Rubedo

The latest occupant of a site that has often changed hands, Rubedo is a well-run little bistro that we hope is here to stay. The signs are good: there’s an impressive wine cellar, with strengths in French and Italian natural wines; the kitchen team hail from Shoreditch’s modern-British outfit, Lyle’s, and source top-quality ingredients; and the food is simple yet fabulous. Decor is Shoreditch eatery meets French bistro, the bare-brick walls scattered with chic French prints; jazz plays in the background. The constantly changing menu is written on a board, with only four starters, three mains and two desserts (plus cheese and snacks). To start, grilled purple sprouting broccoli is admirably partnered by a cloud-like dollop of salty creamed smoked cod’s roe. Lamb might follow, pleasingly pink and accompanied by a crisp, sweet slice of celeriac and deliciously sour pomegranate seeds. In all, a worthy addition to this villagey locale.

Rubedo is a seasonal bistro and natural wine bar in the beating heart of Stoke Newington. Here, guests can gaze over a menu that includes dishes formed of the very best of British produce, meats and fish, with a glass of exceptional wine in hand. The chefs at Rubedo are skilled in crafting new and exciting dishes that are inspired by their own experiences throughout the years. The wine list at Rubedo is exceptional and made up of brilliant low-intervention bottles from Austria, France, Italy and beyond. It’s the kind of wine list where you'll find time-honoured favourites and exciting rare editions side by side - there’s always something new. It’s open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, with an additional lunch served on Saturday.

The Rubedo menu changes daily, so you never know exactly what you're going to find. But that's part of the excitement - whilst favourites often return to the menu, this is the kind of restaurant where you’re always on the cusp of discovering the next big thing. To begin, focaccia, olives and giardiniera are great options to share around the table as you pop the cork on a bottle. There are also Colchester rock oysters if you're feeling fancy.

The dishes are designed for sharing, and so you're recommended to order a couple for the table. You'll have choices of crudites with smoked cod's roe and sumac, spiced green peas with whipped cow's curd, potato latkes with sour cream and chives, and a pork terrine with pineapple chutney. Bigger plates include the wolf fish ceviche with pickled red chilli, gorgonzola with beetroot and courgette pinsa, and a grilled leg of lamb with white peach mostarda.

For dessert, you may find dishes of crème caramel, a chocolate crémeux with smoked sea salt or the deep-fried taleggio with a delicious hot honey.