Manteca

Manteca comes from Smokestak owner David Carter and chef Chris Leach, formerly of Cora Pearl and others. The two refined their craft with two residences in three years, before opening their first permanent restaurant in Shoreditch.

The smart dining room is buzzing when at full capacity, with an attractive kitchen counter. It’s the kind of restaurant that’s as suited to a date night as a party, and everything in between.

There’s a big emphasis on fresh pasta when it comes to the food menu, with dishes like fazzoletti with duck ragu and brown crab cacio e pepe going big on flavour while still remaining simple and elegant in their execution. House-made mortadella and focaccia is also a must-order, with the often underrated Italian luncheon meat becoming a delicious treat that’s made with rare-breed pork and a deft touch.