Guide to the best restaurants in Dalston

This high-ceilinged, minimalist restaurant challenges and thrills by merging Japanese and Italian culinary traditions, putting carefully sourced ingredients to good use in set menus headlined by unexpected yet welcome flavour couplings. Previous versions of the menu have included wacky dishes like focaccia with wakame seaweed and Sardinian culurgiones stuffed with shiitake mushrooms.

A Dalston darling, Snackbar is just the spot for when you want a nice pick-me-up while getting some work done and gaining some online clout. The vibrant dishes combine global influences; for example, the menu has included dishes like kimchi croissants, tacos, hot dogs and tempura pumpkin rice bowls, all designed to pop on your feed with the colourful plating. The casual atmosphere, from the window counters in the front to the terrace out back, is relaxing no matter how long you stay.

Instead of meat, the live-fire Acme Fire Cult restaurant puts vegetables at the heart of its ash-dusted menu – though there's plenty of meat and seafood thrown on the grill as well. Using international fermentation and grilling techniques, this trendy, relaxed spot serves up tasty plates of aubergines, peppers, potatoes and other veg, with merguez sausages, anchovies and so on relegated to sidekick status, though the menu does change, so keep that in mind. The craft beers on tap are from the restaurant's partners in crime, 40FT Brewery.

In the city of a million chicken shops, Chick 'n’ Sours scratched their way to the top of the pile with fried poultry offerings that are a far cry from the usual greasy fare. The crispy outsides and juicy insides of a well-fried thigh, wing or tender are a given, but what really sets Chick ‘n’ Sours apart are the Asian-inspired spices, flavourings and sauces the use. The “sours” part of the name, meanwhile, refers to the selection of sour cocktails that go well with both the fried fowl and the fun vibes.

Mangal 2 is a well-known Turkish restaurant that serves ocakbasi specialties, named for the large open charcoal grill that is the foundation of this style of cuisine. Unlike many other such restaurants, however, Mangal 2’s refined Anatolian-inspired menu updates traditional dishes for contemporary times. If you ask us, you certainly can’t go wrong with a fresh sourdough pide or some kofte while waiting for the grilled goods to arrive.

The small kitchen and wine bar Little Duck The Picklery ferments its way through seasonal produce, churning out bite after bite from its open kitchen counter. The drinks are in on the fermentation as well, as the infused kombuchas and seasonal drinking vinegars are all made in-house and also put to work in cocktails. If you prefer, you can choose one of the natural wines from independent winemakers instead.

One of Dalston’s premiere vegan spots, Andu Ethiopian Vegan Café is a modest venue that offers a vegan take on Ethiopian cuisine. The menu is easy to parse, offering six classic vegan Ethiopian dishes served with your choice of rice or the injera flatbread. You can try them all in a sampler platter with rice or in the traditional way, served on top of injera. The menu is deliberately simple but filled with flavour and heady spices.

Through on-the-job training and mentorship, the purpose-driven Dusty Knuckle Bakery helps young people at risk of long-term criminality or unemployment gain a foothold for an independent life. With options like roasted pesto chicken sandwiches, potato sourdough toasties and aubergine katsu focaccias on the menu in addition to the pastries and the pizza nights, the enterprise has become a firm favourite in its home neighbourhood. Their menu changes regularly, so keep an eye on their socials to find something you like.

There’s not really much point in talking about the specific dishes here – by the time you get around to Pidgin on the outskirts of Dalston, the menu will certainly have changed already. Ever since opening day in 2015, Pidgin has held firm to a principle of a set menu with no repeats, changed weekly. All this time later, their creativity has not yet run out. You can expect Asian-inspired plates with global elements in this minute venue with a loyal following.

Stoutly rejecting any nonsense talk about size not mattering, Voodoo Ray's comes bearing massive NYC-style pizzas by the slice or by the 22” pie. Alright, there's a 12” option as well, but where's the fun in that? You can choose from a variety of toppings such as vegan chorizo, taleggio cheese, red peppers and Cumberland sausage. There are plenty of craft beers and cocktails to help wash down the pizza slices as well.

The husband-and-wife duo behind this Dalston joint doesn't really do restraint, declaring "brunch is king" and promising to cure all hangovers. The high-flying mission statement definitely does the trick, however, with hopeful punters queueing up for the stacked house hashes, the pork-packed muffin or the simple yet evocative "bucket of bacon" with maple syrup. There are decent options for veggies as well, headlined by the beets 'n' sweets hash that doesn't need any pig-related help.

This vibey spot specialises in good times through authentic Mexican street fare, headlined, of course, by a varied taco lineup. The tacos at Del74 come with an array of meat, vegetable or fish fillings, for example, pork, lamb or cauliflower. There are other tasty snacks to pick up, such as melty quesadillas, crunchy tortilla chips with fresh guac, and margaritas to wash it all down. The ambience is relaxed and welcoming, especially on Taco Tuesdays, which includes deals on both food and drinks.

Brilliant Corners is as big on music as it is on food, accompanying its drinks and dishes with live jazz and DJ sessions by musicians that change on a daily basis and span a broad array of genres. When it comes to dining, the dimly-lit joint serves a set menu (there’s also a vegan alternative) with Japanese delicacies such as spicy tuna maki, fried chicken kara-age and green salad with miso. The drinks come with a Japanese twist as well – for example, the Highball is made with umeshu liquor.

Kraft Dalston is a three-way collaboration between German Kraft Beer, the Jim and Tonic Distillery and various kitchen residencies. The first serve unfiltered, unpasteurised German beer straight from the tank, the second distils their award-winning craft gins on site, and the third add gourmet food to keep your strength up. It all comes together at Kraft Dalston, in a sleek, modern venue at the Kingsland Locke Hotel that has swiftly become one of the hottest spots in East London.

One of several Vietnamese eateries in the area, BunBunBun n specialises in bun cha, a classic Hanoi dish of beef served with rice noodles. If you're after something lighter and zestier, the lemongrass-tossed tofu is a tasty option, and for something a little more substantial, you can't go wrong with a traditional banh-mi baguette sandwich made with Vietnamese-style sauce, meat and fresh vegetables.

Jones & Sons is a modern eatery that focuses on masterfully-prepared British classics, carefully-sourced ingredients and a wide selection of artisan cocktails. It’s located in a stunning industrial space that has been used not only for photo shoots, weddings and other events, but also as the setting of the acclaimed Netflix film Boiling Point. It has a courtyard area for outdoors dining, and its bottomless brunches are a weekend mainstay of Dalston social life.

Oren's cuisine takes inspiration from the fresh, earthy flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean, firing up the charcoal grill for added summery tastes. There's plenty of seafood on the menu in addition to meat and veg dishes, as well as small plates for sharing. The holiday experience is rounded off by a curated list of low-intervention wines and a selection of classic cocktails such as Campari Spritz and Negroni.

Ewarts Jerk is primarily a takeaway spot that focuses on jerk-spiced dishes such as chicken and pork, served either as wraps or as mains with a side of rice and peas. You can’t miss the barbecue drum out front of this Jamaican favourite, or the tantalising smells wafting from it. There are also Jamaican patties, soups, curry goat and other specialties. You might not stay long, but the flavours will stay with you.

The Haggerston location of the popular Arepa & Co eateries is distinguished by prime canalside seating that's just the thing for spending a day in the sun, nibbling on Venezuelan treats and ordering house cocktails with abandon. The traditional goodies on previous iterations of the menu include crispy tajadas, yuca fries, plantain crostini and cachapas, as well as the titular arepas, of course. These come with various meat and vegetable fillings, including braised pork shoulder, guava chipotle graze and charred apple sauce. Their brunch game is strong as well.

For dumpling enthusiasts, House of Momo is a must-visit. This laid-back Dalston eatery serves delicious momo dumplings and Nepalese dishes. The menu offers a selection of dumplings, from steamed to fiery chilli-sauce-covered momo. You can also pick a thali platter featuring curries and side dishes, noodles and more, all best washed down with a cold beer. 

Mangal Ocakbasi, a sibling to the aforementioned nearby Mangal 2, presents a traditional Turkish open charcoal grill menu featuring succulent, fresh-off-the-grill kebabs and a variety of mezze. The vibe and cuisine exude authenticity without unnecessary frills – just delicious Turkish specialities with a smoky charcoal aroma to match. Oh, it's also BYOB, so great for those looking to save a few quid.

Rogues is a cosy restaurant in East London that has garnered a cult following among locals. The team hails from the acclaimed Galvin La Chapelle, and after enduring several lockdowns, they settled in their permanent location in March 2022. The stripped-back space boasts ever-changing seasonal dishes hand-written on chalkboards. Choose from a set menu or a range of small and large plates. Eclectic global inspirations and classic British recipes grace the menu, complemented by selected wines, beers, and cocktails.

Towpath may have celebrities like Keira Knightley and Tracey Ullman as fans, but it's anything but a posh hangout. This charming canalside café offers outside seating, great coffee, and delightful yet comforting food for breakfast, lunch, and occasionally dinner. Perch along the canal and enjoy a pleasant bite to eat while watching ducks and narrow boats cruise by.

For an intimate seafood experience in the city, The Sea, The Sea in Hackney is the perfect choice. Located near Haggerston Station, this cosy chef's table spot offers a menu of exquisite, imaginative seafood delights, including dishes like trout with banana miso and wild salmon roe with white asparagus.

Enjoy dining on diverse plant-based dishes at Mildreds in Dalston, including dishes like vegan kofte, burgers, and curry, catering to all ages. Complement your meal with various organic wines, from white and sparkling to rose and red, along with cocktails, organic juices and coffee.

Umut 2000 is a beloved Dalston gem and bustling Turkish eatery, which is hard to miss thanks to its colourful blue facade. The menu boasts a variety of hot and cold starters, including stuffed vine leaves, alongside wraps, kebabs, and a selection of meat and fish dishes. Vegetarian options are also available for plant-based diners. It's a popular spot for both dining in and takeaways.

Pepper & Spice is a much-loved local Dalston takeaway that offers a fragrant Caribbean menu filled with tasty dishes. Their jerk chicken, marinated, oven-cooked, then grilled, is a favourite. They also serve delicious options like oxtail stew and macaroni pie. But brace yourself for the queue, as this Dalston hotspot is always bustling with eager diners.