Guide to the best restaurants in Hackney Wick

Banging burgers, DJs spinning the freshest tracks and a scenic riverside view are some of the things you can expect to enjoy at Number 90 Bar and Kitchen, a classic Hackney Wick spot located along the canal. Enjoy handmade burgers and a selection of fusion tapas sharing plates alongside a selection of beers and drinks.

Chef Tom Brown breathed a welcoming breath of fresh air into the community of Hackney Wick when he opened his own seafood restaurant on Prince Edward Road. At the time, there was nowhere quite like it in this area; it's intimate and features an open kitchen in a chic, rustic setting. The menu features a selection of the finest seafood crafted into little works of art, changing depending on what's caught each day, with dishes like potted shrimp crumpets and octopus cassoulet.

It’s all about sustainability at this zero-waste restaurant above CRATE Brewery in Hackney Wick. Chef Douglas McMaster, who initially opened the restaurant in Brighton before moving it to the East End, uses local ingredients and trades directly with farmers to eliminate waste production and create an unfussy menu of simple but delicious fare.

Dine on the top deck with sweeping views of the canal at Barge East in Hackney Wick, a restaurant and bar located on a 119-year-old converted Dutch barge. Enjoy fancier dishes on the barge itself or pitch up in the Barge East Gardens and tuck into a variety of delicious street food and burgers washed down with local beer.

Feast on stacks of fluffy American pancakes drenched in maple syrup and fried chicken burgers at The Breakfast Club in Hackney Wick at Here East. These guys are the OG breakfast champions, serving a delectable menu of breakfast staples and boujee breakfast buns all day.

Located inside a former print factory, Crate is Hackney Wick's first pizzeria and canalside craft brewery. Their stone-baked pizzas always hit the spot and come in creative and innovative flavours, like Kashmiri dahl, Middle Eastern lamb and sage and truffle, although the menu changes occasionally. All of the beer is brewed in-house, from lagers and pale ales to IPAs and stouts.

Burnt Umber Brasserie is known for its fantastic service and welcoming staff. Pair that with the delicious coffee and food they serve, and you've got yourself an all-around excellent dining spot. Enjoy smoky shakshuka with a flat white, or pop along to stock up on staples for your pantry from the delicatessen indoors.

Most people flock here for a taste of From the Ashes' iconic nduja doughnut, but you should also swing by for the community vibes and overall smoky experience. Grab your food from their stall in Fiver Points Brewery in London Fields. The side of burnt-end beans is a must-order.

Get your game face on and enjoy a blast from the past at this arcade bar located in Hackney Wick's Here East area. There's an excellent selection of cocktails and craft beers to choose from, sourced from local breweries, as well as a variety of pizzas to chow down on while you're knee-deep in Pacman.

Enjoy Middle Eastern-inspired food to the sound of live music perched up along the canal at Grow, Hackney Wick's ethical and sustainable business that's been serving the community since 2014. These guys prefer to put people and the planet over profit and have an emphasis on celebrating cultures from all around the world.

This independent café and hidden garden is tucked down a street in Hackney Wick and serves a delightful menu of barista-made drinks and tasty food. The tea and coffee served here is sourced locally and the menu features dishes like shakshuka, vegan sandwiches and homemade cakes. The garden is the best thing about Thingy Café, it's an overgrown oasis that offers a calm respite from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.

The Milk Float is a bar and café by day serving local beers and drinks as well as ice cream and snacks. They also have canoes and stand-up paddleboards available to hire so that you can explore Hackney Wick's waterways with an ice cream in hand throughout the summer.

HWK is a restaurant, café and events space located right next to Hackney Wick Station serving a menu of Mediterranean-style small plates, wine and playful cocktails. Dine al fresco in the backyard courtyard or keep it cosy inside in an ambient and relaxed setting.

Saint Espresso know the deal when it comes to good vibes and good coffee. The aesthetic is on point here, it's got a rustic, industrial-chic feel to it further complemented by exposed pipes and long, black hanging light fixtures. The coffee is excellent and has travelled all the way from Costa Rica to grace your cup. As for the food, there's a selection of pastries and simple selections to choose from.

Head to Howling Hops in the bustling Queen's Yard for an authentic taste of Sri Lankan street food. The kitchen here is run by Kottu House owner Chelaka Gunamuni, who once ran the very same Kottu House in Manhattan's Lower East Side. You can order veggie, mutton, or chicken kottu, a dish made up of chopped-up roti mixed with vegetables, curries, and eggs. You can opt for your spicy or keep it mild.

This popular spot offers innovative modern recipes, from classic chicken burgers to surprising culinary twists. The spacious interior, kitted out with large communal tables, is ideal for groups. There are regular specials like all-you-can-eat options and lunch deals. Wash down your feast with cocktails, craft beer, or milkshakes, and make sure you save room for dessert.

Gotto Trattoria, the Hackney sibling of Mele e Pere, infuses the lively London neighbourhood with the sun-soaked vibes of the Italian Riviera. This family-run, independent canalside restaurant serves 48-hour proved pizzas and handmade pasta dishes. The inviting vibe adds to the appeal, creating a friendly atmosphere for guests. Level up with their selection of spritzes and wines, and don't miss out on their tempting weekend brunches.

Scoffs Grill on Wick Road serves various grilled dishes in a warm and welcoming setting on Wick Road. Focusing on a varied menu that includes juicy meats and flavourful vegetarian options, the restaurant caters to diverse tastes. Boasting friendly staff and a dedication to quality, Scoffs Grill stands out as the perfect destination for a gratifying dining experience along Wick Road.

The Lock Inn in Hackney Wick, situated along the scenic canalside, is an inviting establishment that is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The Lock Inn caters to various tastes with its diverse selection of craft beers, cocktails, and a menu featuring pub classics and inventive dishes. Whether you're seeking a laid-back evening by the water or a social gathering with friends, this pub provides a welcoming setting to enjoy good company, delicious fare, and the unique energy of Hackney Wick.