There’s nothing particularly declarative about Dalla on Morning Lane in Hackney—and that’s the point. The room is spare and considered—cream walls, simple tables, a deliberate calm—never precious. The space is designed by Neapolitan founder Gennaro Leone in collaboration with his friend, Sicilian designer Oscar Piccolo. Prior to Dalla, Gennaro founded Spazio Leone, the east London store known for sourcing contemporary objects, art, and furniture. So when it came to design references, his were personal and exacting: chairs Gennaro photographed in a Bordeaux bistro, bowls of fruit in a Buenos Aires restaurant, and the beloved Neapolitan trattoria Mimì alla Ferrovia dating back to 1944 where Gennaro and his wife, Tessa, had their pre-wedding dinner.
This is, in part, why the interior feels authentic and unforced—and why nearly everything in the room is either custom-made or carefully sourced. A 1950s Stilnovo chandelier from a Milanese market and metal wall lights, built in Naples to a design by Leone and Piccolo sit alongside Robert Mallet-Stevens chairs. Opened by Gennaro with his brother, Gianmarco Leone, alongside chef Mitchell Damota, Dalla is named for the Italian singer Lucio Dalla, who soundtracked the brothers’ childhood holidays—a dedication that reflects the character of the space itself.
Photographs by Thea Løvstad for Dalla, except where noted.
Above: White tablecloths, tables with custom bases, and Mallet-Stevens Model 222 Chairs—all vintage, carefully restored—and upholstered in white leather.
Above: Walls are two-toned in white and cream with cafe curtains in every window.
Above: Metal wall sconces designed by Piccolo.
Above: A custom curved wood bar features silver tea service and a vintage marble pedestal.
Above: The opposite side of the bar reveals classical glass shelves mounted on a mirrored wall.
Above: The silver bud vases are all vintage, sourced from Austria.
Above: A brass lamp and German rotary telephone for taking reservations.
Above: A traditional dessert display.
Above: A hand-lettered sign made in Naples.
Above: From left to right: Mitchell Damota, Gianmarco Leone, and Gennaro Leone; photograph by Alex Goldstein for Dalla. For more from both Leone and Piccolo, see our posts:
