How to Find the Best Restaurants in East London
East London is an exciting and diverse part of London, known for its history, street art, cultural diversity and fantastic food scene. Boasting everything from popular street food markets to acclaimed fine dining establishments, finding great places to eat can often feel daunting in East London; with so many culinary offerings ranging from trendy street food markets to fine dining establishments, it may feel daunting trying to locate them all – hopefully, this guide can help you navigate its thriving dining scene and reveal its hidden gems!
Why Visit East London Restaurants? East London offers an unparalleled dining experience. A diverse population makes for an equally eclectic food scene: traditional Bangladeshi curries in Whitechapel and contemporary British cuisine in Hackney can all be found here. Furthermore, some of London’s iconic food markets, like Spitalfields Market or Broadway Market, are home to exciting cuisine from across the world that you can experience here.
East London offers something for every palate. Michelin-star dining, vegan-friendly cafes, or bustling street food stands await visitors looking for something great to eat.
Tips for Discovering East London’s Great Restaurants
Below are a few tried-and-tested strategies to uncover East London’s many culinary gems:
1. Understand Your Neighborhoods
East London boasts many distinctive communities, each boasting their distinct character and individualities:
Shoreditch: Famed for its vibrant atmosphere and innovative eateries. Hackney: Home to cutting-edge British cuisine as well as charming cafes. Whitechapel: Renowned for authentic Bangladeshi and Indian food, whilst Bethnal Green features both classic pubs and modern eateries.
Exploring East London’s diverse neighbourhoods will give you an appreciation of all it has to offer.
2. Experience East London Food Markets provides a fantastic way to explore East London’s culinary diversity, often hosting independent vendors offering dishes from all around the world.
Spitalfields Market offers both street food and sit-down eateries, serving everything from gourmet burgers to sushi. Broadway Market, on the other hand, is known for its organic produce stalls and lively weekend vibe.
Victoria Park Market: Victoria Park Market offers gourmet street food and baked goods.
3. Read Reviews and Recommendations
Online platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp and TripAdvisor provide excellent ways of discovering East London restaurants. Food blogs, Instagram influencers, and local guides can also offer insight into where it is best to eat in East London.
4. Ask Locals
Sometimes, residents or staff at your accommodation can offer the best advice, so don’t be shy about reaching out and asking them about their favourite spots in East London.
5. Explore Pop-Up and Independent Restaurants
East London is known for its bustling food scene, with chefs and entrepreneurs often opening temporary or pop-up restaurants or food trucks that usually become permanent establishments if their popularity rises enough.
East London’s top restaurants are some of the highest-rated and most loved establishments. Here is a selection of these outstanding establishments that should help get your dining journey underway:
Dishoom Shoreditch
A homage to Bombay’s Irani cafes, Dishoom is an essential stop for Indian foodies in East London. Boasting vibrant ambience and mouth-watering dishes, Dishoom remains one of the city’s premier dining experiences.
Must Try: Black Daal and Bacon Naan Roll Location: Boundary Street in Shoreditch
2. Smokestak
For meat enthusiasts in London, Smokestak provides some of the finest BBQs. Known for its slow-smoked brisket and succulent pork ribs, this restaurant offers hearty meals sure to satisfy.
Must Try: Beef Brisket Bun and Burnt Ends Sclater Street in Shoreditch; 3 Morito Hackney Road Morito, an internationally-inspired Mediterranean restaurant, features an inviting ambience with vibrant tapas and small plates from their Mediterranean-influenced menu – making this spot a local favourite.
Must Try: Octopus with Mojo Verde and Fried Aubergine with Honey Location: Hackney Road
4. The Laughing Heart
This late-night wine bar and restaurant in Hackney is an undiscovered treasure – known for its extensive wine selection and modern European menu. The Laughing Heart makes a great spot for intimate dinner parties or late-night drinking sessions.
Must Try: Duck Confit and Seasonal Tasting Menu
Location: Hackney Road
5. Tayyabs (East London) For authentic Punjabi cuisine, Tayyabs has become an East London institution over time, known for their succulent lamb chops and aromatic curries. This family-run eatery also boasts its very own beer garden!
Must Try: Lamb Chops and Karahi Paneer
Location: Fieldgate Street in Whitechapel
6. Bistrotheque, situated in Bethnal Green, is an ideal option for modern British cuisine with an elegant flair. The industrial-chic setting adds to its allure.
Must Try: Roast Chicken and Sticky Toffee Pudding Location: Wadeson Street in Bethnal Green
7. Lyle’s in Shoreditch offers an elegant seasonal British-influenced tasting menu. Their innovative dishes and refined decor have garnered them one Michelin star.
Must Try: Tasting Menu (rotates seasonally)…Shoreditch High Street. For Vegetarian and Vegan Options in East London, Here are a few top spots:
Genesis (Shoreditch) offers 100% plant-based dining with comforting vegan burgers and nachos, while Mildreds in Dalston is known for its generous vegetarian and vegan offerings.
East London offers something delicious for every palate and budget, from its iconic Indian eateries such as Tayyabs to Michelin-star gems like Lyle’s. Food markets provide endless culinary delights, and dining experiences in East London promise an unforgettable dining experience.
Once in London, venture eastward and experience its dynamic food scene – you won’t be disappointed!
