The best restaurants in East London

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?)

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.