future staple that other restaurants will replicate, this signature dish features a panko-crusted pork cutlet and shredded cabbage between slices of soft white bread with a dollop of hot mustard.

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Gochu-Gang Wings

Described as a 'match crafted by the food gods,' these wings feature a fermented rice and chili sensation that critics call 'damn good flappers.'

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Spicy Tuna

Consistently praised by critics as the standout pie; it balances chilli heat, lemon freshness, and sweet red onion perfectly.

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Lobster Roll

Described as a 'classic' and a 'signature' item made with 'fresh Scottish Native Lobster arriving daily', it is the cornerstone of their seafood menu.

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Aged Beef Rump

Described as 'sexual' and 'seriously tender' with a 'sexily smoky' flavor and fat rendered 'close to perfect.'

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Vodka Margherita

The 'star of the show' featuring a creamy vodka sauce and a zingy tomato tang that makes it the essential first-timer's order.

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Fresh Sandwiches

The deli focuses on the owner's "culinary heritage" and serves as a "community place" for a quick, reliable meal in what is dubbed one of Hackney’s liveliest hang-outs.