The best restaurants in East London
East London is well known for its vibrant food scene, with long-established hits jostling for space alongside innovative supper clubs and clever new openings, making up the best restaurants in East London. This area, which spans multiple boroughs and neighbourhoods, has come a long way over the years. While institutions that put the area on the map, such as The Clove Club, are still thriving, they've been joined by a clutch of excellent restaurants that make heading East for supper a clever choice for Londoners and tourists alike. There are chic wine bars that serve excellent food, too; top-class Sri Lankan, Italian, and Thai joints can be found, and a growing number of hyper-seasonal, stripped-back spaces are a joy for an outrageously long lunch booking. Below, we point you in the direction of our favourite restaurants in East London, from Shoreditch and Hackney to Clapton.
How we choose the best restaurants in East London
Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a London-based Condé Nast Traveller editor or journalist who has eaten at that restaurant. When choosing restaurants, our editors consider both high end and affordable eateries that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for stand-out dishes, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.
Philippa LangleySune, Broadway Market
Renowned sommelier Honey Spencer and partner Charlie Sims (formerly of Copenhagen’s Noma) are a food-and-wine pairing in human form. The power duo – who between them have 35 years of experience via Sydney, Mexico, and London’s Michelin-starred Lyle’s – have joined forces to launch Broadway Market’s latest eatery. Sune (derived from the Old Norse word for ‘son’), serves up British fare with international accents. The starters are a joy, from the Carlingford oysters in a koji mignonette, to the grilled flatbread slathered with trout roe and a horseradish cream that clears the sinuses without immolating them. It takes some self-discipline not to linger permanently at this stage of the meal, but the mains maintain the high standard; highlights include strozzapreti pasta and tangy, wild mushrooms and Rockefeller toasties with a parmesan, bacon, pecorino and spinach filling. The grilled pork chop comes in a jus, whose prawn, lemongrass and miso notes give strong, pan-Asian vibes. Spencer, a wine director at Studio Paskin, has curated a sure-footed selection of natural wines, including the Yo El Rey Grenache and Syrah from Stellenbosch in South Africa, their quietly charismatic flavours pairing well with everything. The brown rice sake, however, evokes Marmite and proved equally divisive on our table. It’s all enjoyed amid warm and woody, candlelit interiors, with windows overlooking the Regent’s Canal. And with plans to build a balcony at the back, we can look forward to glorious sunsets over the water in the summer. Yet another reason, if more were needed, for a return visit. Noo Saro-Wiwa
Address: Sune, 129A Pritchard’s Road, London E2 9AP
Book onlineLardo, Hackney
Some people are good at sports, others can play musical instruments; the skill I possess is a little less impressive but a skill nonetheless – I have a knack for being able to pick just the right restaurant for just the right occasion. Case in point: Lardo, in Hackney, where I arrive one Sunday lunchtime with a group consisting of adults and children – some hungover (not the children); some with a list of intolerances as long as my arm; all hungry. We don’t waste a minute before ordering olives and focaccia for the table, quickly followed by local beers and some very good negronis. The restaurant is industrial-chic (this is East London after all) – all exposed brick and pipes – although the disco ball pizza oven, churning out sizzling pizzas with perfectly charred edges at a dizzying rate, is the centrepiece. We tuck into fluffy, chewy focaccia and enormous nocellara olives, before it’s time for the main event. Antonio Bringa (Hart Bros, Padella, Yasmin) heads up the food here, so we know we’re in for a treat. Pizzas are inventive without being overly fussy – the tenderstem and chilli on my ‘Lardo’ work perfectly with satisfyingly salty strips of pork and ricotta salata, while I’m assured that the gluten-free base is genuinely good. Don’t leave without ordering the tiramisu – I’m not over-exaggerating when I say it might just be the best I’ve had outside of Italy. Sarah Allard
Address: Unit 3, 201 Richmond Rd, London E8 3NJ
Book online
Bistro Freddie, Shoreditch
My dinner companion and I spent our time at this buzzy Shoreditch bistro contemplating whether it’s the date spot of dreams – or nightmares. On the side of romance: there’s flickering candlelight, handwritten menus, and an intimate dining room with the atmosphere of being on a train carriage, insulated from the outside world. On the other: the menu of French-British classics from chef Alexandre Laforce Reynolds (previously of Hide, Eline and Popham’s) is an invitation to cast aside all attempts at daintiness or restraint. This is a place to take someone who you don’t mind seeing you at your most animalistic; dribbling buttery sauces into your napkin, slowly turning the same glossy burgundy as the awnings out front as you work your way through the French wine list. We concluded that it’s probably best if you’re already in love, whether platonic, familial or romantic.
We began our blowout with egg mayonnaise with anchovy, white asparagus with wild garlic and poached egg on crumpet (eggs benedict via Hackney Marshes in peak foraging season), and a chicken liver parfait with Guinness bread that got the thumbs up from my Irish pal. The mains showcased the “Britain by way of Burgundy” approach; my cod schnitzel with beurre blanc tartare was a pan-European fish and chips, a glorious antidote to Brexit, and spring lamb rack with ratatouille pipped a favourite Middle Eastern spot to the post with its surprise lamb kofta – all accompanied by sugary, moreish roast cabbage and a pile of chips with mustardy mayo. We had to split a slab of the don’t-miss chocolate marquise with caramelised banana, salted peanut ice cream and peanut brittle before rolling home. Olivia Squire
Address: Bistro Freddie, 74 Luke Street, London EC2A 4PY
Book online
Angelina, Dalston
Angelina's story is certainly not a new one on the London dining scene. Over the past six years, this neighbourhood restaurant in Dalston has quietly become a cornerstone of East London’s foodie offering, with its unique concept marking it a standout from the off. The concept is a Japanese-Italian-inspired tasting menu where the rigid dining rulebook is thrown out the window. I must admit, while Italian and Japanese cuisine are individually two of my all-time favourites, I was a little sceptical about how these two big hitters would merge over the thirteen-dish kaiseki menu. It turns out I needn’t have worried, and, more importantly, why had I never merged these two before?
What I most enjoyed about the menu is that the “fusion” element could be as subtle as the meltiest slivers of wagyu beef paired with a glass of Campania’s finest, or an oily sourdough focaccia encrusted in seaweed alongside the traditional rosemary. It can be hard to serve a relaxed vibe when executing a tasting menu, but the Angelina team pulls it off with aplomb. The food is truly standout – from the cured sea bream to the pork head croquette, or the black sesame cheesecake that left us speechless – but it's the passion of the team that has left the best taste in my mouth. Sarah Bannerman
Address: 56 Dalston Ln, London E8 3AH
Book online
Mambow, Lower Clapton
Modern Malaysian restaurant Mambow first established its East London roots in 2023 and has since blossomed into a neighbourhood hotspot, attracting foodies from the furthest corners of the capital. The passion project of Abby Lee, Mambow has evolved from an initial desire to reconnect with her Malaysian roots, sparked during lockdown, to a market stall in Peckham, and now to this tiny 20-cover restaurant. What Mambow may lack in size, though, it makes up for in big flavours. From the crispy pork lor bak to the nutty grilled banana blossom, the black pepper curry to the spicy wok-fried mussels, every morsel on this menu is exciting and fresh. The cocktail menu, too, is innovative and fun. I opted for the creamy 100+ sour on my visit and have been dreaming about it ever since. All in all, the experience left me questioning why Malaysian cooking is so underrepresented in London, and practically had me checking Skyscanner for the next outbound journey to Kuala Lumpur. Until I hop on that flight, however, a trip to Lower Clapton will suffice for now. Lucy Bruton
Address: 78 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0RN
Book online
.jpg)
Anton RodriguezKolamba East, Liverpool Street
First things first – if you can’t hack spice, then Kolamba East is not for you. Supper starts with a bowl of chunky marinated spicy mango and poppadoms, and spice levels rise as you go through the menu. Found on a quiet street near foodie hotspot Spitalfields Market, Kolamba is very ‘East London core’ with industrial interiors, exposed pipework and bare brick walls mixed with a slick, shiny marble bar and trendy light fittings. Sri Lankan seasonings scent the restaurant, causing bellies to rumble and making it impossible to choose from the vibrant menu. We recommend the black pork ‘Mas Paan’ to start, a sweet bread filled with tender pulled pork and soft shell crab fried in hot butter and spices. Order mains for the table, including the whole rib jaggery beef, which practically falls off the bone, and the delicate sea bream in a creamy coconut curry sauce; don’t skip on the veggies; they were our favourites. In particular, the roasted pineapple, which is simultaneously sweet and fiery. End dinner with a fragrant cocktail and a traditional payasam pudding – a sugary rice dish with hints of warming cardamon. Sophie Knight
Address: Kolamba East, 12 Blossom Street, London E1 6PL
Book online
The Marquee Moon, Stoke Newington
Perched along the bustling Kingsland Road (the Stoke Newington end), this is one of those venues I’d walked past a million times without ever blinking an eye during its previous life as a pub. Now, however, the stream of people and the ebb of music seeping through the doors are enough to pique my attention. I enter the bustling bar and am immediately struck by the late-night New York drinking den vibe that offsets the classic British pub detailing. From the folks behind one of London’s coolest offbeat venues, The Cause, and Hackney Wick hotspot, All My Friends, it comes as no surprise to find the place, despite only just having opened, absolutely thrumming with activity. Believe it or not, I’m not just here for the drinks, however, and am surprised to be led to a tiny peaceful enclave at the back of the bar reserved for diners only. The menu, curated by New Zealander Huri Rapana Neil, is mostly small plates with Asian influences followed by some larger dishes designed for sharing. We kicked things off with cured sea bream in miso milk and pickled fennel, which was delightfully zingy and fresh to taste. Keeping things in the realm of the sea, we shovelled laden forkfuls of tuna topped with caviar from an Ortiz can onto crispy sourdough slices. Dan dan noodles stole the show when it came to the mains, with spice levels that packed a good punch and paid homage to their Sichuan roots. In true East London fashion, we quelled the spice with a refreshing and soft orange wine before heading back to the bar to end our night with one of The Marquee's signature margaritas – it'd be rude not to. Lucy Bruton
Address: The Marquee Moon, 48 Stoke Newington Road, Greater, London N16 7X
Book online
Sam HendelLeo’s Bar & Restaurant, Clapton
While this may look like a retro East London cafe from the outside, don’t be fooled – tucked away in a back room of Leo’s is a bright and airy bistro-style dining room complete with white tablecloths and mid-century style wooden panelling. The menu pays homage to chef Peppe’s Sardinian heritage, weighing heavily on the fruits of the ocean with dishes such as razor clams, cockles and scallops in a zingy lime and basil sauce and deliciously spicy and saucy crab linguine. Meanwhile, the wood-fired oven takes centre stage with dishes such as the grilled quail or veal T-bone. The food here is fresh, sumptuous, and varied. The wine is easy to drink, and the setting could transport you to a family-run Sardinian taverna. Whether you’re looking for a cosy date-night spot or a lively dinner with friends, there’s a reason Leo’s is drawing Londoners to this quiet corner of Lower Clapton. Lucy Bruton
Address: Leo's Restaurant & Bar, 59 Chatsworth Road, Lower Clapton, London E5 0LH
Book online
PansPAnglesManteca, Shoreditch
On a wet and windy Tuesday evening in London, people are queuing round the block to get into Manteca. I can understand why. From the fried olive and sausage meat croquette appetiser to the post-dessert beef-fat fudge, the food at this inventive Italian restaurant is excellent. Every table is full, with diners also lining the bar facing the busy open kitchen, but the airy ground-floor space doesn’t feel crowded, and, despite the line outside, our meal isn’t rushed by the friendly and knowledgeable staff. A trip downstairs reveals more seats, including long tables for large groups, and a spectacular glass-walled “salumeria” hanging with a vast array of cured meats. Some of these end up in front of us: wafer-thin slices of delicately flavoured coppa di testa and robust prosciutto crudo. They arrive at the same time as the other small plates we ordered: puntarelle (a cousin of chicory) with a moreish anchovy dressing; zingy sea bass crudo; and the plumpest mussels I’ve ever seen, drenched in an nduja and parsley cream. Even a simple bowl of grilled cabbage – white, red and savoy – is a treat for the taste buds. These dishes set the bar high, but it’s hard not to judge an Italian restaurant on its pasta: Manteca’s is done to perfection. But the best is yet to come: an outstanding chocolate pavlova generously sprinkled with “Manteca 100s and 1000s” (caramelised hazelnuts, cocoa nibs and feuilletine). The menu is seasonal, so these delicacies come and go, but I’m confident that anything Manteca serves will be intriguing and delicious. Sarah Cohen
Address: Manteca, 49-51 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3PT
Book online
Dan BridgeBarge East, Hackney Wick
Few places in London are more bustling on a summer’s evening than Hackney Wick. And while you may be spoilt for choice when it comes to eateries perched along the river, one restaurant, in particular, takes the canalside experience to a whole new level – a 125-year-old Dutch barge, aka Barge East. The boat wasn’t always such a sedentary beast, having been sailed across the North Sea by co-founders Tommo, Ryan and Blandy in a nail-biting crossing after they were forecasted glassy still waters only to be met with rough seas and some serious question marks as to the seafaring-ness of the vessel. They made it, however, and after a big refurbishment, began the ship's new chapter as a floating restaurant in 2018. I climbed aboard the barge on a balmy summer’s evening, thankful to sit outside on the top deck (although indoor and below-deck seating is available for more traditional British weather). We enjoyed a refreshing limoncello spritz and Maldon oysters as we bobbed gently on the water. The menu is lovingly curated by new Executive Chef Gavin Gordon (previously of Ramsay’s The Narrow and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen), with herbs and vegetables sourced from the Barge’s own canalside gardens, within view from our own table. The evening continued with star appearances from British asparagus, grilled mackerel, sea bass in a bouillabaisse sauce and a tender wild Devon rabbit loin. Everything you find here is seasonal and executed with a simple confidence that lets the produce do the talking. Unlike other restaurants marketing their “unique” dining experiences, the Barge is inherently anti-gimmick – just sustainable and soulful food at its best. Lucy Bruton
Address: Barge East, River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Ln, London E9 5EN
Book online
Nest, Hackney
From the team behind the Michelin-starred Restaurant St Barts, you may remember Nest from its minuscule space on Morning Lane in Hackney. But now, the acclaimed restaurant is spreading its wings to land in Shoreditch. The interiors are earthy and warm, with olive greens, wood and perfectly glowy soft candlelight, a rich, wholesome feel that befits the menu to follow. The concept of this larger iteration is much the same, with tasting menus centred around a hero ingredient. For us, this meant game. We kicked things off with a liver parfait and the sweetest terrine with pickled walnuts, followed by what I can only describe as the best broth I can remember tasting – hats off to the salty and sumptuous ‘grouse tea and moss’. Other standouts included the only fish course, chalk stream trout, and the grand finale on the savoury front, Yorkshire grouse served with a rich, almost chocolatey wine sauce. Each course was paired with a wine from Burgenland, a region renowned for its viniculture in Austria. Expect rich and decadent flavours throughout that are a true testament to the fruits of the great British larder. Game, set, match to Nest. Lucy Bruton
Address: Nest, 374-378 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT
Book online
Anton RodriguezThe Clove Club, Shoreditch
The 35th best restaurant in the world (according to 2022's World's 50 Best Restaurants list) has been making ripples in East London since it opened in 2013. It was a supper club first, then an open-kitchen dining room in Shoreditch town hall that remains one of London's top tables to book. Treat yourself to the tasting menu (£145 per person) for a special occasion, and rebook the lunch menu (£65 per person) when you realise this place isn't overhyped one bit.
Address: The Clove Club, Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London EC2
Book online
Brat, Shoreditch
The Basque-accented project from Tomas Parry, the chef behind Kitty Fisher's, was a trailblazer when it landed on the scene in Shoreditch a few years ago. A Michelin star followed, as did pandemic-inspired stints at Climpson's Arch in Hackney, where people could eat outside in line with ever-changing government guidelines. In 2021, Brat was the highest new entry on the World's 50 Best Restaurants List. The menu leans heavily on Basque Country cooking, with many dishes made directly on the flames – order the whole turbot (Brat is actually the old English name for Turbot) for the table, and tuck in.
Address: Brat, 4 Redchurch St, London E1 6JL
Book online
Maureen M. EvansCafé Cecilia, Hackney
A low-key hangout with exquisite seasonal sharing plates and an Irish twist – this canal-front, relaxed hangout is from Max Rocha, whose culinary CV includes stints at the River Café and St John Bread and Wine. As with most London menus right now, the dishes and ingredients here follow the seasons, and Rocha draws on his early years growing up in Ireland. The dish not to miss is the butter-like onglet with citrusy peppercorn sauce and sizzling chips, which rivals that of some of the best bistros in Paris. Katharine Sohn
Address: Café Cecilia, 32 Andrews Road, London E8 4RL
Book online
Smokestak, Shoreditch
One-time food truck turned bricks-and-mortar restaurant with queues around the block – so far, so Shoreditch. But this industrial spot has held its own as the neighbourhood evolves around it, and elevated brisket buns and charred pork belly are as covetable as ever. The vegetarian options are surprisingly on point for somewhere that leans so heavily on the barbecue – coal-roasted aubergine is served with red miso, feta and toasted cashew, for example. The bar is worth a pitstop before or after supper, too.
Address: Smokestak, 35 Sclater Street, Shoreditch, London E1 6LB
Book online.jpg)
Clare LewingtonSilo, Hackney Wick
Zero waste? Silo was leading the way when it came to eco-focussed eating long before the restaurant world caught on. Doug McMaster refined the idea in Brighton before moving it to London in 2019, moving to Hackney Wick just as the so-called green curve started its upward climb. Nothing is wasted – ingredients are bought directly from producers and farmers, and every inch is used in some way. In his canal-side site, even the tables and chairs are upcycled and sustainable. Bread is made from flour milled in-house and appears in many reincarnations throughout – in a miso sauce, perhaps. Cocktails use botanical spirits and beers are biodynamic. Basically, McMaster is on a mission to close the loop in the food production process and feed people delicious feasts in the process – and he succeeds. Sonya Barber
Address: Silo, The White Building, Unit 7 Queens Yard, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN
Book online
Smoking Goat, Shoreditch
Authentic South-East Asian flavours in Shoreditch – Smoking Goat does Thai food really, really well, bringing authentic flavours from northern Thailand to well-sourced ingredients. The mains are pretty super-sized – Cornish mackerel, goat shoulder, drunken noodles. Go with a group, and share. Order a magnum or two of craft beer and a couple of the large sharing plates, and settle in. Tabitha Joyce
Address: Smoking Goat, 64 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ, United Kingdom
Book online
Adrianna GiakoumisPophams, London Fields
Pophams is a favourite stop for pastry people in East London – and in 2019, this masterful patisserie started serving an impressive evening pasta menu. The brainchild of baker Phil King – who runs a pasta-based supper club in his home – the menu is a modern spin on traditional techniques, and the various tortellini, cappellacci and gnocchi are lovingly hand-crafted. There are only 10 or so items on the menu and our advice is to order everything. Sonya Barber
Address: Pophams Bakery, 197 Richmond Road, Hackney, London, E8 3NJ
Book online