East London dinner restaurants: a local's faves 🇬🇧🍽️
East London dinner restaurants: a local's faves 🇬🇧🍽️
Lauren Alboini
Available for hire
I have held firm for years - and still do - that East London has the best food and restaurants in the city! The dishes are inventive, the decor and atmosphere is always on point, and the value for money is quite a bit better compared to west and central London.
I've lived in this part of the city for 3 years and I've been to these spots once or many times. I love them and hope you do too 😊 All arranged by cuisine 🍽️
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Barbecue
Berber & Q
@awaywithalbs
An awesome BBQ & Middle Eastern restaurant under a railway arch - particularly great for a date night IMO.
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Basque-Inspired
Brat x Climpson's Arch
@awaywithalbs
This place is SUCH a vibe. The open wood-fired grill kitchen really makes it. Whatever you do, order the sourdough and charcoal butter. You're welcome :)
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Chophouse
Blacklock Shoreditch
@awaywithalbs
A delicious steakhouse on a cool street with an even cooler vibe and design inside. Try to save room for the white chocolate cheesecake!
Not to be confused with other locations around the city - though I'm sure they're also brilliant :)
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Filipino
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Indian
Dishoom Shoreditch
@awaywithalbs
London is known for having incredible Indian food - and Dishoom is an absolute institution. It's AMAZING! There are other locations all over the city but I love this one in East London.
Definitely worth the wait, especially with a cocktail in hand. Try heading up to the rooftop at Boundary Shoreditch across the street if you'd like to pass the time with city views.
And if the line is too long of a wait, there are tons of other great options around (just check out my map for some other ideas!)
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Italian
Campania
@awaywithalbs
A charming and beautiful rustic Italian restaurant just off one of my favourite roads in the area - Columbia Road. Everything I've ordered there has been stunning. Try to get a seat at one of the few tables outside. I'd also consider avoiding going on a Sunday because while there's an amazing flower market on, you may struggle to get a table if you don't book in advance. And the area will be very crowded while it's on from 8am-2pm!
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Gloria
@awaywithalbs
A fun and eccentric spot for Italian food. The pizzas and pastas are so good - it's always hard to decide which one to go for. Polish it off with the pistachio gelato :)
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LARDO
@awaywithalbs
Industrial-chic Italian small plates restaurant. Fun fact for the Game of Thrones fans: Maisie Williams loves and recommends it!
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manteca
@awaywithalbs
One of the best for Italian food IMO - especially for fresh pasta. Go hungry and order as much as you can because you won't be able to get enough :)
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Japanese
Sanjugo Shoreditch
@awaywithalbs
A small, very casual and cosy two-level spot where you can get some delicious sushi!
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Modern British
The Water House Project
@awaywithalbs
One of the most incredible meals I've had in London. A stunning fine dining option with cool East London vibes shining through. It is quite pricey though so might be nice for a special occasion :)
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Mediterranean
Brother Marcus Spitalfields
@awaywithalbs
A great outside-inside designed place serving Middle Eastern-inspired share plates. Also a great spot for brunch!
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Modern European
Bistrotheque
@awaywithalbs
Dinner here is delicious and a friend of mine really enjoyed it for brunch. And the converted warehouse feel makes for a great setting.
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Elliot’s - Hackney
@awaywithalbs
Lovely spot for a date night - especially if you're in the mood for farm-to-table small plates. Pairs well with a night cap from Mare Street Market across the street :)
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Leroy
@awaywithalbs
I love this restaurant so much. It might even just be my favourite in this part of the city! Very deservedly it got a Michelin star last year. Very relaxed, intimate and unpretentious with such delicious food.
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Peruvian
Pachamama East
@awaywithalbs
A must for Peruvian food. Sitting in the front room or at the bar - especially in the summer - is a great idea. And if you're in the mood for some fun vibes than head around the corner to Home Bar for a night cap!
Not to be confused with the Pachamama in Marylebone (which I'd also recommend!)
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Spanish
El Ganso Cafe
@awaywithalbs
Look no further if you want amazing tapas! I've been here 8+ times and this place has yet to do any wrong. Even when it's been really busy. I particularly recommend going when the weather is nice for more of a local buzz on Broadway Market.
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Thai
Smoking Goat Shoreditch
@awaywithalbs
A cool spot for unique and delicious Bangkok-inspired street food
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Elevate your London trip ✨
Interested in customised restaurant suggestions that aren't on this list and are tailored to your travel style? I've got you covered👇
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauren Alboini
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