East London has long been celebrated for its vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, boasting a remarkable concentration of exceptional dining establishments. While locals often cherish their favourite neighbourhood spots, many of these gems remain under the radar for those outside the immediate area. From the bustling high street of Dalston to the charming streets of Columbia Road and beyond, this part of the city offers an impressive array of cuisines, including Turkish, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Vietnamese, and modern British fare. Whether you’re planning a special celebration or a casual get-together with friends, exploring the best restaurants in east London promises a rewarding gastronomic adventure.
A Taste of Emilia-Romagna: Tiella Trattoria
Opened in January, Tiella Trattoria & Bar, the debut restaurant from Dara Klein, has quickly established itself as a standout venue. Situated in a charming former Victorian pub on the quieter end of Columbia Road, Tiella offers a complete dining experience. Guests can expect exquisite, seasonal dishes that linger in the memory, complemented by an impressive wine and cocktail list. The restaurant exudes old-school charm, with attentive staff and a heartwarming origin story. Tiella is a heartfelt homage to Dara’s parents’ trattoria, Maria Pia’s, and draws inspiration from her upbringing in Emilia-Romagna. While reservations are highly sought after, with bookings often extending months in advance, the bar welcomes walk-ins, offering a chance to experience its magic without a prior booking.
Michelin-Recognised Excellence: Planque
For a more premium dining experience, Planque offers an evening of refined culinary artistry. Located beneath the arches of Haggerston station, this uniquely designed space is a testament to meticulous attention to detail, evoking the intensity of a high-end kitchen. While not inexpensive, its inclusion in the Michelin guide and its pursuit of a star are well-deserved. The menu evolves regularly, but standouts include the chanterelle mille feuille with comté sauce, dishes featuring black trompettes, and the braised beef rib cap. Planque is an ideal choice for a special occasion, representing one of east London’s finest dining destinations.
Modern Malaysian Flavours: Mambow
Tucked away on Lower Clapton Road, Mambow is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and innovative modern Malaysian cuisine in London. The inviting aroma from the open kitchen immediately signals the passion and skill invested in every dish. From the flavourful vegan celeriac skewers with galangal marinade to the turmeric asam style gurnard, the entire menu is a testament to culinary craft. Visiting Mambow when you’re genuinely hungry is highly recommended to fully appreciate its diverse offerings.
Charming Chinese Plates: Lucky & Joy
Also situated on Lower Clapton Road, Lucky & Joy provides a snug and welcoming atmosphere for enjoying undeniably delicious Chinese small plates. Its relaxed ambiance allows diners to fully immerse themselves in the food. Signature dishes like the peanut and sesame noodles, turnip cake, fried Szechuan chicken wings, and refreshing cucumber salad are highlights. With a rotating selection of fresh fish and an extensive menu, Lucky & Joy is the kind of place that inspires repeat visits.
Seasonal Sophistication: Brawn
Brawn, another notable establishment on Columbia Road, is a refined neighbourhood restaurant celebrated for its exceptional seasonal cooking. It offers a dining experience that is both satisfying and sophisticated. Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday and lunch from Tuesday to Saturday, Brawn provides a culinary haven, perhaps intentionally closed on Sundays to avoid the bustle of the nearby flower market. It is a worthy addition to any east London dining radar, with its sister restaurant, Sargasso, also highly regarded in Margate.
Jazz and Japanese Delights: Brilliant Corners
Brilliant Corners brings a distinctive Japanese culinary experience to Kingsland Road, operating as a chic small plates restaurant and a jazz music venue. While an appreciation for jazz enhances the experience, the quality of the food makes it a destination even for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere. The set menus, priced at £48 for the special and £45 for vegan options, offer excellent value and are thoughtfully paired with a house white negroni.
Riverside Dining: Towpath
Towpath Cafe, a beloved neighbourhood restaurant, offers a unique dining experience from March to November, serving breakfast and lunch, with dinner service commencing in May. Known for its picturesque setting, it’s a place where reservations are not taken, so be prepared for a potential wait. The menu is a dynamic reflection of the freshest seasonal produce, with each dish presented as a simple yet elevated creation. Its popularity ensures it’s worth the anticipation.
Haggerston’s BBQ Star: Berber & Q
After a period of not accepting reservations, Berber & Q now allows diners to secure a table at this renowned Haggerston barbecue restaurant. Founded by two former Ottolenghi chefs, it specialises in North African and Middle Eastern sharing plates bursting with flavour. The menu offers something for every palate, and the cocktail list is equally impressive, featuring standouts like the smoked Turkish coffee old fashioned.
Live-Fire Cooking: Acme Fire Cult
Acme Fire Cult, located behind the well-known Dusty Knuckle bakery off Kingsland Road, is an exciting live-fire restaurant. Diners can choose between indoor and heated outdoor seating, positioning themselves closer to the intense heat of the roasting coals. While the menu leans towards meat and fish, reflecting its name, it offers options for all diners. The coal roast leeks with pistachio romesco is a particular highlight, making it a destination for hearty appetites.
Dumpling Delights: My Neighbours The Dumplings
With two locations in east London, including Lower Clapton and near Victoria Park, My Neighbours The Dumplings is a local favourite. As the name suggests, the dumplings are exceptional, with the smacked cucumber and cumin lamb knife-cut noodles being highly recommended. The restaurant’s charm is amplified by its decor, creating a delightful atmosphere, especially on a summer evening with lanterns and a plate of prawn wontons.
Neighbourhood Gem: Albers
Nestled on De Beauvoir’s residential Englefield Road, Albers is a neighbourhood restaurant that embodies understated elegance. Its pared-back interiors, expansive windows perfect for sunset views, and a competitively priced seasonal menu make it a standout in east London. Diners might be lucky enough to try their signature miso glazed asparagus and chicken schnitzel, with room saved for the freshly baked madeleines. Albers has also gained recognition for its refined cocktail offerings, with the spicy margarita and negronis being particularly popular.
From Leytonstone Legend to Shoreditch Chic: Singburi
Singburi, once a legendary BYOB spot in Leytonstone, has transformed into a chic, contemporary Thai restaurant in the heart of Shoreditch. While it no longer operates as BYOB or a local secret, its formidable menu, which changes frequently and is not available online, continues to impress. The cocktails are also a significant upgrade from its previous incarnation. Although vegetarian options can be limited and may require special requests, meat and fish lovers who enjoy bold, spicy flavours will find Singburi a thrilling dining experience. The fried aubergine dish, when available, is a must-order.
Italian-Japanese Fusion: Angelina
Angelina in Dalston is rapidly becoming a local institution, often bustling with celebrations. Its unique Italian-Japanese fusion set menu offers a delicious and elevated dining experience. Dishes like deconstructed lasagne with crispy pasta croutons, courgette flower tempura, and crab ravioli showcase the innovative approach. The menu’s reliance on seasonal ingredients means regular visits are rewarded with new discoveries. Despite its sophisticated concept, Angelina maintains a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal local spot.
Sky-High Mediterranean Views: Solaya
Perched on the 25th floor of art’otel in Hoxton, Solaya offers a dining experience with breathtaking views of east London. Under the culinary direction of Michelin-starred concept chef Kenny Atkinson, the restaurant brings the flavours of the South of France and the Mediterranean to the city’s skyline. The menu features exquisite sharing plates such as Beef Fillet Tartare, Marinated Scallops, and Roasted Octopus, perfectly complemented by expertly crafted cocktails. Solaya is an exceptional choice for a romantic date night, combining a sexy menu with a stunning ambiance.
Conclusion
East London’s dining scene is a testament to its creativity and diversity. From intimate neighbourhood bistros to high-end establishments and fusion concepts, these restaurants offer a compelling reason to explore this vibrant part of the city. Each venue provides a unique experience, driven by quality ingredients, skilled preparation, and a commitment to memorable hospitality.
