Tiella is a trattoria and bar at 109 Columbia Road, housed in a restored Victorian corner building near the famous flower market. Chef Dara Klein draws on her Pugliese heritage, her childhood in Emilia Romagna and the family trattoria run by her parents in New Zealand. The result feels equally like an Italian neighbourhood dining room and an East London pub, with a welcoming bar, open kitchen and menu intended to change with the seasons.
Antipasti and smaller plates explore regional traditions with carefully sourced British and Italian produce. Panelle with caper mayonnaise, puntarelle dressed in the Roman style and anchovies marinated with vinegar, onion, pine nuts and sultanas bring contrasting crisp, bitter, sweet and savoury flavours. Seasonal vegetables may be paired with cheeses such as taleggio or sharpened with agrodolce.
Pasta is central to the menu, including orecchiette with cime di rapa and toasted breadcrumbs and passatelli served in a deeply flavoured chicken and beef broth. More substantial dishes include polpette in tomato sauce and chicken Milanese with green apple, celery, fennel and fresh herbs. These recipes favour the generous, direct character of regional trattoria cooking over decorative formality.
Desserts continue the classic approach with torta caprese, panna cotta and fruit chosen for the season. The wine list is led by Italian bottles alongside selections from elsewhere in Europe, with cocktails, spritzes and beer available at the bar. Bookable dining tables, walk in bar seats and a terrace give guests several ways to experience the same warm, sociable style of hospitality.
Address: 109 Columbia Road, London E2 7RL, United Kingdom