London Fields’ Ornella: New Milanese Culinary Gem From Lupa Founders Elevates Tourist Tastes!

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London Fields’ Ornella: New Milanese Culinary Gem From Lupa Founders Elevates Tourist Tastes!

Published on
March 28, 2026

Ornella will open its doors to London Fields as a Milanese restaurant which will serve its patrons until the restaurant opens in April. Imagine walking through the lively streets of east London when you will discover an authentic Italian restaurant which serves Northern Italian food. The new establishment will introduce authentic Milanese cuisine to London which will attract international visitors who want to experience traditional Italian dishes while exploring artistic areas of the city.

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Ornella’s Milanese Mission for Travellers

Crafted by Ed Templeton, Naz Hassan, and Theo James, Ornella channels Head Chef Naz Hassan’s Milanese roots into a refined ristorante experience. Unlike casual trattorias, it spotlights the region’s dairy-driven, grain-rich cuisine, contrasting southern Italy’s olive oil traditions. For tourists, this means an immersive gateway to Lombardy’s fertile landscapes and industrial heritage, right in London Fields.

The venue will promote Milanese cuisine by elevating its quiet confidence through simple dishes executed flawlessly. Chefs Naz Hassan and Alessandro Boscolo aim to live or die by staples like risotto alla Milanese, making Ornella a must-visit for travellers comparing London’s eats to Italy’s icons. Its location near Hackney’s trendy spots positions it as a culinary pitstop for those touring east London, blending neighbourhood charm with high-end Milan flair.

Flagship Dishes to Savour

Ornella’s menu follows the classic Italian structure: antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolci tailored for tourists craving crowd-pleasers and signatures.

Antipasti: Vitello tonnato, a silky veal in tuna sauce, offers a refined starter evoking Milan’s elegant aperitivo hours.

Primi: Risotto alla Milanese (saffron-infused with bone marrow), Penne alla Vodka, Tagliatelle al burro e Parmigiano, and Mondeghili meatballs showcase buttery comfort.

Secondi: The star elephant’s ear Cotoletta di Vitello, a golden, bone-in veal chop, embodies Milan’s hearty pride.

Dolci: Indulge in Mille foglie alle Fragole (strawberry mille-feuille) or Zuppa Inglese, a trifle-like delight nodding to Italian pastry heritage.

These dishes highlight seasonal versatility, helping tourists grasp Milan’s distinct profile, rich, robust, and unapologetically Northern while ticking off culinary souvenirs for their travel diaries.

A Neighbourhood Jewel for Tourism

Seating 48 inside, Ornella reserves sunlit window spots and al fresco tables for walk-ins, capturing Wilton Way’s street-side buzz. Interiors, designed with Studio Arlette and carpenter Herb Palmer, echo Lupa’s warm neighbourhood vibe, think craftsmanship that feels like a Milanese osteria transplanted to London.

For tourists, this setup amplifies Ornella’s role in promoting Milanese fare. Visitors can pair a spontaneous lunch with nearby London Fields park rambles or Hackney market hops, turning a meal into a cultural bridge. The restaurant’s proximity to east London’s creative pulse makes it ideal for itinerary builders seeking exclusive, authentic bites beyond tourist traps.

Founders’ Vision Fuels the Buzz

The trio behind Lupa never dreamed of a second spot so soon, just nine months after their Roman triumph. They jumped at giving Naz creative reins for his hometown flavours, pairing his talent with sous chef Sandro’s precision. Templeton and James expressed thrill at shepherding this evolution, tackling Milan’s strong identity in a fresh London pocket close to home. Their passion underscores Ornella’s potential to spotlight Milanese cuisine, inviting tourists to discover its depth through unforgettable plates.

As London Fields embraces Ornella this April, expect it to become a beacon for travel-savvy diners. Picture wrapping up your east London escapade with a decadent Zuppa Inglese, toasting to Milan’s flavours now thriving across the Channel, a delicious reminder that the best trips blend discovery with indulgence.

Bottom Line

Ornella’s upcoming April 2026 opening at Wilton Way London Fields will showcase sophisticated Milanese culinary traditions which Head Chef Naz Hassan will demonstrate through his Northern Italian heritage by preparing dishes that feature butter as the main ingredient in risotto alla Milanese ‘elephant’s ear’ cotoletta di vitello vitello tonnato and rich Zuppa Inglese. The 48-seat restaurant combines Studio Arlette design elements with outdoor dining spaces to serve Milan’s Alpine-inspired dishes which establish it as an essential dining destination for visitors who want to experience traditional Lombardian cuisine through its antipasti-primi-secondi-dolci menu.