Café Cecilia: a charming Canalside restaurant in the heart of Hackney

Discover a charming Canalside restaurant in Hackney, blending Irish-inspired flavours and a laid-back atmosphere. 

Image: Cafe Cecilia. July 2023. © MTotoe.

London's vibrant food scene is constantly evolving, and one restaurant that has captured our attention is Café Cecilia. Nestled in the heart of Hackney and boasting a picturesque canalside location just a stone's throw away from Broadway Market, this chic eatery is the brainchild of Chef Max Rocha, son of renowned fashion designer John Rocha. Drawing inspiration from his Irish roots and upbringing, Café Cecilia has become a must-visit destination in East London for its infusion of Irish-influenced flavours and a laid-back atmosphere.

Image: Guinness Bread, Sourdough and butter. Cafe Cecilia July 2023. © MTotoe.

At the heart of Café Cecilia's appeal lies its menu, showcasing seasonal, no-fuss, and comforting dishes that make it an ideal choice for leisurely weekend dining or indulging in mid-week lunches. One standout feature is their remarkable bread selection, boasting both the classic sourdough and the utterly irresistible Guinness bread, which effortlessly steal the limelight. Their bread basket stands as a front runner for the coveted title of the best in the city.

Image: Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad. Cafe Cecilia. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Image: Marinated Pepper and Aubergine. Cafe Cecilia. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Café Cecilia offers a selection of daily specials that cater to both vegetarians and meat lovers. From the flavourful roast garlic Caesar salad to the deliciously marinated peppers and aubergine, complemented by a delightful spinach Maltagliati and walnut sauce.

Image: Roast Chicken, Onions, Borloti and Green Sauce. Cafe Cecilia. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Image: Spinach Maltagliati and Walnut Sauce. Cafe Cecilia. July 2023. © MTotoe.

For meat enthusiasts, the options are equally tasty, including a succulent roast chicken with onions and Borlotti in green sauce, or a mouth-watering grilled lemon sole, clams, and spinach, topped with garlic butter.

 Image: Raspberry and Almond Tart. Cafe Cecilia. July 2023. © MTotoe.

To conclude your dining experience, be sure to leave plenty of room for Café Cecilia's tasty desserts. An absolute must-try is their irresistible raspberry and almond tart, served with crème fraîche. This unbeatable combination is guaranteed to leave you wanting to come back for more.

Image: Café Cecilia. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Image: Café Cecilia. July 2023. © MTotoe.

Café Cecilia has carved out a well-deserved place on our list of must-visit restaurants in London for 2023. Boasting both indoor seating and a small alfresco area, it offers a relaxing, inviting setting that is the perfect place to unwind after a leisurely stroll along the nearby canal.

Location: Canal Place, 32 Andrews Road, London, E8 4FX. Opening hours: Lunch : Wednesday – Sunday, Dinner: Thursday – Saturday. Breakfast: Friday - Sunday. Website: cafececilia.com. Instagram: @cafececilialondon

Click here for our top picks of must-visit dining destinations in London in 2023.