Ed Templeton, Naz Hassan, and Theo James, known for his role in “The White Lotus,” are set to launch Ornella, a Milanese restaurant in London Fields, at the end of April. This establishment, named after the celebrated Milanese singer Ornella Vanoni, will accommodate 48 guests and focus on showcasing Northern Italian cuisine.
Ornella Restaurant: A Unique Culinary Experience
The restaurant will serve traditional dishes from Northern Italy, a culinary area that remains largely unexplored in London’s dining scene. Head chef Naz Hassan, who hails from this region, brings his expertise to the kitchen. Alongside him, chef Alessandro Boscolo has collaborated on the menu to ensure authenticity and flavor.
Menu Highlights at Ornella
Ornella’s menu will adhere to the classic structure of antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolci. Some of the standout dishes include:
- Mondeghili meatballs
- Penne alla vodka
- Risotto alla Milanese
- Vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce)
- Cotoletto di vitello (veal chop)
- Mille foglie alle fragole (strawberry puff pastry)
- Zuppa Inglese (Italian trifle)
Vision and Ambition Behind Ornella
Co-founder Ed Templeton expressed his excitement stating, “We knew immediately that we had to give Naz the chance to cook the food of his home city. He’s exceptionally talented.” The team aims to create an iconic restaurant that resonates with the rich culinary heritage of Milan.
With Ornella’s opening on the horizon, Templeton emphasized their ambition. “We could have replicated LUPA, but we wanted to do something more ambitious. Milan gives us the license to explore.”
A New Addition to London Fields
Ornella will open on Wilton Way, joining the likes of Teal by Sally Abé, which recently launched in the area. This vibrant neighborhood is becoming a culinary hotspot, and Ornella is poised to make a significant mark.
