The Food Lovers Guide to the Best Restaurants in East London
East London has quickly emerged as one of the UK’s most exciting food destinations. With everything from Michelin-starred eateries to hipster cafés to frenetic street-food markets, East London is a foodie destination for every taste. Whatever you’re after —desirable fine dining, cheap brunches, or off-the-beaten-track gems— follow this guide to the best restaurants in East London, as voted for by you.
Join me as I take you through the must-visit restaurants in East London from the trendy streets of Shoreditch to the historic charm of Hackney and modern elegance of Canary Wharf.
The Clove Club – Modern British Michelin Star Restaurant
📍Where: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: £££££
The Clove Club — East LondonA celebration of all that is good about modern British dining with a seasonal, tasting menu and creative presentation. This Michelin-starred restaurant is suitable for special occasions or special meals.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Tasting menu curated by Michelin-rated Chef
✔ Inventive, seasonal British cuisine
✔ A classy but informal ambience
Brat — Basque-Style Wood-Fired Cooking
📍 Address: 4 Redchurch St, London E1 6JL
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: ££££
Brat in Shoreditch is a place known for its Basque grill, but specifically its whole turbot cooked over open fire. It has a Michelin star and knows how to put out well-crafted dishes.
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 those who crave bold Thai flavors. With smoky grilled meats, spicy curries, and house-made Thai sausages, this is a standout destination in East London.
Why Eat Here?
✔ The gold in Thai barbeque taste
✔ Mellow and welcoming ambience
✔ Some good Thai-inspired cocktails
Brawn – A Cusp Bistro with Mediterranean Touches
📍 Address: 49 Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: ££££
Brawn is a quaint bistro in Bethnal Green serving med-inspired small plates. It’s ideal for a romantic evening or an easygoing meal with the friends.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Great selection of biodynamic/natural wine
✔ menu featuring seasonal ingredient driven cuisine
✔ Cozy and intimate setting
Morito – Twisted Tapas & Small Plates
📍Address: 195 Hackney Rd, London E2 8JL
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
💰 Price Range: £££
Morito: Bringing the flavors of Spain and the Mediterranean to East London. The menu offers an amazing variety of small plates, great for sharing.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Очаровательные, хорошо исполненные тапас
✔ Fun and friendly vibe
✔ Fantastic cocktails and sherry selection
Dishoom Shoreditch — Bombay Inspired Indian Restaurant
📍 Where: 7 Boundary St, London E2 7JE
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: £££
The casual Indian joint Dishoom, inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay, is a London institution and serves up incredible dishes like black daal, lamb chops and bacon naan rolls.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Real Bombay styled decor and ambiance
✔ Iconic black daal — the unmissable signature
✔ Tasty breakfast and brunch choices
Lyle’s — Michelin-starred Simplicity
📍 Venue: Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: £££££
Lyle’s serves unfussy, upscale British food using the finest seasonal ingredients. It has a Michelin star and serves refined food in a minimalist, handsome restaurant.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Tasting menu of seasonal British flavors
✔ The minimalist, modern atmosphere
✔ Excellent wine pairings
Campania & Jones – Hidden Italian Gem
📍 Address: 23 Ezra St, London E2 7RH
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
💰 Price Range: £££
In a cozy, rustic spot a few steps south of Columbia Road is Campania & Jones, a hidden gem serving classic Southern Italian dishes.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Authentic Italian flavors
✔ Charming and intimate vibe
✔ Great for a cozy weekend brunch
Going Out: Over-the-Top Italian Excellence at Gloria
📍 ADDRESS: 54-56 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3QR
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: ££££
Gloria is an over-the-top, old-school Italian trattoria serving oversized pasta dishes and decadent tiramisu.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Instagram-worthy interiors
✔ Italian comfort food (the real kind)
✔ Fun, lively atmosphere
Hawksmoor Spitalfields – The Best East London Steakhouse
📍 Address in London: 157A Commercial St, London E1 6BJ
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
💰 Price Range: ££££
Hawksmoor Spitalfields, for steak lovers. This classic British steakhouse serves grass-fed beef, legendary sides and expertly crafted cocktails.
Why Eat Here?
✔ Learns on data through October 2023.
✔ Bone marrow & anchovy toast (it’s famous)
✔ Excellent Sunday roast
Conclusion: Where to Eat in East London
East London is a foodie’s dream, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual street eats and traditional international flavors. So if you are looking to treat yourself with fine dining, a bistro, or an exciting new restaurant, this zone will deliver.
Top Picks by Category:
🏆 Best Fine Dining: The Clove Club
🔥 Best Casual Restaurant: Smoking Goat
🍝 Best Italian: Gloria
🥩 Best Steakhouse: Hawksmoor Spitalfields
Whatever you’re after, these best restaurants in East London are bound to dazzle.
What East London restaurant are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments! 🍽️✨