Guide to the best restaurants in Stratford

Part of Stratford's East Village, Santi is an in-demand spot for authentic pizza and Italian food. The restaurant space is comfortable and contemporary, but you can also order takeaways. At this bright and warm restaurant you can try favourite dishes like antipasti, pizza, pasta, and steak. Kids' meals are served too, plus wine and cocktails.

Figo is an Italian restaurant Stratford locals keep coming back to. The parkside venue is airy and enhanced with leafy green plants. You can try authentic Italian food in a friendly environment here – the menu includes classic dishes like arancini, ravioli, and pizza. Cocktails and carefully-selected Italian wines are available as well.

Union Social is one of the most popular Stratford places to eat. This spot is open all day and serves food the whole time, whether you want to have breakfast, afternoon tea, or a snack to go with drinks. The venue has a contemporary look with bursts of colour and a laid-back offering of global dishes.

Vibrant and on-trend venue Bamboo Mat is a Stratford restaurant serving Nikkei cuisine, fusing Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions. This chic space takes inspiration from Peruvian culture and also has private dining facilities. The menu features inspiring options like ceviche, grilled octopus, and fresh sushi. There are outdoor tables available here too.

Whether you're after homey cooking or authentic Thai food, Stratford restaurant The Pie Crust is sure to satisfy. This budget-friendly spot has a BYOB policy and looks like a simple greasy spoon. During the day, it does serve British café grub, but by the evening it becomes a sought-after destination for classic Thai cooking.

STK Steakhouse Stratford is a sophisticated spot for steak. The venue has a glamorous and luxury feel, as well as fantastic views from the rooftop. Diners get a choice of menus including set menus and a Sunday roast. Of course there's steak, but you can also try dishes like pasta, shellfish, or short ribs.

Your go-to for authentic Brazilian cuisine in Stratford is Mr Ribs. The venue is simple and understated, serving traditional food in a low-key setting. Meat lovers get lots of choice including Brazilian-style cheeseburgers, steak, stews, and pork loin, plus snacks like savoury pastries. You can eat in or get a takeaway from this restaurant.

Himalaya is one of the top Indian restaurants Stratford can offer. This well-established restaurant has been serving authentic Indian food for decades. There's a spacious and simple dining area, but takeaways are also available. Classic dishes on the menu include curries, biryanis, and Tandoori dishes, plus a small selection of English and Persian options.

Cool and contemporary eatery WNGZ serves halal-friendly chicken in a casual setting. Choose between wings, strips, and chunks of chicken, served with a range of sauces to pack in the flavour. Chicken burgers and a variety of mouth-watering sides like fries and jalapeno poppers are also available at this easygoing spot.

It isn't showy, but Darkhorse has risen to become a major name on Stratford's restaurant scene. It's sleek and refined, serving seasonal dishes inspired by Northern Italy. Sustainability is key for both the food and the drinks – 70% of the wine list is natural, organic, sustainable, or biodynamic. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor tables and great park views.

If you want to visit a popular Chinese restaurant, Stratford is home to Sichuan Grand. The atmosphere is calm and comfortable, with lots of dark wood in the interiors. Spicy Sichuan cuisine is served here, with sizzling hot pot being a speciality in particular. The menu also includes seafood, vegetarian dishes, and offal.

When you're looking for a local steakhouse, Stratford has The Grill Stratford. The venue is sleek and modern, using lots of natural colours. All of the food served here is halal and it's a popular destination for iftar meals. Steaks, burgers, and meaty mains are served, plus veggie-friendly pasta. Accompany your meal with juices or mocktails.

Island Vibez Kitchen brings diners authentic home cooking from the Caribbean. It's a buzzy spot with DJs, brunch parties, and a lively atmosphere; big groups are welcome too. Health-conscious and flavoursome traditional dishes are served here – think roti wraps with various fillings, jerk chicken, curries, and oxtail stew.

Modern British food is served at Kitchen E20. This contemporary all-day restaurant is elegant and has a triple-height ceiling that lends it an airy feel. Various menus are available, offering diners seasonal dishes. The bar mixes up original takes on classic cocktails and the experience is enhanced by DJs and live musicians at evenings and weekends.

BYOB venue Thai Pie is a Thai restaurant Stratford diners love. It's friendly and intimate with elegant surroundings. Quality ingredients are used to prepare authentic Thai food here, as well as some familiar favourites like pies and burgers. Classic recipes like noodles and curries are available. Meals for children are also served.

One of the most on-trend restaurants near Stratford is Kotch! The setting is hip and stylish and pizza is the main attraction on the menu. Choose classic pizzas with a variety of bases available, fried pizza, or calzones. The atmosphere here is easy-going and there are regular DJ sets and live jazz acts to keep the vibe going.

For steaks and burgers Stratford has Steakout. This venue serves halal food in a slick space with comfortable booths, exposed brickwork, and neon. There's a casual atmosphere and a menu packed with meat. Choose from steaks, burgers, pies, and grilled chicken, as well as dishes for children. Alcohol-free drinks are served too.

Head to Eggslut if you're a fan of eggs, sandwiches, and other breakfast delights. Originally from the US, Eggslut serves indulgent egg-centric dishes, offering a modern take on classic comfort food. The eponymous Eggslut sandwich features a brioche bun stuffed with different options such as cheeseburger, steak sandwich, or mushroom with truffle pâté, along with eggs, of course. The Stratford location is the group's biggest London branch so far.