Giacco’s: Finsbury Park’s Rotating Chef Wine Bar

A Neighbourhood Gem Taking Root in Finsbury Park

While tourists flock to landmarks like Trafalgar Square and the grand boulevards of central London, some of the city's most exciting hospitality stories are unfolding much closer to home. Giacco's, nestled on Blackstock Road in Finsbury Park, is a shining example of what a truly community-focused wine bar can look like. Open since 2023, the intimate 20-cover spot was founded by Leonardo Leoncini and Danilo Croci, two industry veterans with a shared passion for bringing genuine Italian warmth and hospitality to north London. The space itself is immediately inviting — candles line the counter, the atmosphere is unhurried, and the room feels like somewhere you could easily lose an entire evening. It's the kind of local venue that quickly becomes a regular haunt, not just because of what's on the menu, but because of how it makes you feel the moment you walk through the door. For Finsbury Park residents, having a spot this considered and characterful on their doorstep is something genuinely worth celebrating, and word is spreading fast beyond the immediate neighbourhood.

The Rotating Chef Residency Keeping Things Fresh

What truly sets Giacco's apart from the crowd of London wine bars is its innovative approach to the kitchen. Rather than locking in a single chef and a fixed menu, the team invites guest chefs to take over the stoves on a rotating basis, with each residency typically lasting around a month before a new culinary voice steps in. It's a clever model that benefits everyone involved. Regulars always have a reason to return, curious to discover what cuisine is being showcased next, while emerging chefs gain a real platform to build a following and refine their craft in front of a live, engaged audience. This year alone, the kitchen has already seen Iberian-inspired cooking from Tasca, elegant Japanese plates from Akira Sugiura, and is currently hosting Louis-Arnaud Jose, whose menu blends rustic French technique with Basque and Italian influences. Standout dishes have included grey mullet sashimi with ginger aguachile and pickled coriander seeds, a shiitake vol-au-vent with dulse, and a playful amontillado sabayon. Despite the ever-changing chefs, the format holds steady — a parade of small plates followed by pasta dishes that honour Giacco's Italian roots.

Drinks, Atmosphere, and Why You Should Visit

The drinks list at Giacco's is every bit as thoughtfully curated as the food. The wine selection leans into low-intervention, natural bottles that rotate regularly, meaning there's almost always something new to discover whether you're ordering by the glass or splashing out on a bottle. Cocktail lovers are also well served, with the menu covering beloved classics alongside more obscure picks like the Division Bell. If you're unsure where to start, the Lambrusco Sbagliato comes highly recommended — refreshing, slightly fizzy, and dangerously easy to enjoy. These are the kinds of drinks that pair perfectly with long conversations and candlelight, which is precisely the environment Giacco's delivers. As a local venue contributing to the cultural and social fabric of Finsbury Park, it represents exactly the sort of independent business that keeps London's neighbourhoods vibrant and distinct. Whether you're a regular already or yet to make your first visit, Giacco's offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely welcoming, ever-evolving local spot with real personality. Find it at 176 Blackstock Road, London, N5 1HA, and follow along at @giaccos_ldn for updates on the latest chef residencies and london events worth knowing about.

Source: Giacco's Review | “The Neighbourhood Wine Bar Serving Up a New Chef Every Time”