Exceline Restaurant, 175 Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 3RH

Exceline Restaurant, 175 Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 3RH

175 Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 3RH

020 8525 9222

I've eaten here twice. The first time my Ugandan friend brought me because we wanted East African food and she recommended this place. The parking is lousy, but that's not the restaurant's fault - the little side street of Hackney look like a cruising spot for twocers, and I was nervous about leaving my nice little car there.

Anyway, once in the restaurant, the owners were nice to us, and soon brought us Tusker beers, which made me forget about my car. My friend had lots of meaty things and I had tilapia fish. We had little samosa starters, and we ordered the African beans in rich tomato sauce as well. The portions were generous. It wasn't long before I couldn't move, and was forced to drink another beer. Overall very enjoyable, and afterwards my car was just where I'd left it.

The next time was when my friend launched her african accessories and clothing range, modeled by a few of her friends from different countries. About thirty of us filled the back room, eating, drinking and passing comments on the items displayed, and some of the charms of the models. Exceline's music was great, again the food was really good. Very tasty, very filling, and a good range. Vegetarian stuff, lots of meat, lots of fish. Nice beer, nice and friendly staff. The owners are on site and they're interested in how customers perceive the place. It's a good place to go, it's friendly, the prices are fine, and it's a good place to make friends too. I'll be going back.