Lina Stores

The food was absolutely stunning: delicious, beautifully prepared, and clearly made with care. Unfortunately, the service didn’t match the quality of the food. When we arrived, we were delayed at the entrance by a man joking around with a waitress, who only let us in after we awkwardly said “sorry,” which felt unwelcoming. We were then directed to sit inside without being offered the option to sit on the terrace, even though there appeared to be available tables. Once seated, it took over 10min before we managed to get a waitress’s attention to place our order, as she and what seemed to be the manager were chatting and not checking in on guests. When our food was ready, it sat on the pass despite the chef ringing the bell multiple times; again showing a lack of attentiveness. While the terrace was understandably busy, there were three staff members working the floor, so this shouldn’t have been a major issue. Another discomfort was the air conditioning, which was blasting cold air even though it was just 22°C outside. Guests around us were putting on coats to stay warm inside, which made the atmosphere even less enjoyable. Sadly, we won’t be returning, which is a real shame because the food truly deserves better service. With a more proactive, guest-focused team, this place could be outstanding. I say that as someone who has worked in hospitality, I know the difference attentive service can make.

Our visit to Lina Stores in East London was a heartwarming experience, steeped in Sicilian hospitality and cozy charm. This family-run bistro delivers authentic, homemade Sicilian cuisine that feels like a warm embrace. We enjoyed a delightful array of dishes: the decadent Linguine Black Truffle, the zesty Seafood Casarecce (Casarecce alla Calabrese), the luscious Ravioli con Burrata, and the irresistible Gnudi Fritti—crispy fried cheese balls coated in breadcrumbs. The portions are modest, which we loved as it allowed us to savor a bit of everything. A special highlight was the proprietor’s kind gesture when coke was “out of stock,” recommending the fantastic Sicilian sparkling orange drink, which was a refreshing revelation. Every dish was crafted with care, bursting with authentic flavors. Lina Stores is a must-visit for a true taste of Sicily in a welcoming, homey atmosphere!

The quality of the food is quite good, from the starter to the dessert. I first tried the "Menu to Share" for two people, and both the quality and quantity were excellent. I came back for the same menu, this time for a group of seven, and unfortunately we were not satisfied with the portions. The table of seven was served just two identical sharing plates of each dish—each one was exactly the same quantity I had previously received for two people. There wasn’t a single bite left, which isn’t the true Italian concept of sharing. It’s a shame, because we really did enjoy the food.

The food here was very good. We enjoyed every dish. It was all fresh, tasty and authentic. We definitely recommend the Caserecce alla Calabrese and the Linguine con Granchio e Limone pasta dishes. The staff were very friendly and welcoming but we did have to wait a while for our drinks and we had to ask three times for a coffee at the end.

Wonderful as always. The Tagliolini al Tartufo was 10/10. Absolutely delicious. Every dish was so tasty and the service was spot on. Will be back very soon! Such a lovely evening.

AMAZING! Best restaurant / dining experience we’ve had for a long time. Incredible food, drinks and service. Lovely ambience. Faultless. We ordered the set sharing menu for four people with the wine pairing. Every single dish was outrageously good. I can’t say anything else except “perfection”. Also reasonably priced, especially considering the quality. I hardly ever leave reviews, but I thought it would be rude not to in this case! Highly recommended.

Very nice place. I’m not giving it 5 stars because it represents somewhere that claims excellence and although very good, at this price point I would hope for a bit better. But it was great and I’d go back. I would give 4.5 if I could. Service brilliant and upstairs atmosphere 5*. Downstairs way too loud.

Had a nice dinner here with my daughter. I wouldn't say they're great at serving small children, but we had a nice time here all the same. The kid's portion of spaghetti was way too big for her. Sitting outside on a nice day is a mixed blessing since the pavement is so busy. But the wait staff were attentive and the food was tasty. Our desserts in particular were really yummy. I had the chocolate mousse and my daughter had the lemon and vanilla ice-cream scoops. I did order a dessert wine which never came out. I only realised it on my walk home.