Best Brunch In Hackney

• Location: 6 Wyke Road, E3 2XD
• Best for: an Italian twist on brunch
• Why we recommend: there are lots of unique dishes on this menu that you won't find elsewhere, and we love the relaxed atmosphere

Located in Fish Island, Lanterna is a friendly neighbourhood restaurant and bar that specialises in Italian eats, craft beer and cocktails. The trendy space is filled with colourful designs and large windows, and there's outdoor seating too.

Available from 10am to 3.30pm on weekends, their brunch menu perfectly blends British and Italian cuisines. We're talking house-made borlotti bean ragù on buttered sourdough, chicken Milanese with fried eggs or baked spiced apple French toast topped with toasted almonds.

• Location: 437 Hackney Road, E2 8PP
• Best for: bottomless brunch
• Why we recommend: whether you're going boozy or not, the indulgent plates here combine with a vibrant atmosphere to create our idea Saturday brunch

Situated close to Cambridge Heath station, Mama Shelter is a trendy hotel and restaurant bar that has a buzzing vibe to it, particularly during their Saturday brunch sessions. They serve this menu between 12 and 4pm, with the option to go bottomless for £39 per person.

Tuck into smoked salmon royale, buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote or crispy potato hash with poached eggs. As for the venue itself, expect quirky, colourful patterns across the walls and ceilings, as well as an abundance of greenery.

• Location: Canalside, Here East, E15 2GW
• Best for: waterfront dining
• Why we recommend: we love an alfresco brunch on the terrace here, complete with gorgeous Italian flavours and riverside views

With an enviable position on the side of the River Lee Navigation, Gotto Trattoria is a pretty Italian restaurant from the team behind Mele e Pere in Soho. It's got a laid-back vibe across its indoor and outdoor spaces, with simple wooden furnishings throughout.

Dive into sumptuous plates of poached eggs with avocado, juicy breakfast buns or a full Italian, complete with pork sausage, cannellini beans and Portobello mushrooms.

• Location: 117 Mare Street, E8 4RU
• Best for: breakfast rolls and burritos
• Why we recommend: the bustling market feel of this place creates a social atmosphere, that's equally welcoming for groups and solo diners. And if you're making a day of it, there are several indeoendent shops to check out after your meal

A modern space that houses a wide range of independent vendors, from record shops to barbers, Mare Street Market has got all you need for a wholesome day out. The interiors are relaxed and aesthetically pleasing, with a rustic feel and lots of plants dotted around.

The on-site deli serves up a mean brunch, with multiple dishes coming in at less than a tenner. Think brioche buns filled with sausage and scrambled egg, alongside Mexican breakfast burritos and smashed avocado on toast.

• Location: Abbot Street Carpark, E8 3DP
• Best for: quality sandwiches
• Why we recommend: not only are you getting an excellent and affordable meal here, but you're supporting a good cause at the same time

The original site for The Dusty Knuckle Bakery, this Dalston outpost is a bakery, cafe and baking school all in one. They serve breakfast until 11am, followed by a tasty lunch menu, with favourites including chilli cheese eggs and smoked back bacon sandwiches - they're particularly known for their bread.

This business was created to support underprivileged young people looking for work, originally housed in a shipping container but now holding a permanent residency in a converted Dalston car park.

• Location: 76 Clarence Road, E5 8HB
• Best for: vegan eats
• Why we recommend: this is our go-to for plant-based midday meals in East London, and the team are truly committed to sustainability and being cruelty-free

On the hunt for vegan brunch in Hackney? Black Cat Cafe is an entirely plant-based eatery that has a wholesome, community vibe to it. It has recently reopened after a change of management, but they're still dedicated to great quality food that's free from cruelty.

Their international menu ranges from a meatless version of the full English to granola bowls and chocolate covered pancake stacks, with options changing every month.

• Location: 32 Andrews Road, Hackney, E8 4FX
• Best for: Michelin star dining
• Why we recommend: this place is effortlessly cool, striking just the right balance between fine dining and home-style cooking, and there's always something new to try

Flaunting a Michelin star and a menu that changes daily, Cafe Cecilia is a very sought-after spot along Regent's Canal. The dining room is intimate and cosy, reminiscent of visiting a friend, with fuss-free wooden tables and white walls making up the decor.

Sample brunch plates include marinated tomatoes on toast, Guinness bread with boiled eggs and a top-quality bacon sandwiches. And despite the reputation, dishes here are pretty affordable, with several options for less than £10.

• Location: 29 East Bay Lane, Canalside, Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E15 2GW
• Best for: cafe classics
• Why we recommend: The Breakfast Club has long been a favourite of ours, thanks to a hearty menu that meets all our needs and a charming cafe vibe

The cult cafe that has taken London by storm, The Breakfast Club has got an outpost in Hackney Wick. It's perched right on the canal, making it an especially popular choice for outdoor dining in the summer, and the interior is full of bold colours and relaxed energy.

They've got a huge menu of all-day breakfast and lunch options, ranging from huevos rancheros to stacks of mixed berry pancakes or a traditional full English. This is the perfect pick for a mixture of old-school and modern eats.

• Location: Bagel Factory, 2 Hepscott Road, E9 5HB
• Best for: Balkan cuisine
• Why we recommend: we always love supporting a family business, and this one is well worth trying out - offering a unique style of brunch that celebrates their culinary heritage

Boasting authentic Balkan cuisine, Burnt Umber Brasserie is a family-run restaurant in the creative heart of Hackney Wick. It has a cool, industrial feel to it, and they're very committed to sustainability - from using locally sourced ingredients to their kitchen practices.

Their recipes have been passed down through the generations, though there are a few classis on the brunch menu too. Work your way through Balkan-style breakfasts with feta and prosciutto, kimchi pancakes or garlic sourdough dipped in shakshuka.

• Location: 170 Dalston Lane, E8 1NG
• Best for: all-day brunch
• Why we recommend: the sizeable plates at this cafe are bound to start your day off right, and it really is a popular spot come the weekend

A haven for the hungover on weekends, and a top spot for morning meals throughout the week, Hash E8 really is all about brunch. This cute cafe on Dalston Lane serves their goods until 3pm, so no need to be an early riser, and the cosy space always feels inviting.

Whether you're hunting down the perfect poached egg, loading up on fluffy pancake stacks or keeping things simple with a full English, there's something for everyone here.