Guide to the best restaurants in Kingsland Road

Sông Quê Café has a vibrant green exterior that’ll catch your eye straight away. One of the many Vietnamese places in Kingsland Road, this is a well-established family-run restaurant serving authentic recipes. Dishes include a choice of 11 types of pho. Get a real taste of Vietnam here in this modest restaurant.

Lekki has been serving Nigerian food in Kingsland Road since 2010. The menu features classics like pounded yam, jollof rice, and various types of pepper soup. There are tons of options for plant-based guests too. A wide range of drinks are on offer from the bar, including popular Nigerian beers.

Mu comes from the team behind nearby Brilliant Corners, and is a cool and contemporary destination for food, drinks, and live music. The cuisine is Japanese, focused on fireside cooking, and wine and classic cocktails are served. There's live music every night from a mix of resident and guest performers.

Vietnamese restaurant Nom Nom stands out because of its innovative sharing plates concept. Here you can enjoy a mix of Vietnamese flavours tapas-style, making it a top destination for a social meal with family or friends. There’s a big choice of plant-based dishes, plus classics like pho, noodles, and curries.

For relaxed Vietnamese dining try Ant House. Beginning in the owner's kitchen, this is now a thriving local restaurant. A variety of classic dishes are on the menu but the banh mi here really make an impression. The baguettes are freshly-made on-site each day, with several flavourful fillings to choose from.

At The Midyeci you can get a unique take on Turkish cuisine. This is London's only midye dolma - stuffed mussels - specialist. There are mussels with various fillings, mussel burgers, classic Turkish fish sandwiches and wraps, plus deep-fried fish. This distinctive menu draws a bustling crowd to the restaurant.

Expect cocktails, Japanese small plates, and DJ sessions from Brilliant Corners. This is a wholly modern place with a rotating roster of musical performers and a set menu, plus a vegan version. Expect edamame and sushi amongst the food. There are plenty of drinks to choose from, including international wines and Asian-influenced cocktails.

La Bibliothèque boasts a luxurious dining space, an elegant cocktail bar showcasing an extensive whisky collection, and boutique lodgings on the upper level. This establishment merges the trendy vibe of East London with modern opulence. Its culinary offerings include a range of sophisticated meals, drawing inspiration from Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine.

Gordos Pizzeria has quickly become an in-demand local pizza place in Kingsland Road. Backed up by pizza expertise, this cosy establishment serves Neapolitan-style pizzas with a huge range of toppings, offering something for everyone. That includes vegan options. Sides and salads, plus Italian wines and beers, are on the menu as well.

Kingsland Road’s plant-based diners head to Sen Viet, London’s only completely vegan Vietnamese restaurant. The comprehensive menu includes a fixed lunch set, alongside other plant-based meals like fried rice, stir-fried noodles, or tofu dishes. When you come here you get authentic vegan food provided with warm and friendly service.

BunBunBun specialises in authentic Vietnamese street food including refreshing vermicelli noodle salads with a big choice of tempting toppings. Sandwich lovers can try a traditional banh mi here, with meat, fish, and tofu available as fillings. This is classic cuisine originating from the Hanoi region of Vietnam. The restaurant operates two venues, both on Kingsland Road.

If you're craving fish and chips then try Faulkners. This place has been serving East London since 1980 and has won several awards. It's a classic chip shop menu with a broad choice of fish, plus burgers and pies. Add typical sides like pickled eggs or mushy peas to your meal here.

Diners trust Tay Do – it’s been established on Kingsland Road for over 20 years. You’ll find a vibrant and relaxed setting where you’re welcome to bring in your own alcohol. Sitting at communal tables you can try out a wide selection of popular Vietnamese recipes like frog’s legs, vegetarian dishes, and seafood.

For classic Ethiopian food try Andu Ethiopian Vegan Café. This is authentic plant-based cooking in a modest eatery. Six traditional dishes are on the menu served with either rice or injera bread. For a typical dining experience, try a mix of them all piled on top of injera to eat with your hands.

Gilvic is a destination for innovative seasonal menus, curated art, plus wine, cocktails, and coffee. Launched by a team who made a name for themselves with their supper clubs, Gilvic is host to a rotating assortment of guest chefs and pop-up concepts serving a dinner tasting menu highlighted by a showstopping dessert.

Try a premium burger at Ghost Burgers, where all the food is halal. There's a simple choice of beef, chicken, or vegan, with only 100% wagyu beef being used. Wagyu hot dogs are available as well. Come here if you're looking for elevated fast food prepared with fine ingredients.

Viet Hoa began life in 1994 and provides diners with a unique sensory experience. In the one-of-a-kind mess you grill your own food on infrared grills at the table. In the main dining room, the menu features options like noodles, soups, plant-based food, and feasts of speciality dishes to share.

Taco Collective, established by identical twins Rahil and Nik along with their friend Chris in 2020, emerged right before the pandemic as a passion project. Influenced by their time in Mexico and California, they began with temporary residencies and pop-up events in South East London. Their commitment to genuine tastes and traditional recipes has since attracted a loyal customer base, with their Hoxton branch serving as their permanent headquarters.