Best restaurants in East London

Where are the best restaurants in East London, we hear you cry? Well, we think you’ll be glad to know the answer is both a delicious and plentiful one. The capital’s hippest postcode is a melting pot of cuisines, each area - from Stoke Newington to Clapton (and everywhere in between) - offers a trip around the world for your taste buds. You could start the week in Japan with a Katsu curry scotch egg from Jidori in Dalston, stop off at France to taste the Calçots with hen egg gribiche at Leroy in Shoreditch, before ending the week in Britain and feasting on Blue Leicester mutton with puntarella and anchovy.

Updated on 27 January 2020

You see, there is seemingly no end to what East London can offer when it comes to food. Although Modern European eateries continue to rain supreme with fusions from Spanish, Italian and French cultures, we love that there’s an abundance of cosy, classic pubs alongside modern Asian restaurants here, too. But if its experience and atmosphere you’re after, it’s worth noting that there’s also nowhere better than this side of town. We’ve seen so many restaurants set up shop in listed buildings and preserve the original features of their venue, contrasting this with industrial lighting and chic furniture. One of our favourite haunts has to be the floating restaurant created by a group of friends after gaining experience by working in the kitchens of boats around the world. Packed full of fairy lights and endlessly good vibes, Barge East Bar and Kitchen is one to put on your must-visit list now – especially because of its bottomless brunch menu which is guaranteed to deliver a good time. Essentially East London restaurants have got it all, so there’s no excuse not to explore far and wide, one mouthful at a time.

Earth Kitchen

Earth Kitchen

11-17 Stoke Newington Road, London, London, N16 8BH

Earth Kitchen is as creative, dynamic and pulsing with life as its home on the busy Stoke Newington Road. Alongside the events space, this relaxed café serves up food from all over the world, often inviting different street cuisine vendors in to take part in a pop up.
Under £30
British
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Sager + Wilde Restaurant

Sager + Wilde Restaurant

250 Paradise Row, Bethnal Green, London, E2 9LE

Little go together so well as wine and cheese, which are all the most glee-inducing when devoured in a surrounding as chic as Sager + Wilde. Just a stone’s throw from Hoxton station, we love the rustic décor and French feel of this quaint little bar. Ask your server for wine advice and make sure you taste the charcuterie selection.
£30 - £49
Modern European
Bars
Wine Bars
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The Clove Club

The Clove Club

380 Old Street, Shoreditch, London, EC1V 9LT

The Clove Club is all about juxtaposition. Housed in Shoreditch Town Hall, the building may be a vision of 19th century grandeur, but the décor is minimalist cool. Equally, the food is refined and sophisticated, but the atmosphere is relaxed. The restaurant specialises in tasting menus, making it a gorgeous place for a special occasion without too much pomp.
£50 - £79
British
One Michelin star
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Cornerstone

Cornerstone

3 Prince Edward Road, Hackney, London, E9 5LX

Simple, sophisticated, sustainable food is what Cornerstone is all about. The paired back setting, which features lots of light and an open kitchen, has been designed to let the food take centre stage. Which, when esteemed chef Tom Brown is at the helm, proves to be no bad thing.
£50 - £79
Fish
One Michelin star
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Lino

Lino

90 Bartholomew Close , London, EC1A 7EB

This converted Linoleum factory located between Barbican and Farringdon is what the hashtag #InteriorGoals was created for. Think cream-tiled bars, industrial high ceilings and a penchant for all things sustainable; it’s one to add to your must-visit list. The menu has a lot of vegetarian options and focuses on fresh, healthy foods.
Modern European
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Allegra

Allegra

Olympic Park, 20-22 International Way, Stratford, London, E20 1GQ

You’ll find restaurant, bar and terrace, Allegra, on the 7th floor of uber-modern building The Stratford. Although you might come for the views out over East London, we reckon you’ll stay for the refined atmosphere and fantastic wine selection.
£50 - £79
Modern European
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Peg

Peg

120 Morning Lane, London, London, E9 6LH

We all need a low key local that acts as the perfect go-to when picking a venue last minute. If you’re yet to find yours, say hello to Peg. It has a cool aesthetic and chilled out vibe which works any night of the week. The food menu is small but carefully selected and always includes a few grill options, as well as small plates, like beef tartar and barley miso soup.
£30 - £49
Japanese
Wine Bars
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Leroy

Leroy

18 Phipp Street, London, EC2A 4NU

Leroy is a visual feast. It starts with the rugged brickwork outside, adorned with a sprawling neon sign and continues with the single line artwork on the walls and teal seats. But what we’re most excited about is how the creativity extends to the food. From shells that house scallop tartare to raspberry-hued Yorkshire lamb neck with pumpkin purée and a hazelnut and anchovy dressing, it’s almost too pretty to eat.
£30 - £49
French
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Barge East Bar & Kitchen

Barge East Bar & Kitchen

White Post Lane, London, E9 5EN

This “magical” floating restaurant in Hackney Wick is an old Dutch barge, lovingly restored by three friends, and now an atmospheric place to dine on small plates and be warmed by the log burning fire. The menu is inspired by the chef’s time spent cooking on yachts all over the world, and there’s even a bottomless brunch option.
£30 - £49
Modern European
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Da Terra

Da Terra

8 Patriot Square, London, E2 9NF

International chefs Rafael Cagali and Paulo Airaudo come together to offer this Michelin Star-experience in the belly of Bethnal Green. Inspired by nature, they serve up Latin American flavours with an Italian heart, in a relaxed but elegant setting. The menu is simplistic (for example, one dish is known simply as “The Chicken”) leaving the specifics an exciting surprise.
Over £80
Modern European
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal London Top 100
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Chick n Sours Spitalfields

Chick n Sours Spitalfields

14 Artillery Passage, City of London, London, E1 7LJ

If you feel like chicken tonight, then this is the place for you. Chick n Sours (as the name suggests) is all about chicken, in whatever form you want it. From tender strips and popcorn balls to burgers and disco wings, this is a time for feasting if ever there was one. The vibe is also generally pretty lively, with enthusiastic staff and good music.
Under £30
North American
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Angelina

Angelina

56 Dalston Lane, London, London, E8 3AH

Angelina lives up to its cool, Dalston Lane postcode by bringing something truly unique to Hackney’s hipster food scene. Fusing Japanese and Italian cuisine (an unusual combination we’re sure you’ll agree), it handpicks the best of both to create a menu loaded with surreal but delicious dishes. The menu changes frequently but concoctions like unagi risotto with burnt soy butter and dashi should give you an idea.
£30 - £49
Japanese
Italian
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Lyle

Lyle's

The Tea Building, Shoreditch, London, E1 6JJ

Minimalist design reigns supreme at Lyle’s. We love the clean lines and Scandinavian-looking wood, but this isn’t a case of style over substance. On the lunch menu you’ll find high quality seafood such as Carlingford rock oysters with crab, while for dinner it’s a delicious set menu.
£50 - £79
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
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Dishoom Shoreditch

Dishoom Shoreditch

7 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London, E2 7JE

This upmarket Indian brand is already much-loved across London, but the Shoreditch branch might just be our favourite. The outdoor terrace is full of charm and character, and the mix of décor inside means there’s as much a feast for your eyes as your taste buds. Go early on a Saturday morning to get a great table and experience the breakfast menu, which features the famous bacon naan.
£30 - £49
Indian
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Planning an evening out in Shoreditch or Bethnal Green? Check out our area-specific best restaurant guides to make it even easier for yourself.

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