Café Cecilia. Photography: Matthieu Lavanchy

Take a look inside the east London café that became a hit with the international fashion crowd

Chic, informal, and with a fascinating back story, Café Cecila is so much more than a neighbourhood restaurant

Beloved by locals, Café Cecilia is the kind of a casual, yet excellent, restaurant you dream about having in your own neighbourhood. The sort of place that has beautiful food, attracts beautiful people and somehow just gets everything right.

Opened in 2021 in East London and named after his paternal grandmother, it’s Irish chef Max Rocha’s first restaurant and serves simple Irish and European inspired food.

Take a look inside the east London café that became home to the international fashion crowd. Sage & Anchovy Fritti. Photography: Matthieu Lavanchy

Over the intervening years, it’s become not only a foodie haven but a huge hit with the international art and fashion crowd, which is perhaps not so surprising when you consider that Max’s father John and sister Simone are both celebrated clothes designers, and before setting up Café Cecilia, Max catered for Gucci, Christie’s and Dover Street Market.

Rocha previously worked at The River Café, Spring, and St John Bread & Wine, and his food takes inspiration from what’s in season; the cooking of his mother, Odette; and the dishes he grew up with in Ireland.

Take a look inside the east London café that became home to the international fashion crowd. Globe Artichokes. Photography: Matthieu Lavanchy

Because it seemed to be not only ours but everyone else’s favourite neighbourhood restaurant we thought it would form the subject of a great book -  but one, like the restaurant itself, with some subtle differences.

Take a look inside the east London café that became home to the international fashion crowd. Raspberry & Almond Tart. Photography: Matthieu Lavanchy

Unusually for a cookbook, the recipes in Café Cecilia Cookbook have been photographed by fashion photographer, Matthieu Lavanchy. Meanwhile, Café Cecilia’s team and suppliers were shot by British documentary photographer Jacob Lillis. The beautiful images capture the stylish atmosphere and decor of the café.

Take a look inside the east London café that became home to the international fashion crowd. Ham Hock & Roast Shallot Salad. Photography: Matthieu Lavanchy

The book opens with a foreword by celebrated British food writer Diana Henry, who has championed Rocha and his restaurant since it first opened, and features 100 recipes to make at home for food and drinks served at the restaurant from breakfast through to dinner, including soups, salads, breads, cakes and drinks, as well as a selection of fish, meat, and vegetable dishes.

Each chapter starts with a short and engaging text written by Max, and the recipes range from signature dishes—Guinness Bread and Sage & Anchovy Fritti—to more seasonal specialties such as Poached greengage, granola and yogurt; Globe Artichokes with Sesame Seed Tahini; and his mum’s favourite - Raspberry and Almond Tart.

Take a look inside the east London café that became a hit with the international fashion crowd Max Rocha, Chef, Café Cecilia, London. Photography: Jacob Lillis

Read more about Café Cecilia Cookbook here.

Take a look inside the east London café that became home to the international fashion crowd.