The new cafe has taken the former site of Second Shot Coffee on Bethnal Green Road
We were sad to see Second Shot go but the space’s new resident sounds like a very worthy replacement. Rastro Café, run by Carlos del Barrio, Barbara Abelleira and Rodrigo Jerez (Carlos and Rodrigo have previously worked at the likes of Allegra, Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London and Soho House), is an East London espresso bar with a Mediterranean accent.
As well as pouring specialty coffee, Rastro also serves up freshly baked breads and pastries from local producers, and has a sandwich menu showcasing flavours of the Med. The current sarnie selection includes:
- Serranito – salmorejo (homemade Andalusian tomato sauce), jamón Serrano, chopped boiled eggs & extra virgin olive oil on focaccia.
- Siesta – Mallorcan sobrasada, brie, crispy onion, rocket & honey vinaigrette on brioche
- Rustica – pistachio mortadella, buffalo mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, rocket & balsamic glaze on focaccia
- Cubano – prosciutto cotto, pancetta, emmental, pickles & smoked dijonnaise on brioche
There’s even a meal deal option consisting of one of the sarnies, a packet of Torres crisps and a softie for £12, so you can boujee up your lunches. Even though Rastro has only just opened, the team already have future projects, including a deli and an aperitif bar, in their minds – bring on the Rastro empire we say.
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Put the kettle on!
475 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 9QH
@rastroldn