While passing through Newington Green on my way to a beauty appointment, I popped into Canto 73 in Newington Green, London N16, for a relaxed lunch by myself. I enjoyed it so much that I made a point of returning the following month. I love squeezing in a little blogging time between appointments, and this spot has such a calm, welcoming feel that it suited me perfectly. If you’re looking for the best places to eat lunch around Newington Green, I really recommend a lovely lunch at Canto 73 in Newington Green, London N16.
“A small lunch menu, but every dish feels like a treat,” Homegirl London.
Canto 73 Lunch Menu
Canto 73 keeps the lunch menu small, which I genuinely love because it makes every option feel considered. On my first visit, I chose the herby egg mayo and tenderstem broccoli sandwich on St John’s Bakery ciabatta, and it was so satisfying. The egg mayo was fresh and full of flavour, with the herbs really lifting it, and the broccoli added a nice bite that balanced the creaminess. The ciabatta was excellent too, sturdy and chewy, and the portion was generous without feeling heavy. Sandwiches like the herby egg mayo and tenderstem broccoli ciabatta are around £9 to £11.
When I returned, I tried the potato rosti with leek hollandaise and a poached egg, and it was exactly the kind of comforting lunch I crave on a dreary London day. I asked for my egg well done, and it was. I enjoyed every mouthful of the crisp rosti and the smooth, buttery leek hollandaise. It felt indulgent, but not too heavy for lunchtime.
There are other tempting dishes on the menu, too, including the Portuguese bifana with fermented pepper mayo and caramelised onions, a seasonal nourishing bowl that can be topped with chicken, and a chicken schnitzel served with potato salad and hispi cabbage slaw. For something a bit special, the cod cheeks with lime butter sauce and coconut rice also stood out. There are lighter options, too, like pumpkin soup and homemade granola with yoghurt and seasonal fruit.
For something sweet, I treated myself to a slice of pumpkin-burnt Basque cheesecake, beautifully creamy with its signature caramelised top. I thought it was reasonably priced at £5, given how fabulous it tasted. There were also other bakes on the counter, including pastel de feijão and a chocolate-and-sesame tart, both of which would be perfect if you just want a little treat with your drink.
On both visits, I had herbal tea because I’m really trying to stop drinking coffee at midday, and it felt like a nice, calming choice alongside lunch.
Helpful Information About Canto 73
Canto 73 has a minimal, calm interior with an open kitchen at the back, where you’ll find the display of cakes. The space feels airy and uncluttered, with plaster walls, wooden furniture, a larger sharing table, and smaller tables around the edges, so it works well whether you’re eating solo or meeting someone. It also overlooks Newington Green, making it a lovely place to sit for a slow lunch, and it’s dog-friendly, too.
Canto 73 is also especially well known for its supper clubs, which are a big part of what makes this place so special. In the evenings, the space transforms into an intimate, relaxed dining room where seasonal menus with Portuguese influences are served. I’m hoping to attend one soon.
Canto 73 is at 43 Newington Green, Newington Green, London N16 9PX, and it is easy to reach from Canonbury Overground, Dalston Kingsland, or Dalston Junction, as well as several bus routes that stop close by. Lunch and coffee are served Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, with the kitchen open 12 pm to 3 pm, and dinner runs Thursday to Saturday at 7.30. To find out more, it’s best to check the Canto 73 website.
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Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about coffee shops or eateries where I have had a good experience. I recommend further research, as standards and opinions may change. Please verify that the establishment is still open and check its opening hours before visiting.