Guide to the best restaurants for takeaway in East London

Local-at-heart pizza shop Yard Sale Pizza has expanded around London and gained a cult following along the way. This is lovingly handmade pizza brought to you by an in-house delivery service, promising consistent quality. The award-winning pies come in two sizes and limited edition collaborations with special guests are often on the menu.

For comforting cooking, check out My Neighbours the Dumplings. This dumpling shop is family-run and cosy. Expect sharing portions of pillowy parcels served with a variety of meat- and vegetable-based fillings like potato and truffle or pork and prawn. Other small bites are available like pot stickers and buttermilk chicken wings.

Fish and chips is a takeaway classic so get yours from Sutton & Sons. This family-run restaurant has been dishing up quality food for almost 20 years. The chips are fluffy inside, the pickles are handmade, and it’s not just fish fans who can enjoy the flavours. The menu includes innovative vegan alternatives.

First trading as a market stall but now with a permanent location near London Fields, Pockets is serving up some of the city's most in-demand falafel – don't be surprised if you have to queue to get yours. This modern takeaway-only spot dishes up fresh and fluffy pittas loaded with falafel, sauces, pickles, and salad.

When you're craving top-quality sushi, Sushi N Sashimi Restaurant in Whitechapel is a convenient option. There are some tables for dining-in but you can order takeaways. This compact and low-key venue serves sushi platters for feeding a group, plus individual rolls and sashimi, temaki, and hot dishes like tempura.

Budget-friendly restaurant and takeaway Butchies specialises in buttermilk-fried chicken. This is a modern version of a chicken shop, serving only halal and sustainably-sourced meat. The team is constantly adjusting recipes for the best results. Plant-based options are also available here, and there’s a meal especially for the youngest diners.

Noodle & Beer is a popular East London spot both for dining-in and takeaways. This place has a distinctive look, providing a style-conscious environment with steaming bowls of noodles. You'll find speciality recipes and noodle soup, packed with intense seasonings for full-on flavour. Small plates like spare ribs are served too.

For a takeaway sandwich that’ll keep you feeling full, Dom’s Subs takes some beating. This low-key and compact spot has gained a legendary reputation and even opened a second branch. Come here for supersized subs, piled high with tasty ingredients and bold combinations. There are numerous options, including vegan-friendly sandwiches.

Sample regional cooking from China at Etles Uyghur. This Walthamstow eatery has been touted as one of the capital’s top restaurants. The site is cosy and traditional but you can order food for delivery too. Sample hand-pulled noodles, meat skewers, and offal dishes, and be prepared for a spice-packed medley of flavours.

Order from Shoryu Ramen for a comforting bowl of authentic ramen noodles at home. These eateries are modern but specialise in traditional recipes that feel like a hug in a bowl. The pork stock is simmered for 12 hours but there’s also a vegan-friendly mushroom version so everyone can enjoy this Japanese favourite.

For times when you just want something great to eat on-the-go, Beigel Bake in Brick Lane is a good solution. This iconic bakery specialises in bagels, which you can buy plain to take home or filled for a satisfying takeaway snack. Choose fillings like hummus, salami, salmon, or classic salt beef.

Brick Lane is a hotspot for Indian restaurants and takeaways, and one that stands out is Cinnamon. It’s a humble establishment but it’s won awards for its traditional cooking. Classic dishes are on the menu, from chicken tikka to tandoori prawns, and fluffy naan bread for mopping up the leftover curry sauce.

Contemporary eatery Randy's Wing Bar offers diners fried chicken meals both classic and original. The setting is crisp, full of light, and a good choice for bigger groups. Food here is all about indulgence - try burgers, wings, and loaded fries, doused in the restaurant's signature sauces, plus alcoholic drinks and decadent milkshakes.

Thattukada provides authentic Indian dishes prepared by specialist chefs. The dining room is humble with vibrant green walls and it's particularly popular for takeaways. The menu is diverse and celebrates classic Keralan recipes. Try typical curries, fish and seafood, fried rice, and veggie dishes. Various traditional breads are offered too.

A well-known destination for Turkish food in Dalston, Mangal 2 is an ocakbasi restaurant where you can dine-in or order a takeaway. Diners can expect a full range of richly-flavoured dishes cooked on the charcoal grill, plus other classics like pides and dumplings to turn a meal into a feast.

Circle & Slice does tasty pizza in Whitechapel, available to eat-in or take away. This independent and cheerful eatery is modern and casual, serving pasta and sweet treats as well as pizza. Choose toppings like Hawaiian or four cheeses, or go for a classic pasta recipe such as pesto or carbonara.

For supersized and super-satisfying pizza, you can’t miss Voodoo Ray’s in Dalston. Whole pies are 22” around, so one or two slices is enough for most appetites. Their mammoth size means they’re also great for big group orders. There are loads of toppings to choose from, including veggie and vegan options.

In Clapton you'll find People's Choice Caribbean. This is a low-key Caribbean takeaway with a colourful exterior. The interior is simple, and from the counter you can order classic dishes like curry goat, jerk chicken, and ackee and salt fish. Get some sides like rice and peas to make a satisfying meal.

Plant-based diners can get a delicious takeaway in Hackney from Temple of Seitan. This low-key chicken shop is completely plant-based and serves classic fried chicken with a vegan twist. Try burgers or pieces made with seitan, plus imitation hamburgers. You can get the real chicken shop feel with a bucket of chicken.

Koya Ko is a simple East London noodle bar that specialises in udon. Noodles are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served in the modern eatery or available for takeaways. Hot and cold udon is available, along with donburi and a range of Japanese small plates like tempura or homemade pickles.

Lahore Kebab House has gained a serious reputation in Whitechapel, despite being a no-frills establishment. Dine in at this simple Pakistani grill house or enjoy food at home. The menu features flame-grilled kebabs, tender lamb chops, and aromatic curries. The food is jam-packed with flavour and dishes are affordable to boot.

Zzetta in Canning Town is a sleek and modern restaurant, serving sourdough pizza that combines Roman and Neapolitan traditions. Food is served all day, with a menu of Italian-style breakfast dishes, pasta, and pizzas piled high with delicious toppings. Sides like olives, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

Try imaginative fusion recipes from Rays Curry Base Pizza. These low-key spots mainly deal in takeaways. You can go for a classic Italian pizza recipe or try out one of the unique options with a curry sauce base and Indian-inspired toppings. Add on masala chips and lassi for the complete experience.

You can indulge in a Lebanese takeaway by ordering from Mannoush in Walthamstow. A few tables are available in this humble counter service eatery. Order classic Lebanese dishes from the diverse menu ranging from hot or cold mezze and sandwiches to chargrilled meat, seafood recipes, and meals just for children.

In 2023, Kervan Saray received the title of Best Takeaway in London at the British Kebab Awards. The family-friendly charcoal grill restaurant features an open grill where you can peep the chefs prepping various Mediterranean, Turkish, and Anatolian culinary highlights, putting more than 20 years of combined cooking experience to good use. All their delicacies are available as takeaway too.

Savour the flavours of authentic Moroccan food at home with Medina Moroccan Cuisine. Takeaways are popular but dining-in is also popular at this low-key restaurant. The menu is concise but full of classic dishes - think meat or fish tagines, couscous with meat or vegetables, and starters like Moroccan meatballs. Moroccan tea and cakes complete the experience.

Based in Bethnal Green, Hot N Juicy Shrimp is a takeaway-only operation serving up some of London's most sought-after seafood. The flavour-packed seafood boils here are a big success on social media, with a variety of combos to choose from. There's even one suitable for vegan diners. Complete the meal with a variety of add-ons and sides like halal sausage or mac and cheese.

With a few locations to choose from, London Pizza Depot is a modern and popular pick for takeaway pizza in East London. These bold places serve halal pizza menus, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on offer too. There's something delicious for everyone here, including pasta and a tempting choice of desserts to round out a meal.

The Bengal Tiger in Old Street is an award-winning Indian restaurant famed for its authentic dining experience. The restaurant offers a wide-ranging menu to suit all tastes, including halal dishes, alongside an extensive array of beers, wines, cocktails, and mocktails. At the 2022 Asian Restaurant & Takeaways awards, Bengal Tiger took home the East London Restaurant of the Year award.