London's dining scene has a new champion, as Tiella in Bethnal Green has been officially crowned the capital's best new restaurant. This traditional Italian trattoria, which opened just last month, has soared to the top of Time Out's prestigious list of the 20 finest new eateries in the city.
A Culinary Triumph in East London
The restaurant is the brainchild of Italian-born, New Zealand-raised chef Dara Klein, who brings a wealth of experience from acclaimed establishments like Brawn, Sager and Wilde, and Trullo. Tiella represents a passion project that has quickly captured the hearts of critics and diners alike.
From Humble Beginnings to Restaurant Royalty
Tiella's journey began modestly as a kitchen residency at The Compton Arms in Islington, following a similar path to other successful London chefs. The restaurant now occupies a beautifully revamped 175-year-old pub at 109 Columbia Road, once known as The Globe, creating a perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary culinary excellence.
Authentic Italian Flavours Take Centre Stage
The menu showcases regional Italian classics with genuine authenticity. Current offerings include:
- Chicken Milanese
- Venetian anchovies in saor
- Passatelli in brodo from Emilia Romagna
Time Out's review captures the restaurant's essence perfectly: 'Tiella is what eating out is all about: the warmest of welcomes, a subtle dose of glamour, incredible food, and the vague sense that nothing much else matters beyond the restaurant's front door.' The review concludes with the simple but powerful verdict: 'A triumph.'
Setting New Standards in London Dining
What makes Tiella's achievement particularly remarkable is the competitive nature of London's restaurant scene. The Time Out list collates reviews from their expert critics over the past twelve months, making this top placement a significant accomplishment for a restaurant that has been open for such a short time.
The restaurant operates from Wednesday through Sunday, offering east London residents and visitors a genuine taste of Italy in a welcoming, atmospheric setting. Tiella's success demonstrates that traditional cooking methods and authentic regional dishes, when executed with passion and skill, can still capture the imagination of London's discerning diners.
This recognition places Tiella alongside some of London's most celebrated dining establishments and sets a new benchmark for what constitutes excellence in the capital's ever-evolving food landscape.
