Join the rewards club for food lovers and unlock rewards

Best restaurants in East London

Where are the best restaurants in East London, we hear you cry? Well, we think you’ll be glad to know the answer is both a delicious and plentiful one. The capital’s hippest postcode is a melting pot of cuisines, each area - from Stoke Newington to Clapton (and everywhere in between) - offers a trip around the world for your taste buds. You could start the week in Japan with a Katsu curry scotch egg from Jidori in Dalston, stop off at France to taste the Calçots with hen egg gribiche at Leroy in Shoreditch, before ending the week in Britain and feasting on Blue Leicester mutton with puntarella and anchovy.

Updated on 23 January 2021

You see, there is seemingly no end to what East London can offer when it comes to food. Although Modern European eateries continue to rain supreme with fusions from Spanish, Italian and French cultures, we love that there’s an abundance of cosy, classic pubs alongside modern Asian restaurants here, too. But if its experience and atmosphere you’re after, it’s worth noting that there’s also nowhere better than this side of town. We’ve seen so many restaurants set up shop in listed buildings and preserve the original features of their venue, contrasting this with industrial lighting and chic furniture. One of our favourite haunts has to be the floating restaurant created by a group of friends after gaining experience by working in the kitchens of boats around the world. Packed full of fairy lights and endlessly good vibes, Barge East Bar and Kitchen is one to put on your must-visit list now – especially because of its bottomless brunch menu which is guaranteed to deliver a good time. Essentially East London restaurants have got it all, so there’s no excuse not to explore far and wide, one mouthful at a time.

Singburi

Singburi

593 High Road, Leytonstone, London, E11 4PA

It’s easy to fall in love with Singburi with its ever changing menu of authentic Thai dishes, and knowing it’s a small family run business is just the cherry on top. There’s no website, so you’ll have to head to social media for menu updates and call to reserve a table, but don’t let this put you off - it’s built a reputation for very good reason.

Under £30
Thai
SquareMeal London Top 100
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
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. The menu changes frequently but concoctions like unagi risotto with burnt soy butter and dashi should give you an idea.
£50 - £79
Japanese
Italian
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 décor is minimalist cool. Equally, the food is refined and sophisticated, but the atmosphere is relaxed. 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
Earth Kitchen

Earth Kitchen

11-17 Stoke Newington Road, London, N16 8BH

Earth Kitchen is as creative, dynamic and pulsing with life as its home on the busy Stoke Newington Road. Alongside the events space, this relaxed café serves up food from all over the world, often inviting different street cuisine vendors in to take part in a pop up.
Under £30
British
Da Terra

Da Terra

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

International chefs Rafael Cagali and Paulo Airaudo come together to offer this Michelin Star-experience in the belly of Bethnal Green. Inspired by nature, they serve up Latin American flavours with an Italian heart, in a relaxed but elegant setting. The menu is simplistic (for example, one dish is known simply as “The Chicken”) leaving the specifics an exciting surprise.
Over £80
Modern European
Brazilian
Italian
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal London Top 100
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 décor inside means there’s as much a feast for your eyes as your taste buds. Go early on a Saturday morning to get a great table and experience the breakfast menu, which features the famous bacon naan.
£30 - £49
Indian

Planning an evening out in Shoreditch or Bethnal Green? Check out our area-specific best restaurant guides to make it even easier for yourself.

Join SquareMeal Rewards

Collect points, worth at least £1, every time you book online and dine at a participating restaurant.

Start Collecting Points

Already a member? Sign in