Whether you’re looking for hand-made pasta, some delicious sourdough bread or some fiery Asian flavours – Hackney is home to all. With some of the best up and coming chefs finding permanent spaces to showcase their stunning food – you can find chic brunch spots, gastro pubs, well-loved neighbourhood joints and some elegant spots for a candle-lit evening. Head on East, there is something for everybody.
How we handpick the best restaurants in Hackney
Each restaurant on this list has been carefully chosen by a member of our team. Our editors and the Secret London team rely on personal experiences, recommendations, editorial reviews, customer feedback, and thorough research to bring you the finest dining spots in the city. We are constantly on the lookout for new places with delicious food and excellent service. This list is regularly updated as we discover new openings and revisit established favourites.
Here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Hackney you must try:
1. Mambow
After hosting pop-ups in Peckham and Spitalfields, Abby Lee’s Mambow has finally found a permanent spot in Clapton and we’re so bloody glad it did. Their website sums up the vibe entirely well: Malaysian Heat + Juicy Wines. A chilled open kitchen serving up stunning Malaysian dishes inspired by Lee’s home and culture – it amazingly does not compromise on either and is home food through and through. While you’re there order the lor bak, a crispy five spice pork and prawn bean curd roll served with chilli vinegar jam. The otak otak prawn toast and the sensational kam heong mussels. And of course, treat yourself to the pandan crepes filled with coconut served with Malaysian coffee ice cream. Dreamy. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍78 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0RN. More info here.
2. Brawn
While it’s technically on Columbia Road, I’ll die on this hill and say – Brawn is a top 5 restaurant in London. You can expect classic mediterranean style food in a rustic industrial space with an open kitchen – where you can take a sneaky look at the cute chefs making your lovely dinner. Their menu changes pretty often so my recommendations would not help but just know that the food is divine. Phoebe Anderson
📍49 Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG. More info here.
3. Papi
Initially starting as a pop-up HOT4U, this spot has finally found a permanent home behind London Fields. An intimate space with daily offerings on a chalkboard and a seasonal menu that changes from day to day – the restaurant holds a great emphasis on zero-waste. Chef Matthew Scott focuses on reusing, recycling and preserving each and every ingredient. It’s carefully curated, experimental and holds plenty of bold flavours accompanied with a stunning selection of wine. It’s a perfect evening in East London. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍Unit 1F, 373 Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3DQ. More info here.
4. Sune
If you’re in the mood for small plates and wine, then Sune is the place for you. Ran by Charlie Sims and Honey Spencer, Sune is a lovely candle-lit little canal-side spot just off of Broadway Market. Start with Basque Chorizo & Curried Pickles and make your way to a Beef Tartare with a Lobster Emulsion & Margherita Onion with a side of Grilled Potatoes, Brown Butter & Crème Fraîche. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍129A Pritchard’s Road, E2 9AP.
5. Whytes
Whyte Rushen is a pop-up legend and he opened his first bricks and mortar site last year. He’s got a really interesting approach to cooking (he had a dorito crumb oyster on the menu a few months back), does month long country-inspired menus. The restaurant is small, and the staff are all lovely, feels like you’re at a dinner party at your mates house. Louis Schofield
📍Unit 3, 143 Mare Street, E8 3RH. More info here.
6. Pophams
You may know Pophams as a bakery, serving up delicious Italian pastries during the day but on four evenings of the week, it turns into an Italian restaurant with a short and sweet menu with pasta as the star of the show. While you’re there, be sure to try the Tortelli which is prepared with Lamb Shoulder, Sheeps Milk Labneh, Capers, Olive and Mint and the Cappellacci dei Briganti with Wild Mushrooms and Horseradish. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍Pophams Bakery, 197 Richmond Road, Hackney, E8 3NJ.
7. Cafe Cecilia
Hackney’s Cafe Cecilia was the talk of the town when it was opening, it still is but the hype has definitely died down a little. Chef Max Rocha has built a stunning canal-side restaurant, paying homage to his Irish roots in a laid-black bistro atmosphere. At the heart of what the restaurant stands for – its focus on seasonal and comforting dishes makes it an ideal choice for leisure no-fuss weekend dining and mid-week lunches. While you’re there be sure to try their much adored sage and anchovy fritti and onglet. Definitely order a side of bread, it’s some of the best in the city. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍32 Andrews Rd, London E8 4FX.
8. Silo
Chef Douglas McMaster’s ‘zero waste’ approach began way back in 2014 where nothing is wasted in McMaster’s highly creative kitchen. This approach also extends to the every other element of the restaurant including its crockery and space. The menu is straight to the point but at the same time thoughtful and innovative with unique ingredient combinations making for bold flavours. So what’s on the menu at Silo? The food is nothing short of exceptional, with an ever-changing menu including smoked violet carrots with egg yolks & elephant garlic and Jerusalem artichokes cooked on fire with stilton sauce & pickles. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍The White Building, Unit 7 Queens Yard, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN. More info here..
9. Pidgin
Pidgin has been serving up Londoners a different menu on a weekly basis since its opening in 2015. Tucked away just behind Hackney Town Hall, it’s busy on a Saturday as well as Wednesday. And while we can’t really recommend any dishes, we’ll say, whatever is on the menu for when you go, we can vouch that it will be incredibly tasty. If you’re veggie, you’ll be taken care for really well too. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍Pidgin, 52 Wilton Way, London E8 1BG. More info here.
10. Koya Ko
Koya Ko has made a name for itself across London with its iconic udon noodles. A bowl of Koya udon noodles in a broth of your choice paired with some small plates is a simple but great meal. With plenty to choose from, they have menus catered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍10 Broadway Market Mews, E8 4TS. More info here.
11. Morito
A second outpost of Moro, Morito is a stunning Mediterranean spot with a relaxed vibe. It’s minimal interior, industrial vibe and natural lighting makes it ideal for catch ups and leisure family gatherings. It’s Mediterranean menu is ever changing catering to each season but is delicious through and through. From small plates like chicken & jamon broth with poached egg, garlic and paprika or sweet onion tortilla, aioli to larger dishes like gambas al ajillo, labneh, sundried tomatoes, fennel & coriander seeds, spiced lamb, aubergine, pomegranate, pine nuts. Each dish is equal parts packed with flavour and equal parts comforting – exactly what you’d expect from a Mediterranean affair. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍195 Hackney Road, Hackney, London E2. More info here.
12. Towpath
Just by Regent’s Canal, Towpath is a hotspot you might not leave for hours. Rightfully so as you may have to work hard to secure a seat anyway. It’s always extremely popular which is a great sign but often means you have to risk queuing for a while. If you do manage to secure a seat, you’ll enjoy British cooking at its finest – seasonal flavours and menus – the food is simply fabulous and it’s one of the best spots to be in during summertime. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍42 De Beauvoir Crescent, N1 5RY.
13. Brat
Their Climpson Arch restaurant is great in the summer. Okay, yeah it’s expensive, but the food is really good. Also not a lot of places do really good crab dishes in London, also the burnt basque cheesecake is legit. Louis Schofield
📍4 Redchurch St, London E1 6JL. More info here.