East London’s Best Restaurants: A Food: Lover’s Guide To The Area’s Great Eatery’s
East London is one of the capital’s most exciting and diverse food destinations. With buzzing street food, Michelin starred restaurants, hipster cafes and authentic cuisines, East London really has something for every sort of foodie. From the finest fine dining restaurants to notable brunch spots and secret finds, our guide to the best restaurants in East London will unearth the hottest eats.
From Shoreditch to Hackney to Canary Wharf to Bethnal Green, here are the East London restaurants you need to visit.
The Clove Club — Modern British Fine Dining — Michelin Star
📍 Where: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: £££££
The Clove Club: One of East London’s most lauded restaurants, The Clove Club features a modern British tasting menu creation with seasonal ingredients and an artistic presentation. Best for: Special occasions or a fine-dining experience This Michelin-starred spot is one to reserve for a special occasion.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Tasting menu with Michelin-star credentials
✔ Inventive British fare using seasonal ingredients
✔ Stylish but laid-back atmosphere
Brat — Wood-Fired Cooking, Basque Style
📍 Address: 4 Redchurch St, London E1 6JL
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: ££££
Brat, in Shoreditch, is known for its Basque-style grilled dishes, including whole turbot grilled over an open flame. Its simple but precisely prepared dishes have earned it a Michelin star.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Wood-fired grill flavors
✔ Signature whole turbot dish
✔ Cozy, rustic atmosphere
Smoking Goat – Thai BBQ & Street Food
📍 Address: 64 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
💰 Price Range: £££
Inspired by the street food of Bangkok, Smoking Goat is a must-visit for anyone who loves potent Thai flavor. Grilled meats, smoky, spicy curries and house-made Thai sausages make this East London spot a notch above the rest.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Real Thai barbeque flavor
✔ Relaxed and energetic vibe
✔ Good range of Thai-style cocktails
Brawn — A Cozy Bistro with Mediterranean Flair
📍 Address: 49 Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: ££££
With a menu grounded in Mediterranean-influenced fare that begins with fresh ingredients of high quality, Bethnal Green’s Brawn is a cozy, attractive bistro. It’s a great place for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with a group of friends.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Very good natural wine list
✔ Seasonal, market-driven menu
✔ Cozy and intimate setting
Tastes of Japan – Morito – Tapas & Small Plates with a Twist
📍 Address: 195 Hackney Rd, London E2 8JL
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
💰 Price Range: £££
Morito introduces the flavors of Spain and the Mediterranean to East London. The small-plates-heavy menu is also great for sharing.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Clap-inspiring, very good tapas
✔ Must be a very friendly and upbeat atmosphere
✔ Superb cocktails and sherry list
Dishoom Shoreditch – Bombay-Inspired Indian Restaurant
📍 Address: 7 Boundary St, London E2 7JE
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: £££
Inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom is a London institution, serving the most wonderful Indian dishes, including black daal, lamb chops and bacon naan rolls.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Original Bombay-style decor and vibe
✔ Unpossible not to eat the famous black daal
✔ Good breakfast and brunch
Lyle’s – Michelin-Star Medals of Simplicity
📍 Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: £££££
Lyle’s is all about uncomplicated but sophisticated British cuisine made with outstanding seasonal product. With a Michelin star, the restaurant provides an understated yet refined experience.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Tasting menu, seasonal, British flavors
✔ Sparse, contemporary environment
✔ Excellent wine pairings
Campania & Jones – Underrated Italian Gem
📍 23 Ezra St, London E2 7RH
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
💰 Price Range: £££
An unassuming place around the corner from Columbia Road, Campania & Jones offers Italian classics from the south of the country, served in a homey, rustic environment.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Authentic Italian flavors
✔ Charming and intimate vibe
✔ Great for a lazy weekend brunch
Gloria — Elaborately Italian Goodness
📍 Address: 54-56 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3QR
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: ££££
Gloria is a raucous, retro-style Italian trattoria that specializes in massive pasta and over-the-top tiramisu.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Instagram-worthy interiors
✔ Real deal Italian comfort food
✔ Fun, lively atmosphere
Hawksmoor Spitalfields – Best East London Steakhouse
📍 Address: 157A Commercial St, London E1 6BJ
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: ££££
If you like steak, you have to go to Hawksmoor Spitalfields. This classic British steakhouse serves up grass-fed beef, legendary sides and expertly crafted cocktails.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Top-grade meat cooked to perfection
✔ Signature bone marrow & anchovy toast
✔ Excellent Sunday roast
Final Thoughts: Restaurants in East London
East London is a food lover’s utopia, with Michelin-starred grub, casual street food and international flavors in abundance. If you’re feeling like an upscale restaurant, or an intimate bistro, or a new hot spot, you can find it here.
Top Picks by Category:
🏆 Best Fine Dining: The Clove Club
🔥 Best Casual Restaurant: Smoking Goat
🍝 Best Italian: Gloria
🥩 Best Steakhouse Hawksmoor Spitalfields
Whatever your taste, the best restaurants in East London will have you coeuring with pleasure.
What’s the East London restaurant (or some of) you are craving to go & eat? Let us know in the comments! 🍽️✨
4o