Max Rocha

Max Rocha is the owner and head chef at new East End hotspot, Café Cecilia. Originally from Dublin, he has been based in London for over ten years, during which he was able to perfect his craft working with culinary institutions including The River Café and St. JOHN. Overlooking the Regent’s Canal in Hackney, Café Cecilia is Rocha’s first solo venture. Keeping it in the family, the Café’s name pays tribute to his grandmother, Cecilia, and the menu features dishes inspired by his childhood in Ireland, specifically the cooking of his mother, Odette. Despite only opening in August 2021, Café Cecilia has already garnered the praise of food critics across the capital. We can confirm we’re now loyal visitors, too.