The best restaurants in East London

On the hunt for the best restaurants in East London? This sprawling section of the capital has some of the coolest, most sought-after spots to eat in the whole of London. Course, East London is pretty vast, which means it can be hard to know where to look. Every corner of this hip post code, from Clapton to Stoke Newington to the edgy streets of Hackney, has numerous restaurants of note to its name. The good news is that we've eaten at most of them over the years, and continue to do so as more open up. From old-school institutions to charming wine bars and places serving unique takes on cuisines across the globe, our list of East London's best restaurants is filled with some belters. Take a look.

Updated on 16 April 2025

You’ll find just about every type of restaurant in East London, from Michelin-starred spots in Bethnal Green to more relaxed eateries in Shoreditch. Whether you’re in the mood for boundary-pushing Asian fusion dishes, classic British grub or unique modern European plates, you can find all that and more in this list. 

East London is crammed with so many excellent places to eat, from the cool to the chic to the downright bizarre. Although Modern European eateries might seem to reign supreme, delve a little deeper and you'll discover exciting cuisine from across the globe, be it Basque region cooking, charming Parisian fare, or fiery Malaysian dishes that smack with flavour. More than that, you’ll also find an abundance of cosy, classic pubs, decked out with original features and menus of traditional British comfort food. If it's experience and atmosphere you’re after, there’s nowhere better than this side of town.

Most will associate East London with its vibrant arts scene, eclectic markets and ultra trendy neighbourhoods - Hackney and Shoreditch, we're looking at you. But East London has it all, including a truly extraordinary dining landscape home to culinary institutions, epic new spots, and welcoming neighbourhood gems. There’s no excuse not to explore the area far and wide on your search for the best East London restaurants, and that’s where we come in.

Granted, there are countless restaurants in East London to choose from, so you’ll be glad to hear that we’ve done the hard part for you. Below you'll find a definitive list to the best places to eat in East London - most of which we’ve personally tried and tested, or have it on good authority are well worth your time and money. 

Leo

Leo's Clapton

59 Chatsworth Road, Hackney, London, E5 0LH

Starting off life as a biker-themed greasy spoon, Leo’s now takes the form of a retro Italian cafe and restaurant, where Sardinian flavours and wood-fired cooking are the order of the day. Pop in for a morning espresso, or while away an evening with low-intervention wines and homemade pasta.

£30 - £49
Italian
SquareMeal London Top 100
Restaurant St Barts

Restaurant St Barts

63 Bartholomew Close, Barbican, London, EC1A 7BF

Nestled away in Smithfield, Restaurant St Barts is fine-dining at its best, boasting both a Michelin star and Michelin green star to its name. Its hyper-seasonal tasting menus centre around British produce, served in a refined space packed full of wood and stone finishings, and with striking cathedral views.

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
The Knave of Clubs

The Knave of Clubs

25 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, London, E1 6JX

Recently restored to its historic boozer roots, The Knave of Clubs is the perfect option for those on the hunt for that classic old-school pub vibe. Menus here focus around rotisserie chicken, with a succinct menu of elevated pub grub, and the kind of roaring atmosphere that will make you never want to leave.

£30 - £49
British
Gastropub
Angelina

Angelina

56 Dalston Lane, Dalston, 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.

£50 - £79
Japanese
Italian
SESTA Hackney

SESTA Hackney

52 Wilton Way, Hackney, London, E8 1BG

One of Hackney's finest, SESTA has taken over the spot where the beloved Pidgin once stood, continuing its legacy of offering exemplary cooking in a relaxed setting. Spearheaded by former Pidgin head chef Drew Snaith, the menu centres around seasonal plates with a strong focus on sustainability.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
SquareMeal London Top 100
Da Terra

Da Terra

8 Patriot Square, Bethnal Green, London, E2 9NF

International chefs Rafael Cagali and Paulo Airaudo come together to offer this two Michelin-starred experience in the belly of Bethnal Green. Inspired by nature, they serve up Latin-American flavours with Italian heart, in a relaxed but elegant setting. Simplistic menu descriptions leave specifics a mystery, so you’re in for a surprise.

Over £80
Modern European
Brazilian
Italian
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal London Top 100
Miga

Miga

3 Mare Street, Hackney, London, E8 4RP

A cosy family-run Korean restaurant in Hackney, Miga serves modern, soulful dishes, with recipes that span generations. Miga's signature minimalist white walls are dotted with family-drawn artwork, creating a surprisingly homely spot to delve into gochujang kind prawns, sanchae bibimbap, and Korean beef tartare.

£30 - £49
Korean
SquareMeal London Top 100
Papi

Papi

1F, Hackney, London, E8 3DQ

Skilfully walking the line between unfussy dining that seriously focuses on the food, Papi sits in the backstreets of Hackney, boasting seasonal menus and a zero waste ethos. A relaxed yet refined backdrop, alongside an extensive selection of natural wines, make this a must-visit spot.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
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 decor is minimalist cool. The restaurant specialises in tasting menus, making it a gorgeous place for a special occasion without too much pomp.

Over £80
British
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal London Top 100
Plates

Plates

320 Old Street, Old Street, London, EC1V 9DR

Plates is a passion project from Great British Menu champion Kirk Haworth that sits in the heart of Shoreditch, showcasing innovative dishes that don’t rely on animal products. It's officially the UK’s first and only vegan Michelin-starred restaurant, so expect 100% plant-based cooking with fine dining flair.

£30 - £49
Vegetarian
Vegan
British
One Michelin star
Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific London

Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific London

Pan Pacific Hotel, Liverpool Street, London, EC3A 7AB

Just a short stroll from Liverpool Street Station, Straits Kitchen brings bold Southeast Asia flavours to the strikingly glamorous Pan Pacific Hotel. Expect dishes rooted in tradition, with Western execution and locally sourced ingredients - which is quite the winning combination in our eyes.

£50 - £79
South East Asian
British
Fusion
Mama Shelter

Mama Shelter

437 Hackney Road, Shoreditch, London, E2 8PP

Best known for its buzzing atmospheres and bold, colourful interiors, Mama Shelter brings menus of global comfort food to the heart of Shoreditch. Whether you’re popping in for bottomless brunch, a Sunday roast, or some al fresco dining, Mama Shelter is full of surprises (karaoke, anyone?)

Under £30
Modern European
Mediterranean
Vegetarian
Vegan
Steak
Burgers
International
Hotel Bars
Crispin

Crispin

Pavilion on the Corner, Spitalfields, London, E1 7NF

Crispin is an all-day restaurant and wine bar that sits in a striking pavilion in the heart of Spitalfields. This modern, British gem focuses on seasonal small plates and low-intervention wines, with minimalist interiors and an al fresco terrace that make it ideal for any occasion, especially in the summer.

£30 - £49
Modern European
Vegetarian
Vegan
Tapas
Steak
Spanish
International
Silo

Silo

CRATE Brewery, Hackney, London, E9 5EN

Douglas McMaster’s Silo in Hackney Wick blazes a trail for zero-waste restaurant concepts, showcasing ever-changing and boundary-pushing dishes that, of course, champion sustainability. Despite this, Silo still has some serious style with unique interiors and plenty of up-cycled furniture.

£50 - £79
Modern European
SquareMeal London Top 100
Sune

Sune

129A Pritchard's Road, Hackney, London, E2 9AP

Tucked away by the canals near Broadway Market, Sune is a stylish wine bar and restaurant from sommelier Honey Spencer and chef Charlie Sims. Expect seasonal European plates, natural wines, and elegant interiors, the perfect neighbourhood spot for some leisurely dining, and some excellent wines. 

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Barge East

Barge East

White Post Lane, Stratford, London, E9 5EN

This charming Hackney Wick spot is set inside a 125-year-old Dutch barge, serving up seasonal British set menus in a seriously unique setting. With rustic interiors, riverside decks and a sunny garden space, Barge East nails the laid-back dining vibe, perfect for any occasion.

£50 - £79
River Boats
Modern European
British
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 decor inside means there’s as much a feast for your eyes as your taste buds.

£30 - £49
Indian
Brat

Brat

4 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6JL

This Michelin-starred eatery in Shoreditch has more than made a name for itself, thanks to its wood-fire cooking and location in a former strip club. Basque-style menus from Tomos Parry showcase simplicity at its finest, with so many rave reviews that you’ll struggle to snag yourself a table.

£50 - £79
Spanish
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
Behind

Behind

20 Sidworth Street, Hackney, London, E8 3SD

This unique chef’s table concept means that every diner gets a front-row seat to the action. Found in the heart of London Fields, Behind boasts just 18 seats, with seasonal tasting menus served directly by the chefs. Minimalist-industrial decor and an adjacent wine bar round out this fine-dining experience.

Over £80
Fish
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
Morchella

Morchella

86 Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 4QY

From the team behind Perilla, Morchella brings unfussy fine dining to this relaxed corner of Clerkenwell, taking up residence in a former bank. Here, you’ll find Mediterranean-leaning plates from head chef Daniel Fletcher, all enjoyed in this calm, stripped back dining room, complete with an open kitchen and wine bar.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Mediterranean
SquareMeal London Top 100
Ibai

Ibai

92 Bartholomew Close, Farringdon, London, EC1 7BN

Tucked away in the heart of Farringdon, Ibai brings the warmth, and the flavours, of the Basque region, with its ‘industrial cool’ backdrop that feels right at home in East London. We love the authentic cuisine, from the Gateau Basque, and traditional fish stew, to the crisps topped with salty cured ham.

Over £80
Steak
Spanish
French
SquareMeal London Top 100
Bistro Freddie

Bistro Freddie

74 Luke Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 4PY

Wholesome interiors, and hearty portions, Bistro Freddie is one of the hottest seats in Shoreditch, with Londoners rushing to grab a table at this Parisian inspired restaurant. White-clothed tables, charming candlelit backdrops, and the iconic sharing pies for two, are just a few of the reasons to visit.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
French
Bistro
SquareMeal London Top 100
STK Rooftop Steakhouse & Bar

STK Rooftop Steakhouse & Bar

40 Celebration Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1DB

Take your dining to the skies at STK Rooftop, with panoramic city views and menus packed full of American classics. Housed inside the suave, four-star Stratford Hotel, STK Rooftop is a particularly great spot for big nights and glamorous celebrations.

£50 - £79
Vegetarian
Steak
Halal
Bistro
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.

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
Mambow

Mambow

78 Lower Clapton Road, Hackney, London, E5 0RN

After a short stint as a pop-up in Peckham, Abby Lee's Malaysian street food concept has found its bricks and mortar home on Lower Clapton Road. Focusing on a fiery menu rooted in Nyonya heritage, Mambow brings a compact, and ever-changing selection of plates that will leave you wanting more.

£30 - £49
Malaysian
SquareMeal London Top 100

Have a specific area in mind for your next meal? Be sure to check out our guide to the best restaurants in Hackney for our favourite restaurants in this achingly cool neighbourhood. We also have dedicated lists to the top places to eat in Dalston, and the best restaurants in Bethnal Green, for even more excellent spots.

Planning a special occasion? Whether you're looking to host a corporate drinks reception or your next birthday celebration, be sure to check out our selection of private and group dining rooms near Shoreditch to hire your very own exclusive space. 

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