Best restaurants in Hackney

Peckham's loss was Clapton's gain as brilliant Mambow moved over to the east in late 2023. Abby Lee's transcendant Malaysian cooking would taste good anywhere, but it feels a snug fit for Clapton. Grab a counter seat at the window and dive into an extraordinary menu, which is backed up by a juicy, easy-drinking wine list and some surprisingly excellent cocktails. 

Located just off Hoxton Square, OKN1 offers a seasonal menu crafted by both professional and student chefs, providing a platform for the next generation of culinary talent. The restaurant's profits fund education, making dining there both a delicious and socially impactful experience. Its stylish setting, complete with an open kitchen and garden, adds to its appeal.

Hackney isn’t short of fantastic wine-led dining but Planque might just be the best of them. Seb Myers honest cooking pays reverence to absolutely top tier ingredients, and it's ably matched by sommelier James Lewis’ carefully curated, dynamic wine list. With artsy interiors and an excellent lunch menu, Planque is well worth the trip to Haggerston.

Two Michelin-starred Da Terra blends Brazilian, Italian and Spanish influences in an ambitious tasting menu experience inside Benthal Green Town Hall Hotel. Chef Rafael Cagali’s playful cooking is matched by stylish interiors featuring mid-century furnishings, while standout dishes and thoughtful wine pairings have cemented its reputation as one of East London’s best restaurants. 

The younger Brat sibling is actually a fair bit larger than the Shoreditch location so if you’re struggling to book the latter, head up to Climpson’s Arch and you might get a table. The menu is largely similar - beautiful turbot roasted over open fires, flatbreads, hulking beef ribs and that Insta-famous Basque cheesecake. The restaurant is only semi-covered so bring a jumper in the winter.

Who doesn’t like authentic Italian food in an effortlessly stylish setting? Lardo in Hackney Central mixes industrial lighting with a truly tasty menu, loaded with small plates like pan seared squid with gremolata, potato, endive and pangrattato and innovative pizzas like wild mushroom, duck egg and taleggio.

Original Victorian features, dark wood panelled walls and plenty of nooks to get cosied up in make this local boozer the perfect London pub. Combine that with a roster of live music, an impressive supply of board games and an 'anyone’s welcome' attitude, and The Prince Arthur could become your new haunt for post-work drinks.

Café Cecilia is a fashionable all-day joint serving breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week, although beware - it’s only open in the evening on Fridays and Saturdays. Owner and head chef Max Rocha draws on his Irish heritage to bring the likes of breaded oysters with pickled cucumber, and Guinness bread ice cream to lucky diners.

Bringing the flavours of Iranian and Iraqi home cooking to Hackney, Logma evolved from intimate supper clubs into one of East London’s most warmly received neighbourhood cafés. Founded by Ziad Halub and Farsin Rabiee, the kitchen serves seasonal Middle Eastern dishes inspired by family recipes, from saffron rice and slow-cooked stews to generously filled pita sandwiches, all in a relaxed, communal setting. 

La Bibliotheque combines Mediterranean and Japanese influences with an intimate, late-night feel. Low lighting, velvet seating and a whiskey-lined bar create a sophisticated backdrop for dishes ranging from miso-poached hake to blue matcha basque cheesecake, alongside curated wines, sakes and inventive cocktails. What more could you want?

This family-run Korean restaurant is all about modern east London minimalism, deeply personal cooking and warm hospitality. Led by two brothers and their chef father, Miga's menu reworks Korean classics with precision and flair, featuring dishes such as gochujang prawns, bibimbap and Korean beef tartare, all served in a relaxed, design-led space.

Teal by Sally Abé is an intimate British bistro celebrating nostalgic flavours through a modern lens. The menu champions seasonal produce and comforting flavours, pairing classic inspirations with refined technique in a stylish, understated setting. Expect Abé's signatures, dishes rooted in tradition, with Victorian twists, and lovely service.

Hospitality power couple Charlie Sims and Honey Spencer have made a big splash with their first solo project. Sune has hit the ground running with exceptional, original cooking that flits between global influences. The location at the bottom of Broadway Market is a cracker too, and as you'd expect from a sommelier of Spencer's renown, the drinks list is remarkable and adventurous.

The easy going feel of this local Italian makes it an obvious venue choice for a get together with friends. The informal décor and fantastic customer service create a friendly atmosphere, and that’s before you’ve even tried the food. Since its opening, Venerdi has vowed to serve up only the most authentic fare, so everything from the pizza to the cocktails is like a taste of Italy.

Bringing northern Italian flavours to Wilton Way, Ornella focuses on Milanese cooking with the easy charm of a neighbourhood trattoria. Created by the team behind Lupa, the restaurant focuses on elegant simplicity, with standout dishes including tagliatelle al burro e parmigiano, risotto alla Milanese and vitello tonnato, alongside indulgent desserts.

Beer and barbecue is a match made in heaven, and From the Ashes at Five Points Brewing Co might just be the best place in the capital to experience this magical combo. As well as a banging Sunday roast, this is also home to the increasingly famous Del Piero Doughnut, packed with smoked pork, ‘nduja and chilli jam.

Set near Columbia Road Flower Market, The Birdcage is a relaxed East London pub known for its lively atmosphere, outdoor seating and crowd-pleasing comfort food. The menu mixes elevated pub classics with burgers, fried chicken and hearty mains, while the easy-going interior and regular sports screenings make it a dependable local favourite.

Don't let the vintage sign outside fool you - Leo's is a drop dead gorgeous restaurant inside, bringing all the chic sophistication of the Italian Riviera to Clapton. The menu centres around lovely bits of meat and fish cooked over a wood-fired grill, but there are also some excellent pasta dishes, a well-rounded wine list and aperitivo options here. Pop in in the morning for some good bakes and excellent coffee too.

Dough Hands brings top-tier pizza to the much-loved Spurstowe Arms, pairing inventive toppings with laid back East London pub energy. Expect candlelit interior, eclectic vintage decor and excellent beers alongside crisp, chewy pizzas topped with everything from Calabrian chili tuna to soy-roasted mushrooms, plus indulgent ice cream sandwiches for dessert.

Whether it’s superb staff, inviting interiors or the dining room piano that often sees one of the staff banging out a tune mid-service, Rogues is just rip-roaring fun. The menu doesn’t worry too much about the rulebook either, springing many surprises from the get go. Rogues’ potato and thyme sourdough with Bovril butter might just be the best bread course in London, and that’s just the start of the fun.

Bringing its vibrant Nepalese-inspired cooking to Hackney, The Laughing Yak is a colourful, high-energy setting decked out with bold interiors and specialising in lively communal dining. The menu focuses on sharing plates, hand-rolled dumplings, momos and richly spiced curries, while inventive twists and playful presentation make it a popular spot for group dinners and celebrations.

Tucked away near Columbia Road, Campania & Jones is a cosy neighbourhood restaurant, serving southern Italian cooking in a warm, candlelit setting. Handmade pasta, seasonal produce and regional dishes are at the heart of the menu, alongside Mediterranean wines and classic aperitivi. Relaxed yet refined, it’s a favourite for leisurely lunches and intimate dinners alike.

Set inside a restored Victorian pub, Tiella pairs rustic, seasonal dishes with warm, characterful interiors filled with reclaimed wood, terracotta tones and vintage touches, creating a relaxed neighbourhood trattoria atmosphere. It brings the comforting spirit of southern Italian cooking to Hackney, with chef Dara Klein drawing on her Pugliese heritage and Emilia-Romagna upbringing.