4.2
- 4.4Food
- 4.2Service
- 4.3Ambience
- 4.1Value
Noise • Moderate
£20.00 - £25.00 per person
1 - 10 people
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OpenTable reviews from verified diners
Reviews from people who have dined at Elephant hackney.
4.2
Noise • Moderate
Brian
London5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
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Emma
London1 review
Dined on 2 October 2026
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Jack
London3 reviews
Dined on 12 August 2026
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Julia
London4 reviews
Dined on 5 June 2026
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Dean
Dublin3 reviews
Dined on 3 May 2026
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Matias
London4 reviews
Dined on 21 March 2026
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Anna
London1 review
Dined on 13 March 2026
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Giulio
London10 reviews
Dined on 29 November 2025
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Nicola
London2 reviews
Dined on 26 November 2025
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Carolina
London1 review
Dined on 14 November 2025
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17 August 2026
Elephant on Lower Clapton Road is praised for its striking Victorian space and southern Italian cooking by ex-Manteca chef Francesco Sarvonio. The review highlights dishes including seabass crudo, ziti genovese ragù and rib-eye steak, and says prices are pretty decent for the area.
Published in Time Out Worldwide
2 July 2026
The guide describes Elephant as a welcoming southern Italian gastropub in a Victorian pub, praising dishes including seabass crudo, ziti genovese ragù and Neapolitan pizzas. It also notes the Italian wine and cocktails, and that kids eat free.
Published in Time Out Worldwide
3 October 2025
Elephant Hackney’s manager, Elleisha Riley, chose a modest wine list featuring house wines, whites, skin-contact wines, rosés, reds and sparkling wines, with occasional off-menu bottles. The article highlights Riley’s lively, conversational descriptions, designed to make the list welcoming even for wine novices.
Published in The Times
29 July 2025
Time Out gives Elephant Hackney five stars, praising its restored Victorian pub setting and southern Italian cooking, including standout pasta, pizza and seafood. The review calls it a great, welcoming restaurant and recommends a return visit.
Published in Time Out Worldwide
25 June 2025
Former Manteca chef Francesco Sarvonio and Rum Kitchen co-founder Stevie Thomas are turning The Elephant’s Head at 43 Lower Clapton Road into a southern Italian restaurant focused on Neapolitan pizza. The menu will pair Italian traditions with seasonal British produce, alongside beers and cocktails.
Published in London On The Inside
25 June 2025
Opening at 43 Lower Clapton Road, Elephant Hackney will serve southern Italian dishes and Neapolitan pizzas made with British seasonal produce. Its restored Victorian pub interior features a salvaged former cinema skylight, vintage Italian film posters and other playful artwork.
Published in The Upcoming
23 June 2025
Former Manteca sous-chef Francesco Sarvonio is bringing southern Italian dishes, including Neapolitan pizzas, seafood pastas and small plates, to the former Elephant’s Head pub. The venue is set to open at 43 Lower Clapton Road on July 9.
Published in London Evening Standard
Sunday is a great choice, Elephant hackney runs weekend lunch (Sat, Sun 12:00–15:00) and guests note the kids' table and family-friendly setup on Sundays.
Yes, Elephant hackney suits date night, with a candlelit, atmospheric dining room, elegant touches and many guests celebrating birthdays and special evenings there.
Portions can be generous, guests describe the set menu as very generous and note large, filling pizza and pasta portions.
Elephant Hackney sits in a converted Victorian building with original features and a stunning roof light, creating a warm, candlelit, cosy-but-buzzy dining room praised by guests.
Guests describe Elephant Hackney as dog-friendly, reviewers specifically give it 'bonus points for being dog friendly.'
For families, yes, guests report a dedicated kids' table, staff who are very helpful with children, and notes that kids eat free midweek; accessibility (wheelchair access) is not documented.
Elephant Hackney tends to feel buzzing and busy at peak times, guests describe opening-night service as “buzzing, ” note waits, and advise pre-booking, while midweek family visits are described as more relaxed.
Business casual is the guide, aim for neat, polished clothing rather than anything formal.
For a calmer, family-friendly visit head midweek, guests say midweek visits feel relaxed and kids are free during the week; if you prefer lunch, Elephant serves Saturday–Sunday lunches 12:00–15:00.
Some guests have noted Elephant hackney is dog‑friendly, giving it bonus points for welcoming dogs.
Yes, Elephant hackney is welcoming to families: guests praise staff for being helpful with children, note kids enjoy the pizzas, and there’s even a kids table on Sundays with midweek kids‑free offers.
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