Morito Hackney Road

The story

Morito Hackney Road, London: A Decade of Mediterranean Tapas

Origins and the kitchen

Morito Hackney Road opened its doors in London in 2016 as a vibrant hub for Mediterranean cooking. Sam and Sam Clark designed the concept to channel the unpredictability of tapas and mezze culture across the region. The team built a dining room where an orange counter faced a blue wall, creating a backdrop for the city’s constant movement. This approach earned a Good Food Guide recognition that highlighted the venue’s steady evolution over a decade.

Signature plates and seasonal shifts

Under Chef Sevan Tchivitdji, the menu organized itself around shared plates meant for grazing. Guests consistently reached for the crispy deep fried aubergine paired with date molasses and whipped feta. The kitchen also balanced earthy notes with bright accents, serving beetroot borani alongside fresh dill and toasted walnuts. A Good Food Guide note praised how these Mediterranean dishes drew from Spain, North Africa, and Crete without losing their focus on simple technique.

The bar and evening atmosphere

The dining space gradually expanded downward to include a dedicated bar area for live music and evening crowds. Bartenders prepared geographically aligned drinks like the Aegean Spritz alongside a careful selection of low intervention wines. The Spanish leaning cellar offered sherries and dessert tips available by the glass, giving visitors plenty of options to pair with the remaining Mediterranean spread. Monday evenings even hosted a dedicated vegan night to match the evolving crowd.