Having enjoyed a barnstorming success with their first restaurant, LUPA, in Highbury, the team behind that are gearing up for a second opening. Actor Theo James, restaurateur Ed Templeton and chef Naz Hassan are getting the band back together to try their luck in Hackney next.
They've settled on Wilton Way, where they've taken over the site that used to be Fran's for their new restaurant, Ornella. That's making the road a bit of a hot spot at the moment, with Teal by Sally Abé having only just opened a few doors down.
As with LUPA, Ornella will be an Italian restaurant, but this time they're heading north of Rome to Milan for culinary influence. That makes even more sense when you know that Naz grew up in Milan.
"We could have done a second Lupa, and maybe we will one day, but we wanted to do something even more ambitious here," explains Ed. "We can’t wait to see how Naz and his sous chef Sandro channel their talent into another iconic city with another very strong culinary identity."
While LUPA is very much a neighbourhood spot, Ornella will channel the more formal ristorante of Milan. Obviously, there is going be risotto alla Milanese, along with vitello tonnato and tagliatelle al burro e Parmigiano and they're promising the Italian take on trifle, Zuppa Ingelese, for dessert.
This new Hackney restaurant will be almost double the size of their first place, with more space on the pavement terrace when the weather allows. So if you're looking for somewhere new to sip a cocktail or toy with a plate of pasta come the summer, this seems a hot prospect.
More about Ornella
Where is it? 51 Wilton Way, London E8 1BG
When does it open? April 2026
Find out more: Follow them on Instagram @ornella.restaurant
Subscribe to be the first to get the news from Hot Dinners
