Local Flavors: Top Dining and Drinking Spots in East London

East London wasn’t always the trendy hub it is today.

Growing up in the far East End was rather dull; it was merely an affordable area for immigrant families like mine. While my parents opened a restaurant in central London, most peers operated locally, transforming East London into a vibrant multicultural area. Today’s flavors reflect every corner of the globe, although prices have certainly climbed. Why? Because London food secrets spread quickly, especially among enthusiasts.

In recent years, areas like Shoreditch, Hackney, and Stratford have elevated East London’s appeal. Crowds now flock past Tower Bridge to enjoy East London’s dining scene. Those who bring their own drinks to authentic Vietnamese restaurants on Kingsland Rd line up at a bakery still selling bagels for 50p and make repeat visits to Michelin-starred spots—not just for bragging rights.

As an East London local, here are my top picks for dining and sipping, stretching from the iconic Tower Hill to the trendy Walthamstow.

Breakfast

Since 2010, Londoners have been vying for tables at Dishoom (Tube: Shoreditch High St), and the demand is as high as ever. While it’s walk-in, reservations are essential for weekend brunch. This Iranian cafe offers a delightful morning dish known as The Big Bombay, featuring their renowned akuri (spicy scrambled eggs), crispy bacon and sausages, masala beans, mushrooms, and freshly baked buns. Even a weekday breakfast at 8am will keep you satisfied well into the afternoon.

For a quick bite, I recommend The Beigel Shop (Tube: Shoreditch High St). Every local has a story from here. Since 1855, they’ve stuck to the same recipes and boiling methods to create their chewy Jewish bagels. Open 24/7, a plain bagel costs just 50p. I enjoy mine filled with hot salt beef and a drizzle of English mustard.

Coffee

The Royal Victoria Docks serve as my personal escape from city clamor. I can unwind for hours in The Living Room of the floating Good Hotel (Tube: Custom House), savoring coffee, lemon tart, and a good book, all while enjoying views of the O2 Arena and the cable cars. In the summer, the roof terrace is a delightful spot to sip your drink.

Since I lack space for a pet at home, visiting Cuppapug (Tube: Haggerston) is a delightful escape. There’s a £15 entry fee, making it more of a special outing rather than a regular visit. You can cuddle with the resident pugs, who love the attention, and if you bring your own pugs, they can join the fun in the pink ball pit. The cafe offers smoothies, coffees, and cupcakes, all adorned with cute pug designs. It’s an overload of cuteness!

Lunch

London boasts seventy-four Michelin-starred restaurants, and my top pick is La Dame De Pic London (Tube: Tower Hill). Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, who has impressively earned ten Michelin stars, inspires me; notably, two of those stars are awarded to her restaurant in Trinity Square. This is significant since only 6% of the world’s top chefs are women. The price for indulging in such female culinary prowess? Surprisingly reasonable. Visit during lunchtime (Fridays and Saturdays) for a four-course tasting menu at £100. Her inventive French dishes include lavender-infused Onion Plurielle Tartelette and Limousin Veal Sweetbread with Chamomile, which is surprisingly delightful. I always opt for the White Millefeuille to end my meal; it feels like floating on a sweet cloud.

For a laid-back Sunday roast in the East, head to Mama Shelter (Tube: Bethnal Green) before 4:30pm. I often stop by after visiting Columbia Road Flower Market. Their Beef Wellington with port wine and thyme garlic jus (£23.95) is generously served with rich gravy and a side of seasonal vegetables. Enjoy your meal in the garden atrium for a delightful covered outdoor experience.

Aperitivo

East London is the perfect spot to unwind, and my friends and I enjoy pairing games with our drinks. Electric Shuffle (Tube: Canary Wharf), a shuffleboard bar, and its sister venue Flight Club (Tube: Old Street), a darts bar, are ideal for sipping prosecco and having a good time. During weekdays from 3pm to 7pm, you can grab a bottle for just £25. Both venues feature electronic score tracking and amusing replays of your game on a large screen, making it a fantastic ice-breaker when meeting new people. And if, like me, you can’t resist some Usher or Kylie from the 2000s, dancing is always an option.

Dinner

You can't go wrong with any of the Vietnamese eateries along Kingsland Rd (Tube: Hoxton); they’re all authentic and family-owned for generations. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Tay Do, where the focus is more on the delicious food than the atmosphere. You'll find Vietnamese families enjoying affordable beef pho (£11) and summer rolls (£6.50). For the adventurous, the braised Mekong catfish in caramel, served in a clay pot (£11), is a must-try. No reservations are needed, and like its neighbors, it’s a BYOB venue.

For something truly unique, I recommend Supper Club (Tube: Blackhorse Rd) tucked away in a quiet area of Walthamstow. For a fixed price of £67, you can indulge in a seasonal six-course Latin American-inspired menu curated by Colombian chef Beatriz Maldonado Carreño, taking you on a culinary journey from Mexico to Patagonia inside a vintage 1967 Victoria Line tube carriage. Drinks are extra, and you can choose between private tables or communal seating, which is perfect for making new friends. Be sure to book in advance.

Bars

Dalston Superstore (Tube: Dalston Kingsland) is a vibrant party destination every night. This inclusive queer bar features top local DJs spinning catchy pop, disco, and electro beats, often accompanied by a dash of drag performances. There’s no dress code, but make sure to wear your dancing shoes.

For a toast with a view, check out The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch (Tube: Shoreditch High St). This stylish venue, inspired by Palm Springs, offers a mini-vacation vibe, regardless of the dreary English weather. I appreciate the reasonable prices (£8 for prosecco, £14 for cocktails), and there's no need to book ahead to take in the stunning panoramas of East London.