Lina Stores Shoreditch

Banking on Charm, Cashing in on Nostalgia

Lina Stores just opened a shiny new spot in Shoreditch, bringing their East London vibe to the scene. They have that kind of buzz that makes it feel like it’s been around forever, but does it actually live up to the hype?

Lina Stores is actually a London institution with a history as rich as Italina famous dessert tiramisu. The original delicatessen opened its doors in 1944 on Brewer Street in Soho, founded by Lina, a powerhouse from Acqui Terme near Genoa.

What started as a humble spot for homesick Italians and hungry Londoners has turned into a beloved brand, known for its fresh pasta, and that signature green-and-white striped storefront.

So, is it really worth all the buzz? Let’s find out.

Atmosphere:
Housed in a gorgeous old bank building, the place nailed that perfect mix of historic charm and modern energy that screamed East London. The space was decked out in Lina Stores’ signature pastel green and white stripes, a nod to the original spot in Soho. I don’t know what it is about this green, but it totally draws me in—and I’m sure it does the same for others too.

What confused me a bit was the dining space was elegant, but the dishes themselves? They’re so simple. There was a mismatch between the atmosphere and what’s on the plate.

Service:
Service-wise, it was… okay. The staff were friendly enough but a bit stretched thin. It felt like they were trying to keep up with a full house.

Price: ££
The prices were pretty fair, except for a few main dishes that had more of a homemade feel. Salsiccia Luganega should be something much cheaper.

Drink:
The real gem of the new Shoreditch spot is the downstairs bar: Bar Lina Shoreditch. It’s got this cool, slightly clandestine vibe that feels like a nod to the building’s banking history, now transformed into a cozy space for mingling over cocktails.

What I Ordered:

Focaccia al Rosmarino e Sale Marino, Olio d’Oliva

While the bread itself was light and satisfying, it’ wasnot necessarily a standout—didn’t elevate much beyond what you might expect from good Italian focaccia.

Gnudi Fritti

The gnudi were light and fluffy on the inside, with a perfectly crisp exterior that gave a satisfying crunch. The ricotta was creamy and fresh, subtly enhanced by the aromatic herbs, making each bite feel indulgent without being too heavy.

The real star, though, was the Calabrian chilli marmellata. It added a sweet and spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the fried gnudi, providing a lovely contrast of flavors.

Carciofi Fritti

The artichokes were lightly battered and fried to perfection, giving them a delicate, crispy coating that shatters with each bite.

But the sauces? Aioli and salsa verde just didn’t do it for me. They were a little too tangy, overpowering the artichoke’s lovely earthy flavor.

*Linguine con Granchio e Limone

This dish was a standout dish that captured the essence of the Italian cuisine. Linguine was perfectly cooked to an al dente bite, coated in a light, flavorful sauce that highlighted the natural sweetness of fresh crab with a zesty lemon, and a hint of spice.

Salsiccia Luganega

The sausage was grilled just right—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with that perfect char you crave.

But the seasoning? Way too salty for my liking. I had to squeeze the entire lemon over it just to make it edible. At that point, I felt like I was prepping for a tequila shot, not eating dinner.

Mousse al Cioccolato con Caramello Salato

It was the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers, and the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note. The mousse itself was luxuriously smooth and creamy, with a rich, deep chocolate flavor that’s both velvety and satisfying. It was not overly sweet, letting the bittersweet chocolate really shined through in each bite.

*Tortina al Marsala e Caramello

Hands down my favorite dessert at Lina Stores Shoreditch! What made this dish so special was its perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of the caramel was never cloying, thanks to the Marsala and crème fraîche, and the tart itself had just the right amount of richness without being overwhelming.

This dessert is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to savor every moment, and for me, it’s the highlight of the entire meal.

Conclusion:

Lina Stores in Shoreditch has a lot of charm. The space is gorgeous, and the vibe is lively, especially at the downstairs bar.

But when it comes to the dishes, they felt a bit too casual—more deli-style than fine dining. I get it, that’s how Lina started her business in London, but I’m not sure I’d return just for a home-cooked meal. If you’re heading there, go for the atmosphere, the drinks, and definitely that killer dessert—it’s the real star of the show!

Menu is available: https://www.linastores.co.uk/locations/shoreditch