SESTA — Restaurant in London

Attended Sesta as a party of two for my partner’s birthday. Easily one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. Tucked away just a short walk away from Hackney Central, this hidden neighbourhood gem was the perfect spot for a special occasion whilst maintaining a nice sense of informality. Luckily Drew, the co-owner & founder, was on the floor rather than tucked away in the kitchen so it was fantastic to hear how he designed the menu and to welcome us on arrival. The staff were superb - friendly, welcoming and evidently passionate about the restaurant. Maja talked us through the cocktail menu and gave us recommendations for our starters (thank God she suggested the Nduja Scotched olives - a real standout) and took the rest of our order. The brisket & ox tongue crumpet was to die for. The only problem with the menu was that I wanted to try everything! The dishes were absolutely superb and it was great to be able to share them to experience so many different tastes & flavours. The standout for me was the Mackerel so I’d definitely go for this along with the Pork shoulder! Andy took over our table towards the end and was really friendly, knowledgeable & passionate. It was nice to have met all of the staff and the whole experience was 10/10 from start to finish - thanks team, you made my partner’s birthday a special one!

I could write so much more but words can’t do it justice - you have to get to Sesta to try this experience for yourselves. You won’t be...

A Hidden Treasure in the Heart of Hackney

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Hackney, this small, charming restaurant is a true culinary gem. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere—a blend of rustic elegance and a cozy, intimate vibe that makes you feel instantly at home.

The meal began with a starter that I’ll be dreaming about for weeks: tender, perfectly prepared artichoke paired with thin, delicate slices of Spanish ham. The artichoke was soft and flavorful, and the ham brought a salty richness that elevated every bite. It was a perfect harmony of flavors that set the bar high for the rest of the evening.

Then came the main dish, which was nothing short of divine. Each element on the plate was prepared with precision and care, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients and an undeniable passion for food. Every bite was a testament to the chef’s artistry, and I found myself savoring every moment.

This little Hackney spot is a perfect reminder that some of the best dining experiences are found in unassuming places. The combination of impeccable food, thoughtful service, and the charm of its location makes this a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a memorable meal. Highly...

It's delicious, but it's expensive. We felt a bit tricked because the online menu gives options of an in-between course post snacks/starters and pre mains. However, on the day we went, the only available courses were snacks, "sharing mains" which started at £52, and deserts. The mains were described as 'plenty enough for two, yet we were encouraged to get at least one side to accompany it. The reality was, it was a generous single portion and a meagre sharing. The online menu also advertised the identical course as a single portion which is why we felt duped into this exclusive sharing scheme. The restaurant is darker than it should be and it also has an air of arrogance and pretention as if they know the restaurant is 'phenomenal'. It isn't. It's good. The prices are akin to a michelin star, the flavour of the food is almost up there, but the service and atmosphere has a lot to be desired. We had two snacks (the nduja olives are tiny and not worth it), a sharing main, a desert, two cocktails and two wines and it came to just under £150 including service. There's very little wine that is sold by the glass considering it's a wine bar and the cheapest bottle starts at £38. It was delicious and we ate every last bit but we...