Actor Theo James, restaurateur Ed Templeton, and chef Naz Hassan are set to launch their second restaurant, Ornella, in Hackney. Following the success of their first establishment, LUPA, located in Highbury, the trio is expanding their culinary footprint.
Ornella: A New Culinary Venture in Hackney
Ornella will be situated at 51 Wilton Way, the former site of Fran’s. This new restaurant aims to bring a taste of Milan to London, showcasing dishes inspired by Naz Hassan’s upbringing in this iconic Italian city.
A Diverse Italian Menu
The menu at Ornella will feature a range of classic Italian dishes with a Milanese influence. Notable offerings will include:
- Risotto alla Milanese
- Vitello tonnato
- Tagliatelle al burro e Parmigiano
- Zuppa Ingelese for dessert
Ed Templeton expressed excitement about the new venture, stating their intentions to create a more formal ristorante atmosphere compared to LUPA. “We could have done a second Lupa, but we wanted something even more ambitious,” he explained.
Size and Ambiance
Ornella will be nearly double the size of LUPA, featuring expanded seating and a pavement terrace for outdoor dining during the warmer months. With the growing culinary scene on Wilton Way, Ornella is poised to become a sought-after destination for food enthusiasts.
Opening Details
Ornella is scheduled to open in April 2026. For updates and more information, follow them on Instagram at @ornella.restaurant.
This collaboration promises to enhance Hackney’s vibrant food landscape and provides an exciting opportunity for diners to savor a taste of Milan in London.
