OREN: Charcoal-Grilled Mediterranean Excellence in Dalston

Tucked away on Shacklewell Lane in Dalston, OREN has established itself as one of East London's most exciting culinary destinations since opening in October 2019. This intimate neighborhood restaurant is the creation of Israeli-born chef Oded Oren, who brings his heritage and global culinary experience to create a menu of Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates cooked over a charcoal grill.

Signature Dishes and Culinary Approach

Oren's menu changes regularly, reflecting seasonal ingredients and the chef's creative inspirations. However, several standout dishes have earned particular acclaim:

• Ox Cheek with Hummus: Impossibly tender meat that falls apart at the slightest touch, paired with velvety, nutty hummus
• Jerusalem Mixed Grill: A bold offering featuring duck hearts, chicken livers, and lamb sweetbreads in a soft homemade pitta with tahini and pickled mango
• Flatbread with Dips: Freshly baked, pillowy flatbread served with various accompaniments including creamy labneh and tomato salsa
• Chocolate Mousse: Frequently cited as exceptional, this rich dessert comes with spiced nuts for added texture and depth

The restaurant's approach centers on bringing out the best in quality ingredients, with many dishes touched by the distinctive char of the grill that has become OREN's signature.

Atmosphere and Experience

With just 30 covers, OREN offers an intimate dining experience in a space characterized by muted grey walls, simple whitewashed tables, and a well-stocked bar. The restaurant achieves that perfect balance of being lively yet comfortable, with music playing at just the right volume to create atmosphere without overwhelming conversation.

The service is notably warm and knowledgeable, with staff happy to guide diners through both the menu and the carefully curated selection of low-intervention wines from small growers.

Whether you're looking for a special date night spot or a place to enjoy exceptional food in a relaxed setting, OREN delivers Mediterranean flavors with precision and passion in the heart of East London.