€€€€ • Cantina • Highbury
Giacco’s, a neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant in Highbury, established its own chef residency programme, designed to platform emerging talent within London’s hospitality scene and beyond. Since opening in 2023, Giacco’s has become a beloved fixture on Blackstock Road, known for its warm, familiar (but never overbearing) service. The intimate space leans Italian in feel, focusing on European low-intervention wine and a concise cocktail list.Tuesday - Sunday Chef ResidencyCurrent Chef: Michael KressMichael’s cooking is shaped by years spent in London kitchens, with a focus on seasonal ingredients, quality produce and modern European flavours.Australian-born and London-raised, he trained at Fifteen before developing his craft at Brasserie Saint Jacques with Pierre Koffmann, The Fat Duck and MoVida Next Door in Melbourne. Back in London, he joined Ellory and Leroy, where the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star, before moving to Llewelyn’s in South London.
