Guide to the best restaurants in Clapton

Lucky & Joy is a classic Hackney establishment serving contemporary Chinese cuisine. The vibe is lively, with colourful lights and lush hanging plants. Enjoy a feast of sharing plates like noodles, pickled peanuts, grilled chicken, and pineapple fried rice. Or, for lunch, chow down on rice bowls and Asian-inspired sandwiches. Complementing the experience, there's also a concise yet well-rounded drinks selection.

Hai Café is a family-operated spot known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. It's set in a cosy space boasting just five tables; the ideal spot for an intimate dinner. The menu, which evolves with the seasons, showcases timeless favourites like curry, pho, and banh mi, complemented by exclusive weekly specials.

Previously recognised as P.Franco, 107 Wine Bar & Shop makes the most of its small, intimate  space. In the wine bottle shop, you can explore a vast collection of carefully picked wines. Alternatively, embrace the atmosphere and sip on glasses at communal tables in this beloved Clapton locale. As for food, a dynamic kitchen plays host to a rotation of accomplished chefs, ensuring a diverse culinary experience.

At Sodo Pizza, the focus is on sourdough pizzas made with sustainable and seasonal ingredients, complemented by a variety of natural wines. Their modern pizzas are made with heritage grains, locally produced mozzarella, and garden-fresh vegetables. Past iterations of the menu have included options like butternut squash, smoked pancetta, and goat's cheese. The selection of organic wines is ever-evolving, ensuring a dynamic pairing experience.

This family-operated restaurant in Clapton specialises in hand-rolled dumplings that come in a range of diverse fillings, spanning both meat and vegetarian options. Beyond dumplings, the dim sum selection includes favourites such as sesame prawn toast. Everything is designed for sharing to encourage a sense of togetherness.

Yard Sale Pizza may have spread to all four corners of London but it's still a local pizza shop at heart. This pizza has won awards and gained famous fans such as Macaulay Culkin. The pizzas are available in two sizes and loaded with ingredients like pepperoni, mushrooms and truffle oil, or Sicilian sausage and chilli. The Clapton branch is takeaway-only.

Uchi stands out with its tranquil Japanese ambience, defined by white curtains and soothing wood tones paired with soft lighting, making it a pleasant date spot. Feast on sushi plates, melt-in-the-mouth tuna sashimi, and umami salads, all presented prettily on delicate crockery.

Stone Bros can be found along the bustling Chatsworth Road in Clapton. This eatery offers a selection of breakfast and brunch items, featuring Turkish eggs as a highlight. Bask in the morning sunlight outdoors or opt for a cosy indoor seat by the generously sized windows that allow ample natural light.

Nobody Asked Me in Clapton specialises in creating inventive cocktails using unique spirits and wines by the glass, often with a focus on specific countries or regions. Thursdays are all about cocktails, with a special deal available, while Wednesdays beckon you to indulge in wines from diverse areas, complemented by snacks and an open platform to ask as many questions as you like.

This Clapton pub, The Crooked Billet, encompasses a bar area, kitchen, and spacious garden with benches, deck chairs, and enticing street food vendors. Inside, the traditional vibe is enhanced by exposed brick walls, ideal for enjoying a bite to eat from their classic pub menu of timeless favourites, such as pizza, pies, burgers, and a delicious Sunday roast. The drinks selection includes both cask ales and draft beers.

Nestled along Lower Clapton Road, this pizzeria is all about wood-fired sourdough pizzas to go. The atmosphere is warm, cosy, and inviting, offering an intimate setting to enjoy the straightforward menu of Italian delights, complete with tempting desserts. Choose from traditional favourites like a classic margherita or venture into unique flavours such as the mortadella or the indulgent Nutella calzone.

Buns filled with sriracha-coated chicken or spiced fried fish, lamb tacos and vegan tinga are just a handful of the dishes you can expect to see on the menu at Bake Street. Don't miss the selection of tempting pastries on the counter, curated by the head chef's sibling – a rotating selection includes treats like guava pastelitos and crème brûlée cookies.