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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Max Rocha, Chef, Café Cecilia, London. Photography: Jacob Lillis
Read more about Café Cecilia Cookbook here.