In One Bite
A welcoming space in Hackney with a regularly changing tasting menu by Adolfo De Cecco, featuring international flavours with an Italian touch.
Standout Features
The Vibe: Hackney is full of surprises. You can be walking down the most unassuming road and stumble upon a culinary gem that boasts a Michelin star. Featuring a light-flooded main room, a communal table in the basement and a garden, the restaurant has a casual feel that makes you feel immediately comfortable.
The Genuineness: Everything is prepared using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The close-knit team can be seen at the back working in harmony and assembling each plate with great care alongside the head chef, who presents his dishes with enthusiasm and humbleness. The informal chic ambience and exposed kitchen support the idea of open exchange and communication that is at the heart of the restaurant’s mission.
The Approachability: The six-course tasting menu (of which there’s a vegetarian version) is a flavour journey not to be missed. Reasonably priced for a Michelin starred venue, Casa Fofó offers dishes that are sophisticated and creative without being fussy, thus removing any apprehension you may feel about fine dining. To further enhance the experience, the parallel offer of wine pairings is also recommended. One can also explore the broad offering of low intervention wines while enjoying small bites from the snack menu.
Star Dishes (Subject to change)
- One excellent dish at the time of our visit (the set menu was East Asian inspired) was the almond and crab tortello. A meeting of defined but delicate flavours, it had subtle notes of ginger, a complex nutty background and a bubbling foam on the surface calling to mind the seaside. A real delight.
- Another surprise was the nori, rice and horseradish dish, a pre-dessert that almost eludes description due to its contrasting yet harmonious textures and a blend of strong and soft flavour notes that danced together beautifully.
- The meat dishes are cooked to perfection and locally sourced. Usually paired with a delectable sauce or perhaps an unexpected ingredient (such as with the venison, beetroot and chocolate dish), they are a constant highlight in the changing menus.
Final Morsel: should you visit?
Nothing seems left to chance at Casa Fofó, and yet Adolfo says that when creating his dishes he is mainly driven by instinct. Whatever his approach may be, the combination of unexpected flavours, command of techniques and awareness of global trends makes a visit to Adolfo’s kitchen a memorable experience. It makes for a great introduction to fine dining as it is a casual, friendly and approachable spot.
— Mersa Auda
