Ealichi — Review by Mark Wiens
London, United Kingdom — British, Italian-English
Ealichi, London's beloved 126-year-old Italian-English cafe, delivered an exceptional full English breakfast with perfectly executed components and impressive homemade sides. The reviewer praised the quality of every element from the Cumberland sausages to the crispy fried bread, and the owner Nev's warm hospitality and personality. The standout homemade pesto and lasagna made by Mama proved this establishment transcends typical breakfast fare.
What was great: The quality of the full English breakfast components including perfectly cooked eggs with oozy yolks, Cumberland sausages with a snap, crispy fried bread, juicy fresh tomatoes, black and white pudding, meaty back bacon, silky mushrooms, crispy hash browns, and the homemade pesto sauce which they found award-winning. The exceptional hospitality, warm atmosphere, and 126 years of family history.
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The full English breakfast at Ealichi was a masterclass in execution. The eggs arrived with perfectly oozy yolks that soaked into crispy fried bread, creating an indulgent base for the meal. The Cumberland sausages, sourced from the English region of the same name, featured a smooth texture with a satisfying skin snap. Back bacon arrived thick and meaty, griddle-fried on both sides with crispy fatty ends that provided complex saltiness and flavor reminiscent of American bacon.
The black pudding delivered a creamy, coagulated texture with a crispy bark, while the white pudding offered density and crunch with its barley and oats mixture. Fresh button mushrooms were deep-fried to release silky texture and natural juices. Fried bread, while controversial as a breakfast component, maintained its crispiness despite absorbing egg yolk. Hash browns added another layer of textural contrast with crispy exteriors and chunks of tender potatoes. Fresh grilled tomatoes essentially became tomato soup in a cup, bursting with natural juices.
Beyond the traditional breakfast, Mama prepared a small lasagna that was completely saturated with cheese, meat, and cream, with pasta layers that were almost custardy in their richness. The homemade pesto featuring generous basil and garlic chunks proved award-winning when paired with the hash browns, demonstrating the kitchen's versatility.
The Experience
The atmosphere was pure hospitality and joy. Owner Nev, described as absolutely mad in the best way, personally guided the reviewers through the kitchen, explaining each component and sharing the restaurant's history. The wooden booths and lived-in environment felt authentically East End London. The kitchen was visible and engaging, with Nev's passion evident as he worked the griddle. Mama, Nev's Italian wife, made a cameo explaining ingredients in her native language. The energy was infectious, with laughter and warmth permeating the space.
Value and Pricing
No specific pricing was mentioned in the transcript, though the meal appeared to be a generous tasting experience featuring multiple dishes beyond the primary breakfast.
Notable Moments
Pure happiness, the food, the friendliness, the history. This place has it all.
The reviewer marveled at the pesto sauce quality, suggesting it should be bottled and sold in supermarkets for profit. There was playful banter about the East End accent, with repeated pronunciation debates over tomato. The reviewer returned to this cafe 12 years after a previous visit with Gary, demonstrating the restaurant's lasting impression.
The Verdict
Ealichi represents everything a historic London establishment should be: quality ingredients, technical skill in preparation, genuine hospitality, and 126 years of family legacy. The combination of impeccable breakfast execution with unexpected touches like homemade pesto and Mama's lasagna sets it apart from typical cafes. This restaurant is essential for anyone seeking authentic East End London dining and a full English breakfast that actually delivers on every component. The emotional connection Nev and Mama bring to their work elevates the experience beyond mere sustenance.