The best restaurants in East London

Tucked under a Haggerston railway arch, this spot shouldn’t work, but of course it does. Chef Seb Myers and sommelier James Lewis team up to serve seasonal plates alongside one of London’s most joyfully nerdy wine lists. Throw in the artsy, slightly eccentric interiors and a quality lunch menu, and Planque is rightfully seen as one of London’s most exciting restaurants.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mare Street Market is a vibrant, bustling open-plan bar and kitchen space, in the heart of Hackney. From morning breakfast burritos, to cooked Sunday brunch, through to late-night pizzas and cocktails, this is a fun all-day hang out with a lively atmosphere, cool vibe and lots of variety. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A standout in East London, La Bibliotheque brings something a bit different to Dalston, blending Mediterranean and Japanese influences in a stylish setting. Boasting a brasserie feel, with Japanese detailing, this spot is open from brunch through to late-night dinners, with creative seasonal menus, and an excellent sake collection to match.