Giacco’s has been pouring bottles on Blackstock Road since 2023, becoming a go-to neighbourhood wine bar in Finsbury Park
It’s the brainchild of Leonardo Leoncini and Danilo Croci, who are using their experience to bring the best of Italian hospitality to the area. It’s an intimate spot with just 20 covers, which is made even more romantic by the abundance of candles along the counter.
The bar sets itself apart from others through its rotating line-up of chef residencies, with pop-ups changing every month or so. We’re big fans of this approach. It keeps the menu fresh, whilst offering the chance for up-and-coming chefs to showcase their work and build a following before potentially opening something of their own, making everyone a winner.
Eat This
It’s been a strong start to the year for Giacco’s in the kitchen. So far, they’ve had the Iberian-inspired Tasca, and Japanese from Akira Sugiura, with Louis-Arnaud Jose currently cooking up rustic French cuisine with Basque-Italian nods. Having such a wide mix of chefs taking over the site always gives you an excuse to keep coming back.
While each residency brings its own flavour, the format stays pretty consistent: a run of small plates followed by a few larger pasta dishes that nod to Giacco’s Italian roots. Standouts from Louis-Arnaud Jose’s menu include fresh grey mullet sashimi with ginger aguachile, cashew and pickled coriander seeds, plus a shiitake vol-au-vent topped with dulse, and an amontillado sabayon – a fun twist on a retro classic.
Drink This
Giacco’s has a selection of funky low-intervention wines, both by the glass and bottle that, like the kitchen, also rotate regularly. Along with vinos, they offer a list of cocktails, featuring the usual classics as well as some lesser-known ones like the Division Bell. The Lambrusco Sbagliato is a great place to start, and we can only imagine it slaps even harder on a hot summer’s day.
Why Go
Giacco’s is exactly what you would want from a neighbourhood wine bar: cosy candlelit interiors, an effortlessly relaxed atmosphere, and an ever-changing menu. It’s a combo that will certainly keep you coming back for more.
Key Information
Address | 176 Blackstock Road, London, N5 1HA
For more information | @giaccos_ldn
