De La Panza

 

De La Panza started life as a market stall in six differents London locations, operating at markets at Regents Place, St. Katharine Docks, Brick Lane and the Brunswick Centre among others. Now the Argentinean eaterie has set up a permanent restaurant at the Islington end of De Beauvoir town - the area between Hackney and Islington. Having built up a loyal following through its lunchtime market trade, De La Panza - an Argentine expression for 'stuffing your belly' - rewards its fans with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu which includes Basque fish soup, house salad, and mains which range from Italian style stuffed aubergines to breaded veal and mashed potatoes, Buenos Aires style. Owner George Rockett has based his restaurant on the Bodegón-style restaurants of Buenos Aires which were neighbourhood eateries were started by and for immigrants, usually of Spanish or Italian descent. Though this is not your typical Argentine steak house - it's much more diverse than that - great slabs of beef are still a key ingredient and they import their top quality meat from the mother country. Whether you just want a quick tapas or 'Minutas' and a glass of wine, or the full restaurant experience, De La Panza has separate areas that cater for both. Either way, you'll be leaving with a full belly.