Hannah Caramelized Banana
+3.5
Cafe 12 is a quaint little place on Hackney Road. I decided to pop into the sky blue cafe on my way to the very nearby Columbia Road Flower Market (Cafe 12 is right where Hackney meets Columbia).
Ambiance: 4.0:
Peeking in through the large windows, I was greeted with the sight of beautiful oranges, flowers and scrawly chalkboards. I could see a woman squeezing oranges for fresh juice at the counter, and I made up my mind then. Inside, the space is very close, but in an inviting way, sunny and warm.
Service: 3.0
The woman behind the counter greeted me with a friendly smile, though was obviously quite preoccupied with her oranges. She noticed me eyeing the chalkboard, and promptly informed me that she doesn't recommend relying on it. But she also couldn't offer me a menu . . . So, that was a bit odd. She was quick to recommend the ginger orange tea, though, and it was as if she had read my mind.
The Food: 3.5
The ginger-orange tea infusion was delicious! Both refreshing and lulling, the zingy orange and ginger, served piping hot, was just what I needed on a crisp fall morning stroll. The orange flavour was the strongest note, and the ginger lingered in the background giving it an extra little kick. A perfect drink to satisfy the tastebuds and ward off the impending sniffles of Autumn.
Final Verdict: 3.5
I will definitely be popping in here every Sunday for my regular Flower Market visit!
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I have so much love for this place. Period. Considering to stop here because that's all there is to say, but I'm going to be nice and share my little secret with you guys.
This is a little Mediterranean heaven on Hackney rd. Quite random for sure, but I'm happy with it being exactly where it is. It is yet to be discovered by the hipster crowd and offers you so much privacy and comfort that you easily forget that you are in London.
I have to admit, I was at first quite skeptical, so I opted for the full english. The moment I saw my mate's plate, which was some mouthwatering daily special (really short memory span, apologies) I thought I've made a huge mistake by being safe, but luckily I was wrong. The meal had it's twist, thanks to the variety of grilled veggies. According to the staff, the place is supposed to be italian, but there's something very Eastern European about it, that makes it very cosy and heart warming. Especially if you sit in the back room, the outside seizes to exist and you forget about time. Love it.
PS: In case you are not in the best shape and need a bit of a boost, try the lemon and honey drink, will give you a really good kick.
Great add with a wonderful variety of lunch foods. Such comforting home-cooked style foods.
Plenty of options for both vegetarians and carnivores. Cozy interior with local art and kitsch style mismatched and up cycled fortnights. Fits the east London vibe well.
Food was nice and delicious. Good vibe and distance from tables. Cozy atmosphere. Decided to go for the meat lasagne and side vegetables.
Service was a bit strange and unfriendly. The staff were later wondering why I was taking pictures of the restaurant.. otherwise it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area and looking for a good option for lunch with proper home-style cooked Mediterranean food.
BEST CAFE IN LONDON! Had the most delightful dinner on Cafe 12s hidden roof terrace, which Andre the chef prepare for us taking into consideration that I was a vegetarian. The flavours and portions sizes are amazing, the soups that he makes you won't of tasted one like it before, delicious! Highly recommended to anyone looking for some well priced hearty food and a great atmosphere in London.
Perfect park bench food! Ordered a takeaway for full English breakfast over the lockdown and the portion received was enough to feed two (see photos). Also includes a toast that's not in the photos. Everything is freshly prepared upon order and the service staff was lovely. No beans because I don't like it, so you can customise your breakfast to your liking. Highly recommended!
What a hidden gem!! I stumbled across cafe 12 for dinner one day and was so pleased with everything I had.
I got the green curry with chicken and beef lasagna, both which were excellent. The portions are very generous, so make sure you’re hungry.
Chef Andre is also the nicest human alive and makes you feel so welcomed the minute you walk into his shop. He even made me a green salsa/hot sauce to go with the curry which was divine.
I certainly will be coming back, especially to eat at their upstairs patio.
OUTSTANDING food. It is fresh and extremely flavorful. They have a different menu everyday and you'll always find something you like. I got takeaway from here so many times because the portions are hearty and the price is so good. Plus, the owners are really nice and will remember you if you go often. They'll make convo and will make you feel part of the neighborhood. I highly recommend the veggie lasagna, fish, and spaghetti and meatballs. Pre-vegan me loved that stuff. They also have yummy rice and potatoes. Definitely stop by if you're in the area!
These people are the best. I've had a few meals from here. Their food makes you happy. The food is wonderful, they are very nice and I suggest you go.
Food tastes delicious and the atmosphere is lovely. They have a little “hidden” balcony so the place is bigger than it seems at first. Lots of character and lovely service.
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