Cafe Z in Hackney

i’ve been wanting to try this place for a while and i finally did and when i tell you this is one of the best pastas i’ve ever had im not lying. the price is very reasonable and it is so rich in flavour, im obsessed. the workers are very lovely too. i will be coming back all the time. i think it is genuinely the best pasta i’ve had in the uk.

Lovely hidden pasta place, decently priced and tasty

So me and my colleagues discovered this hidden gem a good few months ago and can within a doubt tell you that we are obsessed! Not only is the food always delicious, they now serve HALAL chicken and bolognese!! There are a good selection of Pasta’s to choice from, you can even choose small, regular or large size meal. If you like a little spice, ask for the chilli oil. Make sure to include the garlic bread! And if you haven’t tried their brownie, you are missing out! There are few tables if you wish to enjoy your food there or simply do a takeaway! Service is pretty fast, but trust me, have a little patience because the fresh food is worth the wait! Sylvia and Cristiano are the kindest people! Beautiful place ran by beautiful people. For all those who love good hearty food, you need to visit!!

This place is a true hidden gem. Located downstairs in a small business complex, with the option to take away or there's several tables in this cozy and quiet eatery. Beautifully cooked pasta, rich flavours and decent portion sizes. The meat is also Halal. We ordered chicken pesto, creamy mushroom and Bolognese and they were all top tier. However, for myself personally, the pesto chicken was the star of the show. Perfectly creamy, nutty and herby; lovely thick consistency with every piece of pasta and chicken evenly coated. I could eat it every day. They also make a delicious chilli oil, which compliments the food so well and a fluffy garlic bread. The only suggestion I would make is to have a dairy free option (i.e. dairy free cream/cheese in the sauces or to garnish). The staff there, one lady and one man, were gems. Super friendly and welcoming, very accommodating and honestly great at what they do. I can't wait to come back again!!

Homemade, tasty, affordable pasta. I will definitely be back!

Very delicious pasta, cooked fresh

As secret as it is, I wish more people knew about this place! The food here was great - I had a lovely carbonara which although it was a small was generous in its portion size. Right amount of cheese sauce and ham…it was perfect :)

very cute and quaint basement restaurant that reminds me of a family run kitchen. i picked up a toogoodtoogo which was great value for money and it was yummy!

Collected a too good to go from here and it was absolutely stunning, the pictures say it all. Pasta was so rich with flavours of tomato garlic and a hint of spice. Came with some freshly made dough balls which were the perfect finishing touch. I would 100% pay full price, and will be coming back! Just a little trickier to find…

The food here is so delicious, made fresh and the portions are decent too (a regular pasta is all I need). I'll always grab a box to takeaway but there is the option to eat in if you like. Sylvia (owner) is such a lovely lady, super friendly and she makes good recommendations depending on what you like. This place deserves more customers.

This place is so so good! It takes some real confidence to find it however. Go through the gates, past reception, and head down to the basement and there you’ll find the best little pasta place!!! Full 5 star food and service. LOVE it.

Great pasta! Great place! Great people!

I love this place! I know exactly what I am gonna get and the expectation. On the top of it, the staff is super kind and nice. I am a big fan of Contadina regular with Parmesan cheese and chilli oil.

What an awesome pasta place. Cooked fresh right there and then, The food is flavoursome, portions big and definitely value for money. It's an absolute hidden gem, which is quite difficult to find (Downstairs in Zetland House - you'll need to sign in with security to access the building) but once you do, you'll be back often. It's the best place around this area for lunch.

This place is great! Such a good hidden find. I was working here and tried the pesto chicken pasta with chilli oil which was so good. Absolutely reccomend for an affordable lunch in the area :) and everyone working here is lovely

My experience was fantastic. The food was amazing. Great chef and I’d highly recommend it for anyone who wants pasta at a great price.

My favorite pasta 🍝!! I loved 🥰

Amazing little hidden place. The food was just really good. Simple pasta, very reasonable prices, and great portions! Nothing more I could ask for in the heart of Old Street. I had the medium creamy mushroom pasta for £6.20 and it was delicious! Will definitely be going back =)

So delicious and lovely owners. Best to get takeaway as it's underground but we ate in and it was nice and private.

Recommended by a colleague and glad I went along. Clean, friendly and really good reasonably priced food. 3 choices of size dish which is great and very tasty dishes. Shame its a little hidden as the foot traffic is minimal so will tell as many people as I can, hoping they get business and stay open!

Awesome little establishment. Flavoursome, good value for money and variety. Highly recommend. Would recommend the chicken pesto

Awesome little establishment. Flavoursome, good value for money and variety. Highly recommend.

Came upon this small restaurant today. It’s modest in size but the pasta (bolognese) was fabulous and inexpensive. The owner was helpful and friendly. Two thumbs up!

Silvia and her team create a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere and some of the best pasta I've ever eaten!! Full of flavour, perfectly al dente and incredibly generous portions. They also cater for events externally and you won't be disappointed with the food. Always super fresh, made with love and there's TONS of it! Go immediately if you love your tummy

Divine pasta, great portion sizes

Fresh pasta made in front of you, at a great value. It's not the easiest place to fins and you need to check in with the security team to access the stairs from Zetland House. Definitely recommend.

Amazing pasta, very well priced & friendly staff

One of the best pasta I ever had in London. People here are so lovely and kind and I think this hidden place is so cozy that everyone should stop by.

Hidden London at its best: wonderful homecooked inexpensive pasta (fiorentina and carbonara since you ask) in a quiet and atmospheric spot, cooked by an inspirational lady.

Lovely secret pasta cafe. Best pasta I have had in London so far and it is secluded and quiet.

Fantastic place! melt in mouth pasta.

The BEST pasta you will ever have for under £10 and served by the loveliest people! Rumor has it they are going to serve breakfast burritos soon...

A very well hidden gem! This is the best pasta I've had in London and is always a lunchtime treat. I told all my colleagues at work about this place and they thanked me for sharing this with them. The pasta is absolutely divine, full of flavour and the portions are hard to finish in one sitting!

Great place for pasta! Freshly made and very good price!

Amazing lunch time pasta served by a lovely lady! Freshly made pasta and worry visiting if you are in the neighbourhood

Best little pasta in the area... All made fresh and great price!

Very good pasta and very nice quantities. Very easy for lunch, wait is only 4/5 min for your pasta to be made to order.

Cafe Z is a real hidden gem. Much more affordable than most lunch spots, great coffee and brownies to die for.