The end of one Stokey favourite makes way for another. Bianca’s, the casual Casa Fofo spin-off, closed at the end of September, but the site won’t stay empty for long. From October 7th, Da Pino takes over, led by chef Giuseppe “Pino” Pepe, previously head chef at Casa Fofo, and restaurant manager Federico Giannuzzi, who most recently managed Bianca’s and worked at Casa Fofo before that. Both are from Puglia, and the new restaurant is built around recreating the family meals of their youth, filtered through the more creative techniques they’ve picked up working in London.
The menu leans Italian but with a modern, inventive edge rather than classic trattoria fare, and produce will be seasonal and locally sourced where possible. Antipasti includes raw scallops with peanut milk and green tomatoes, aubergines with shiso and berries, and a red pepper and black sesame tart, while primi and secondi run from tomato ravioli with basil to grilled rice with mussels and potatoes, and chicken with kalibos cabbage and sabayon. Dessert is a single, striking note: sourdough bread miso ice cream with apple and pumpkin seeds.
The full kitchen runs Wednesday to Saturday, with a more relaxed Sunday of wine, antipasti and snacks, backed by a vintage soundsystem and regular guest DJs. The room itself is getting a refresh too: Pepe’s father-in-law, artist Simon Abbott, is painting a ceramic tile artwork for the bar that fuses Botticelli with pop culture references (“Botticelli on acid,” in his words), alongside handmade plates and bowls from Grottaglie, the Puglian town famous for its ceramics. Drinks focus on small-scale, independent wine producers working sustainably, alongside cocktails and beers.
“Da Pino is from the heart,” says Pepe. “We’re trying to make an already beautiful spot into something really personal and creative. We can’t wait to share our love of hospitality, food and music with the neighbourhood.”
Key Information
Opening date | 7th October 2026
Address | 175 Stoke Newington Road, London N16 8BP
Website | dapinolondon.co.uk
