Angelina

Italian, Japanese·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Angelina

Silver Award

Angelina’s shtick of blending Japanese and Italian cuisine might seem like a novel one, but it’s been tried before – in 2003, Shumi in St James’s served ‘Italian sushi’ (and was widely mocked for its efforts) while in 2016 high-end Japanese Sumosan moved from Mayfair to Knightsbridge, rebranding as Sumosan Twiga and introducing alternative menus of Japanese and Italian dishes.

Here in Dalston, Angelina takes things one step further, combining elements from both culinary traditions in the same dish from a weekly changing five-plate sharing menu. The combination of cuisines is gentler than anticipated – we found what we ate was mostly Italian food with welcome notes of Japanese influence.

Take the fritto misto/tempura, which involves cime di rapa coated in a crisp and lacy batter and served with a sweet soy sauce for dipping. Elsewhere, tomato linguine is pepped up with shavings of wasabi, while dense discs of braised pork are deep-fried and coated in breadcrumbs and served with a sweet-and-sour sauce. To finish, there’s an exemplary take on a rice pudding – a creamy concoction studded with chunks of tart blood orange, pellets of pistachio and finished off with chocolate shavings.  

It’s a chic and minimalist space, featuring streaked marble tables, hanging Chinese lanterns and an open kitchen complete with counter seating. Another ace up Angelina’s sleeve is its tiny in-house cocktail bar Golden Gai, which has just six seats and operates a strict no-phones policy.

Quirky and cutting-edge without feeling gimmicky, Angelina is a welcome and well-considered addition to Dalston’s burgeoning restaurant scene. 

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
Italian, Japanese
Ambience
Cool, Dark and moody, Fine dining, Fun, Lively, Quirky, Romantic
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating, Terrace
Special Features
Chef’s table, Counter dining, Dog friendly, Gluten-free options, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wheelchair access
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Fancy something a little different? A blend of two distinct, delicious cuisines? Well you’ll certainly get it at Angelina. Discover a harmonious fusion of Italian and Japanese culinary artistry at this restaurant. In an inviting yet unpretentious setting, the chefs redefine expectations of what you think of these cuisines with their omakase and kaiseki tasting menus, expertly crafted to captivate diverse palates. Embracing the essence of both cuisines, the team challenge traditional notions, delivering dishes that are as visually stunning as they are flavourful.

Driven by a fervor for excellence, the Angelina team carefully source standout ingredients, composing each dish with inventive flavour combinations that delight and surprise. The team’s commitment to culinary innovation extends to their four and 10-course omakase and kaiseki menus, available from Monday through to Saturday evenings, and now, introducing a delicious Saturday lunch option. While the tasting menus are exclusively chef's choice, they are always willing to accommodate dietary preferences with 72 hours' notice.

On the tasting menu, you’ll find delicious dishes such as milk bread adorned with mortadella, pistachio, and shikuwasa, or the rich and flavoursome plate of pizzetta nera crowned with wagyu beef. Progress through the menu with unique creations of yellowtail embellished with truffle soy and herring caviar, and madai paired with grapefruit, wasabi, and sorrel. For those who enjoy steak, try the sirloin accompanied by onion and karashi, followed by the fazzoletti featuring walnut and egg yolk.

Lastly, enjoy a decadent combination of duck, squid, and medlar. The meal finishes with the sweet finale of chocolate crostata and then Buddha's hand and rice.

There's always an impressive wine list at Angelina, which pairs wonderfully with the meal. If you so wish, you can add a wine pairing, or a premium wine pairing option, to your tasting meal to really complement it.


FAQs

Can it cater for dietary requirements?

With 72 hours’ notice, it is able to cater to most dietary requirements.

Helpful? 0

What's the menu like?

There are two menus: a 10-course Kaiseki menu, and a shorter four-course omakase menu.

Helpful? 0

Location

56 Dalston Lane, Dalston, London, E8 3AH

020 3371 7958 020 3371 7958

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu Closed
Fri Closed
Sat 13:00-15:30
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon 17:00-23:00
Tue 17:00-23:00
Wed 17:00-23:00
Thu 17:00-23:00
Fri 17:00-23:00
Sat 17:00-23:00
Sun Closed

Reviews

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3 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Anon

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

So innovative and delicious - changed my mind about 'fusion' restaurants! 

Anon

21 May 2021  
Food & Drink 1.5
Service 0.5
Atmosphere 1
Value 0.5
Angelina rude service

Very romantic place, I came with my boyfriend to relax and enjoy our first restaurant since longtime. We have ordered the 4 courses menu. The food was good, but I didn’t enjoy it. Just arrive at time, 6 pm, they've informed us “we need to rush the next table”, and that every 10 at 15 minutes, 6 at 7 times during all the diner. It was really rude and inappropriate, mostly after this lockdown. We go out to relax and enjoy good food, but I couldn’t. I do not recommend. #stayhome to relax and enjoy properly your evening.

Melie C

16 February 2019  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 4.5
16th Feb. 2019 Tonight at Angelina's Dalston.

The place looks VERY nice AND elegant, romantic even ...  :) You can even see the chefs cooking if you wish. Comfortable sitting. ( Good/soft lighting and candles give it a restful and pleasant atmosphere.) the background music is very nice and not too loud or intrusive. The service was very good and quick! I was taken care of by Arman and Tom this evening...both did an excellent job at answering all my many questions ( ahah) patiently, explaining the dishes etc...and also telling me that they did vegetarian and vegan dishes if requested. I never once had to refill my glass, they had a keen eye! I enjoyed the delicate and good quality food. I had a taster menu. I enjoyed every dish ( quite original and unusual )  and the beef was cooked just as I like it and tender.  All was good including the pannacotta (?) dessert ...I just wish there had been more of it/dessert... but this may be me being greedy? ahah it was sooo nice!! I live so near I will come again. I do recommend. It made a special night out for me and my friend. I wish you good luck guys!! :) Melie& Sevki.    

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020 3371 7958 020 3371 7958

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