The Top Restaurants In Hackney, London

In a cool neighbourhood full of cool people doing cool things with food, it’s difficult to find the standout spots to eat. There is so much creative culinary endeavour going on in Hackney right now that it’s hard to know where to start.

The East End’s long history as a cultural melting pot plus the revitalisation seen in recent years has resulted in, amongst other things, an exciting restaurant scene which offers high-end dining, low-key hole-in-the-walls and everything in between. Great news for foodies, bad news for your bank balance and terrible news for anyone trying to answer the perennial “where shall we eat tonight?” question in any sort of sensible time frame. We’ve sourced some top Hackney restaurant picks from our local insiders – and thrown a couple of our own into the mix – for those feeling overwhelmed by choice. Take a look, then make that booking...

The Brush

Figuring out where Hackney ends and Shoreditch begins is impossible to definitively define. We're happy to consider this all-day East London cafe as being somewhere on the border though. The Brush takes inspiration from some of the best dishes and drinks across Europe and brings these together in a relaxed East London setting. New highlights include Charred Hispi Cabbage with pickled shallots, almonds and old Jalapeño mayo; Chicken Schnitzel with heriloom tomatoes and mustard dressing, and Prawn Paccheri Pasta served with lemon, garlic and rocket. Alongside it’s food offering, there’s an extensive drinks list including a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Donny's

Designed with a retro interior featuring red and white tiling, warm orange woodwork and a terrazzo floor, this deli also houses a vinyl exchange wall where visitors can bring and swap records. Playlists from esteemed east London selectors bring Simon’s nightlife roots into the deli setting, blending food and music culture under one roof. The food is obviously the star, and the selection of sandwiches, breakfast muffins and fancy burgers are exactly what you want to find here after a night out. Local coffee, beers and ingredients all add to the sense of community and a fantastic initiative donating £1 from every kebab sold to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has won over many Hackney residents. A personal favourite is the chopped cheese with ground beef and all the garnishes. - Cassam Looch

Mangal Ocakbasi (Mangal 1)

Trends have been, gone and come back round over the 20-odd years that Turkish restaurant Mangal Ocakbasi has been open. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the length of the queue out the door – attesting to the restaurant's time-tested recipes and welcoming service. It’s no mystery as to why Mangal Ocakbasi has remained so popular over the years. Stews, mezzes and deliciously succulent grilled meat kebabs, cooked on a traditional open charcoal ocakbasi grill, await you as you walk in. You’ll quickly fall in love with this busy, smoky hole-in-the-wall. May it last for 20 years more.

My Neighbours The Dumplings

Looking for deliciously prepared Chinese dumplings, but don’t feel like battling through the hordes of Soho tourists? Family-run My Neighbours The Dumplings has locations in Lower Clapton and Victoria Park Village and is the local go-to for dim sum-style dining. Interiors are modern and fun whilst remaining relaxed – the only issue you’ll experience is trying to decide what to have from the consistently mouth-watering sharing plates on offer. Each site also has a sake bar attached, so showing up a little early to sample a sake-based cocktail or two is definitely a good idea. Recommended by local insider Olivia Dicker

Barge East

Diners at Barge East can choose from sitting in the light and airy canopy upper deck, with incredible views across the River Lee canal and the gardens, or the rustic main deck, a cosy sanctuary nestled within the lovingly restored hull. The space also features al-fresco seating above deck, perfect for sunny days and warm evenings and a captain’s cabin complete with a phone line straight to the bar - an 8-seat unique intimate experience for private dining with family and friends. Barge East proudly works closely with a network of local and sustainable suppliers to source the best ingredients for their menus. These include Natoora for vegetables (pioneers of no plastic packaging), Original Bean for coffee (net positive carbon footprint for each bag used), and Ethical Butcher (working with farmers practising regenerative agriculture to supply exceptional quality ethical cuts of meat).

Brawn

Around the corner from Columbia Road and its famous Sunday flower market sits Brawn – a refreshingly un-gimmicky small-plate restaurant that’s about the food, and nothing but the food. Its modern European menu offers elegance and sophistication. In place of fussily plated dishes and over-formality, expect a no-frills interior with friendly service. For high-end food without the stuffiness, look no further than Brawn – the restaurant’s extensive and natural/organics-focused wine list is a real treat for the palate, too. Recommended by local insider Josh Lee

Andu Café

Andu Café takes pride in being “the only restaurant in London that specialises in traditional Ethiopian vegan food.” If you’re looking to experience unique cuisine in the heart of Dalston, this is the perfect place to get started. Everything is super laid-back, from its BYOB policy to its cash-only payment, and you can walk in with whatever you happen to be wearing at the time. What’s more, with Andu Café’s tasty mains starting at an extremely reasonable £6, it’s the perfect spot to tingle your taste buds without breaking the bank. Recommended by local insider Huda Awan

Casa Fofò

High-end dining at affordable prices sets Casa Fofò apart from similar-style eateries. As a set menu-only restaurant, it makes for a perfect evening out for adventurous eaters who like to push their palates with new ingredients and flavour combos. Their creative eight-course tasting menu varies each day, and always incorporates seasonal, locally sourced produce, and the £39-per-head price point makes Casa Fofò accessible to a wider audience than most comparable fine-dining options. Expect a European-inspired menu spiced up with flavours from more far-flung corners, accompanied by a first-rate wine list. Recommended by local insider Olivia Dicker

Silo

Housed in a refurbished warehouse with a big focus on sustainability, Silo embodies everything that’s innovative and fun about the East End’s fine-dining scene. There’s a laudable effort to keep everything zero waste here, from their nose-to-tail and make-in-house philosophies (they churn their own butter) to the decor and cutlery made from recycled plastic waste. Silo is open Tuesday to Saturday evenings for a six-course tasting menu (no à la carte options here) and offers an upscale brunch menu on the weekends. If you’re after an occasion restaurant with a twist, look no further. Recommended by local insider Josh Lee

Original article by Kathryn Beeson

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