East London’s best restaurants

Having fast become one of the capital’s premier dining destinations, East London is home to some of our favourite restaurants.

Luca, Farringdon

When you hear ‘welcome to Tuscan paradise’, you wouldn’t expect to be in Farringdon. Still, that’s how guests are greeted at Luca, The Clove Club’s formidable younger sibling. Request a table on the terrace to dine in a candlelit courtyard that looks – and feels – like an Italian garden, complete with a crackling fire in winter. Say yes to the wine pairing and to the parmesan fries; we were assured the latter will ‘change your life’, and, after polishing off multiple oozy, cheesy churros, we’re inclined to agree. There isn’t a bad item on the menu, but highlights include paper-thin monkfish bathed in a zingy sweet and sour jus, Hebridean lamb that was seemingly plated by Jackson Pollock, and a freckly finale of the most exquisite tiramisu. Tuscan paradise? Found.

Angelina, Dalston

Italian and Japanese might not seem the most natural culinary union, yet that’s exactly what’s on offer at this chic restaurant just off Kingsland Road. Its ‘thing’ is a 10-course kaiseki, which changes so frequently that a blow-by-blow account of each dish is pretty much pointless. However, you can expect to eat sashimi and tagliolini in the same meal alongside chawanmushi (a savoury Japanese custard littered with crispy pork) and a crisp, tomato-loaded focaccia that our waiter describes as ‘outrageous’.

Say yes to an extra course of grapefruit-drenched oysters, if available, the Italian wine pairing, if it’s not a school night, and round it all off with an aperitif – choosing between grappa or Japanese whisky, of course.

Brutto, Farringdon

Some of the food can be hit or miss, but the vibe at Brutto makes up for that fact. Dark and sultry, this is one of few London restaurants that feels a bit like NYC – the ambience is cool, and it’s the type of place where you can become a regular. Sidle up to the bar solo and enjoy an on-tap negroni with some gnoccho fritto; alternatively, bring a group and enjoy the full works. Either way, this is the kind of restaurant where you can easily do both and have a great time.

Sessions Arts Club, Farringdon

More than just a pretty face, it must be recognised that Sessions Arts Club is magnificent. Located in a listed building, the restaurant marries old and new in perfect balance, pairing the building’s original features with a roster of rotating artwork and a frame of sleek leather banquettes in the two-floor dining room. The menu is simple yet delicious, rotating daily in accordance with what’s most fresh at the markets; don’t leave without taking a peek at the two terraces.

BiBo, Shoreditch

Located in the Mondrian Hotel, esteemed chef Dani Garcia helms his first London restaurant. Offering several iterations of paella (surprisingly hard to find in the capital), alongside other Andalusian favourites, the sharing-focused menu is rich with the flavour he is known for. The vibrant and warm dining room offers the perfect backdrop for a lingering meal, while a petite courtyard beckons during warmer months.

The Clove Club, Shoreditch

Recipient of two Michelin stars amongst many other accolades, British chef Isaac McHale’s nine-year-old restaurant pioneered the fine dining scene in east London. Each beautifully composed dish is part of the whole experience, and every aspect of the meal manages to be composed to perfection without feeling stuffy or overdone. Reservations can be hard to come by – if you have a serious craving, take one from the Shoreditch locals and sit at the bar for (an excellent) glass of wine and some (pretty special) snacks.

BRAT Restaurant, Shoreditch

Two east London locations (London Fields is a pop-up) of this Basque grill prove its local reputation. Nearly everything on the menu is cooked over a fire, imparting rich, smoky flavour to each dish. Prices seem strikingly high – it’s important to remember that the menu is crafted for sharing. The deserved recipient of one Michelin star, there have been whisperings of a Soho location coming later this year.

St John Bread & Wine, Shoreditch

Across the street from Spitalfields, this location of London stalwart St John features an onsite wine and bakery in addition to the dining room serving lunch and dinner. Simple food done well, the same nose-to-tail ethos applies at this location, as does the original. This is not the place for vegetarians. However, if you fall into the omnivore or carnivore categories, a meal here is amongst the best you’ll experience.

Da Terra, Bethnal Green

One of few London restaurants to serve a ‘blind’ tasting menu, this European restaurant offers what we’d call an actual dining experience. Aside from the novelty of not knowing what you’re about to eat, the experimental cuisine here ensures you’ll be eating food you’ve never tried before. Housed in Town Hall Hotel, a beautiful Victorian building, the stark contrast of old with new enriches the meal itself.

Lyle’s, Shoreditch

Ranked amongst the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, this modern British restaurant in Shoreditch’s iconic Tea Building has consistently received prestigious accolades since opening seven years ago. The concise menu changes daily, and the vegetarian menu is on par with the main (they cater to vegans, as well); lunch is à la carte should you desire a more casual experience. The excellent wine list is revolving, too, and focuses on biodynamic options.

To make a booking or for additional recommendations, please contact your lifestyle manager.