Best restaurants in Hackney

Pidgin famously has served a different tasting menu every week since it opened in 2015, and never repeats a dish twice. The result is a quite astonishing commitment to creativity and originality, and the restaurant has solidified a reputation as one of the best in Hackney, despite the fact that you literally never know what you're going to get. 

This entirely chef's table restaurant comes from Andy Beynon, an ex development chef for Jason Atherton, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands here. You can expect each of the eight courses to showcase sustainable produce in new and creative ways, and there’s also a wine pairing for those who are so inclined.

Tucked around the back of Hackney Church Brew Co you'll find Lagom, where founder Elliot Cunningham knocks out some fabulous, smokey barbecue and burgers. Lagom's philosophy is dead simple, just great quality produce, lots of fire, smoke and heat and dishes kept simple but delicious. The smash burger is a knockout (especially alongside a few beers) but the regularly changing menu means there's something new to try everytime you visit.

Papi is all about delicious, zero waste food and carefully sourced natural wines. You’ll find it tucked away down one of Hackney’s backstreets, with low-lit lighting to entice you in, and friendly faces ready to welcome you.

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.

After reading about the dwindling interest in the UK for Scottish seafood which was causing prime catches to be passed onto the Spanish market, an LA-based Glasgow native had the romantic notion to return home and show diners what they’d be missing. After teaming up with some fantastic Spanish chefs, this is exactly what happened, resulting in Escocesa which serves up the best of both worlds.

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.

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.

Not only can you get first class food at Silo, but it’s also the world’s first zero waste restaurant, so you can enjoy it all completely guilt free. From fermenting leftovers to finding eco-friendly delivery methods for suppliers, there’s nothing half hearted about the team's approach to helping the planet.

Ruby’s, as it’s affectionately known by locals, is considered a Dalston institution. Find your way inside and you’ll be met with sultry lighting, mismatch vintage furniture and a whole lot of charm. The cocktail and nibbles menu changes seasonally, but you’ll find all the classics on there, too.