Restaurants in East London

Just a short walk from Hoxton Square, this East London offering from the iconic Breakfast Club brand serves up the very best in all-day pancakes and tasty cocktails.

From full-on sit down banquets to sharing platters for those after a drink and a chinwag, The Drift is an inviting restaurant in amongst the skyscrapers. This self-professed “sanctuary in the heart of the city” is a joint of quirky collectibles and hidden alcoves, and it's a frontrunner when it comes to relaxed dinner and drinks in east London.

When it comes to chicken in London, and East London at that, there's no better name than that of Absurd Bird. Heralded for their poultry bites, not only is the fried chicken on point here, their roster of cocktails is as impressive as their modern and fun interiors are. 

One of the coolest restaurants in East London, Jones & Sons offers a great selection of carefully-prepared quality dishes, alongside a fun and tasty bottomless brunch menu, and hearty Sunday roasts.

Bringing melt-in-the-mouth Texan BBQ, punchy bourbons and live blues tunes to the heart of Shoreditch, this is the place to kick back and embrace the meat sweats. Tuck into piles of pulled pork and teetering burgers, leave room for some of those signature buffalo wings then head to the dance floor, where live bands and DJs round things off with vintage funk and soul tracks into the night.

Situated on the buzzing Paradise Row in Bethnal Green, Arepa & Co is a vibrant Venezuelan eatery serving up traditional dishes in a cool setting. With a menu of pancakes, rice bowls and arepas to explore, swing by and indulge your pallete in a plethora of new treats. 

Contemporary Smollensky's Bar boasts a bounty of bar bites to accompany its generous jumble of liquid mixes, so tuck into this tasty nosh next time you find yourself in East London. Eat alfresco on the summer terrace as you chow down on scrummy sandwiches, hammer a horde of hot dishes, share some party platters or sample the marathon of moreish bar snacks.

Promising “an idyllic urban landscape, whatever the weather”, The Barge House is a beauty of a cafe, restaurant and bar on the edge of Regent's Canal. Head here and unwind in style, with those super-relaxed views of the water matched by a menu of soul-satisfying, seasonally changing food. You'll like it so much you'll be back for brunch come the weekends, where their signature Breakfast in Bread is served from 10am.

Refuel and take stock after a trip to Westfields at classy and chic Balans Soho Society. The renowned restaurant brings equal parts of Parisian vibes and British dining to their intimate venue.

For a slice of East London luxury, experience a Middle Eastern paradise of plush cushions, casual lounging and delectable Lebanese cuisine. Translating as the Arabic word for treasure, Kenza is quite literally a haven for trinkets, unique dining and touches that come straight from Morocco, you wouldn't know you're on Liverpool Street. 

One of our favourite restaurants in Shoreditch, the Jones Family Project serves an assortment of grilled meats and seafood comprising of the best in local produce. The same is true for the drinks list, with beers and gin sourced within a few miles of the restaurant. Enjoy some josper-grilled steak goodness washed down with creative signature cocktails.

Serving up traditional pub grub with a contemporary twist as well as an array of great craft beers and wines, The Cow has got it all going on pub-wise. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and gets very buzzy upon a Saturday evening when a DJ arrives to spin some tunes. Placed right next to The Olympic Park, this is a fun little place in an unbeatable location. 

Created by a sommelier with Michelin-starred experience and a chef with some serious credentials, The Pearson Room is a formidable restaurant in Canary Wharf. The menu is a perfect pairing of carefully selected wines and British and international plates.

Bounce will take the headlines as one of the best ping pong bars in London, but there's also a cracking restaurant to this social hub below Old Street. The restaurant features an innovative bar food menu, premium canapes and some exciting a la carte options, with a stunning open-pizza counter restaurant that serves traditional Italian pizza and antipasti dishes.

If you're looking for a rooftop restaurant in east London, head to Canary Wharf where Mthr is serving up unrivalled views with a side of cocktails, breakfast and all-day dining. Head 20 floors high for all this and more.

Looking for a low-key yet utterly delicious date spot? Brindisa have got you covered with their light and simple interiors, delicious tapas and great cocktails in Shoreditch.

Bringing fancy Filipino food to Hoxton comes the new Rapsa, a sexy little spot on the high street. With a moody interior and a head chef with Ottolenghi credentials, this restaurant will quickly become a favourite, especially when you see the range of seafood dishes on offer.

Located in Old Truman Brewery, the minds behind Wahaca bring you DF Tacos. With a menu that offers a diverse range of affordable dishes, there really is something for everyone, and why not try a refreshing Margarita to wash it all down?

Smollensky's is something of an all-in-one where you can tuck into lovely nosh in their restaurant and then head downstairs to their dedicated bar area for some drinks. Located right next to Canary Wharf station, this East London restaurant is a favourite for alfresco drinking and dining where their menu of Modern American cuisine will do you right. 

Located in the heart of the City, this restaurant bar draws inspiration from Spain. Think tapas plates and mouth-watering wines a swanky setting only minutes from St Paul's.

Stylish and relaxed, this restaurant in East London offers more than just a comfortable atmosphere. With delicious Italian food, a fantastic cocktail menu and even an on-sit gin distillery, it's an exciting addition to the Hackney dining scene.

Aviary is located on the top of the new Montcalm hotel in Finsbury Square and as such has some incredible views of the city. Sit back and relax on their modern, spacious and stylish rooftop terrace or head to the restaurant which serves delicious British seasonal food; try the burger and thank us later.

Tank and Paddle is a City spot that is great for delicious pizza and a huge range of beers and ales. A few minutes away from Monument, the restaurant has a huge selection of stone-baked pizza including New-York inspired The Yankee, topped with pepperoni. Beer includes pints from local brewery Meantime and there's also a cracking cocktail menu. With a sister venue based in Bishopsgate, there's no excuse to miss out on the great home brewed drinks on offer. 

Cinnamon Kitchen provides east London's diners with fresh and fragrant Indian dishes, given a modern twist and produced with premium British ingredients. Relax into these sophisticated surroundings and feast on an innovative menu prepared by head chef Vivek Singh, with cocktails in the Anise bar to finish the evening.

Catering for your every need and with a distinct devil-may-care approach to things, the Breakfast Club in Canary Wharf is always abuzz with energy and life. Decorated as a retro working man's club, the bar is framed by quaint antiques, colourful furnishings and a huge disco ball that hovers delicately over the entire venue. Full of character and life, and with a diverse menu of traditional British dishes and flavoursome comfort foods, this is a great place to escape the bustle of the city. 

The Piano Works can be found in a Victorian listed warehouse at the heart of Farringdon. This place is part restaurant, part bar and part party, all with a great side of live music. Head this way if you're looking for something different from your night out; there's two pianists and accompanying musicians playing an exclusive playlist of songs requested by you, the audience. It makes for a jamming atmosphere that'll have you coming back time and again.

If you're looking for the perfect spot for after-work drinks or a gorgeous meal with a side of tunes, head to this City spot where you'll find just that. The menu leans towards quality British cooking, with grass-fed beef and fresh seafood as a staple, while live acts provide a soundtrack filled with jazz and soul.

This cool and quirky pizza joint is located in a refurbished Victorian school, serving up sought-after slices of deliciousness. With their sourdough bases made from wild yeast and stone ground flour, they have a certain earthiness that's just darn good. 

Go on a culinary journey around the world with Le Petit Chef, an immersive dining experience in East London. The night includes eight courses and matched cocktails, which follow the journey of your personal guide, an tiny animated chef.

London Steakhouse Co is both a stylish cocktail bar and a great restaurant near Liverpool Street. Serving up a mouth-watering range of British dishes, their steak cuts take pride of place on their menu, having been sourced from master butcher and Royal warrant holder Aubrey Allen.

This place is a city favourite for some stylish after hours drinking and dining where you'll find affordable prices and a fun atmosphere every day of the week. The Gable is kind of 2 venues in one with a classic and sophisticated East London restaurant on the ground floor and then a basement bar underneath it all. 

Looking for a great restaurant in east London? Make your way to Hoxton where Cocotte is serving up a wide range of salads and juicy rotisserie-style chicken alongside brunch specials like croissant waffles and eggs benedict with bottomless cocktails to wash it all down.

Camino are bringing their brand of delicious tapas and cava to East London. Join the Spanish spot for their Shoreditch opening which will feature plenty of Spanish goodies including seafood, jamon and cheese.

Fancy dabbling in a little 1950s Americana at one of the most fun restaurants in east London? You'll need All Star Lanes - the restaurant, cocktail bar and bowling alley in the heart of Stratford's Westfield. Come hungry - there's a selection of melted grilled cheese, Dedham Vale burgers and mac 'n' cheese on the menu - trounce your mates at bowling on one of their 14 lanes and celebrate your victory with a couple of hard shakes in the bar afterwards. Always great fun and the perfect way to take the weight off after traipsing around the shopping centre!

The closest you'll get to an American road trip this side of Route 66, Fugitive Motel brings a touch of the West Coast to the East End. Head down for the chance to stuff your faces with delicious sourdough slices, sample some seriously good craft beer and take on your friends in a few rounds of cornhole or shuffleboard.

If you like your dinner with a side of belly dancing, then you're in luck because this South Woodford spot is serving you exactly that. The menu is Lebanese with a sprinkling of French and Mediterranean twists, while the terrace is ideal for relaxing with shisha.

Modern and chic, The Lampery is a swish British restaurant that serves up a delicious all-day menu, starting with hearty breakfasts before moving onto grill dishes.

At the bottom of the iconic Gherkin building, The Sterling is a sophisticated bar and restaurant where you can expect only the freshest, highest quality ingredients paired with seasonal cocktails and fantastic wines. With a focus on simple, quality food with big flavour. Start with some light nibbles, and move onto the more robust main meals with some classically British choices appearing on the menu like fish and chips, and sausage and mash with red wine and caramelised onion gravy. Book a spot at this venue and start enjoying the food on offer. 

Where do you get the best Italian food in East London? The definitive answer is up for debate, but you can't go far wrong with Gotta Trattoria. Sitting on the banks of the River Lee, they offer up a daily changing menu of delicious European and Italian treats served with a British twist. They're also known for their negronis – which they bottle for your convenience.

You don't need a plane ticket for a lip-smacking taste of Rome. Renowned chef Stevie Parle has brought a taste of the Italian capital to Clerkenwell with smart Palatino; expect slick interiors, punchy cocktails, and comforting plates that range from pasta to freshly baked fish.

Head over to Limehouse where this gorgeous pub and restaurant offers one of the finest dining experiences in East London. Tuck into a plate of luxury pub grub washed down with some excellent wines or craft cocktails, and enjoy stunning views across the Thames.

For delicious small plates, live music and great cocktails, this East London restaurant is a must visit. With gorgeous, industrial interiors and a cool and relaxed atmosphere, Iron Bloom will be your new favourite date night spot.

Based in the ever-bustling Old Street, Ceviche is a fun South American restaurant that showcases the best flavours that Peru has to offer. From mouthwatering cuts of grilled meat to fresh ceviches dishes, the team of chefs use a range of fresh ingredients to recreate traditional recipes that all pack a punch. To complete the experience, guests can even enjoy hand-crafted cocktails made using a selection of fresh fruit and fiery spirits.

Andina is Shoreditch's hottest opening and is serving up a delicious taste of South America in a low-key and fun setting. From the same team as renowned Ceviche, this new bar and restaurant has a delicious menu of grill and street food classics, as well as a games room which can be hired for cooking classes or private parties.

After somewhere to eat in East London? Check out Timeless Bar and Kitchen for something a little out of the ordinary. Alongside an immersive cocktail experience, you'll find impressive plates from Louisa Ellis of MasterChef.