Tasca Brings the Warmth and Tradition of Iberian Dining to Highbury’s Beloved Neighbourhood Spot
Giacco’s, the much-admired neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar in North London, has announced its forthcoming residency with Tasca, beginning on Tuesday 9 December. Following a highly successful run at Câv in Bethnal Green earlier this year—alongside a series of one-night pop-ups across the UK and overseas—the partnership returns for a second collaborative residency.
Tasca is a heartfelt tribute to the travels of its founders, Chef Josh Dallaway and Sommelier Sinéad Murdoch, who drew inspiration from their experiences across Portugal, Spain and the South of France. Their cooking reflects the warmth, conviviality and generosity of Iberian dining culture. Giacco’s, an Italian-leaning venue created by Milan-born Leo and Florence native Danilo, provides the ideal setting for Tasca’s thoughtful take on food, wine and hospitality.
The residency’s menu will celebrate produce, seasonality and community, taking cues from the traditional tascas that line the streets of Lisbon and Madrid. The result is bold, flavour-driven and generous cooking. Josh’s culinary background spans well-regarded London venues and pop-ups hosted at notable establishments such as Brunswick House, Bar Bruno and Half Cut Market, blending creativity with technical skill and a respect for classic methods.
Guests can expect snacks such as Focaccia with Whipped Goat’s Curd and Cecina and Guindillas, or Don Bocarte Anchovy and Pepper Butter Toasts, featuring an aromatic butter infused with up to ten varieties of peppercorn. These are followed by small plates like Zamorano, Fried Almonds and Celeriac Honey, before moving into heartier offerings such as the Rojão Sandwich — a spiced interpretation of the traditional Bifana — Ex Dairy Tartare à Bras, and Cornish Mussel and Chorizo Rice, a layered signature dish the team can never remove from the menu. Additional highlights include Isle of Mull Scallop with Mushroom, Crème Fraîche and Nutmeg, Fideuá with Roasted Yeast, Walnut and Black Garlic, and Fried Partridge with Cinnamon Curry. To finish, diners can indulge in Pumpkin Ice Cream with White Chocolate and Hazelnut Miso.
Complementing Josh’s dishes, Sinéad has assembled a thoughtfully curated wine list designed to pair harmoniously with the menu. Her selection reflects her commitment to championing female-founded or female-led wineries, with a focus on sustainable and low-intervention winemaking, and bottles chosen for both their narrative and individuality.
“We’re thrilled to have Josh and Sinéad close out 2025,” says Leo, co-founder of Giacco’s. “It’s inspiring to see a duo who bring equal care to both the kitchen and wine when creating a menu – they are genuine with their approach, aligning perfectly with our ethos here at Giacco’s. Shaped by their travels, hospitality and community are at the heart – it’s a place for everyone – whether you’re stopping by for a quick glass and a snack or settling in for a long meal with loved ones.”
Adding to the sense of collaboration, Tasca will welcome guest chefs on Sundays throughout the residency with a series titled Tasca and Friends. The first guest will be Emily Skimming, Head of Pastry at Morchella, who will join Josh in creating a special Sunday menu on 14 December.