The best new restaurants in East London

William IV is a historic Shoreditch pub that's been around a while – about 200 years, actually. In November 2024, they're launching an upstairs Dining Room, serving a menu of classic British cuisine. Seasonal dishes on the menu include the likes of Guinness-glazed beef short rib, lemon sole with tarragon sauce, and butterflied mackerel, crafted using quality ingredients and traditional techniques.

Inis is a charming canalside restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with relaxed weekend brunches and Sunday roasts. This contemporary venue has outdoor seating during the warmer months and offers a seasonal British and Irish food. Highlights include a full Irish breakfast, whiskey-smoked salmon on Irish brown bread, and mussels with chips.

Roe comes from the trio behind Fallow. Spread over three levels, it features a terrace with views of the canal and an exclusive mezzanine dining area. It also boasts the world's first plant-based, compostable 3D-printed interior, showing a commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. Roe offers a diverse á la carte menu specialising in nose-to-tail cooking with a focus on British ingredients and underutilised produce.

Angelina in Hackney gained recognition for its innovative tasting menus that blend Italian and Japanese influences, and this spot is its laid-back counterpart. Here, the focus shifts to a relaxed dining experience centred on fresh pasta dishes and grilled specialities, all infused with wafu fusion elements. The chic space includes a roomy interior with an open kitchen and an inviting outdoor seating area.

Lina Stores started as an Italian deli but has grown to a number of restaurants specialising in fresh handmade pasta. Their stracciatella ravioli, pappardelle, tagliolini, and other authentic pastas come slathered in sauces, parmesan, and truffles. For dessert, polish off a panna cotta or another classic Italian treat. 

Located in Whitechapel, Sotto Cucina & Bar is an intimate Italian restaurant that focuses on flavours from Sicily. Modern dishes here are prepared using fine British ingredients along with some special imported products. Sicilian and Mediterranean wines are on offer to pair with the food. The subterranean space is enhanced with specially-commissioned art.

Fatto a Mano first opened its doors in Brighton in 2015, and it wasn't long before it gained popularity in London as well. Specialising in authentic Neapolitan pizza, they prepare their dough daily, allowing it to prove for a minimum of 24 hours. The pizzas are then generously topped with high-quality ingredients, ranging from timeless classics like margherita to inventive creations like lasagne pizza, before being swiftly cooked in the oven in just 90 seconds.

Unlock in Hackney is the brainchild of Napoli natives Arianna and Giovanni Izzo, offering pizzas crafted from traditional 30-hour fermented dough with classic and artisanal toppings. The establishment's unique character is enhanced by its eclectic decor, comprising vintage furniture and a rotating display of art from Italian and local artists. 

Continuing at the very location where their paths first crossed, the former head chef and general manager of the now-closed Pidgin have established this laid-back wine bar and restaurant in Hackney. Emphasising British ingredients, the kitchen offers European dishes enriched with international flavours, including influences from as far away as Asia. The culinary experience is further enhanced by a dynamic selection of natural wines. There's also the option to dine al fresco.

The Brush in Hoxton spans two floors and draws inspiration from the grand cafés of Central Europe. On the ground floor, the dining space is enclosed by glass walls, offering refined European dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The upper level hosts a lounge ideal for working or unwinding, complete with a cocktail bar and evening live music.

Widely regarded as some of the finest in the world, Din Tai Fung's legendary xiaolongbao dumplings are also coming to Canary Wharf. These meticulously crafted parcels, featuring a delicate, paper-thin wrapper folded precisely 18 times, are filled with an array of meats and vegetables and served steaming fresh. Din Tai Fung Canary Wharf offers not only a spacious dining area and a room for private group meals but also an immersive show kitchen where guests can witness the artistry behind their meal.

This new family-run Korean restaurant in Hackney is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, and upon entering, you'll instantly feel like part of the clan who runs it. The minimalist decor combines sleek white walls with dark wood accents and an open kitchen where the father prepares fragrant Korean dishes while the siblings manage the main floor. The menu varies but often includes dishes like gochujang prawns and tender beef short rib. It's a BYOB (bring your own booze), meaning you can spend more money on trying all the different dishes. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, and you can book online, but there is usually room for walk-ins.

Uba takes its guests on a journey through Asian cuisine. The restaurant boasts opulent furnishings and is adorned with red and gold, featuring banquette seating, lava-stone tables, and an eye-catching marble bar. The menu's highlights are dishes like spicy salmon tartare or Angus beef gyoza. The experience is enhanced by live DJs. Private dining is also on offer.

Big Night provides the ideal relaxed setting for a big night out. Drawing inspiration from Japanese izakayas, this vibrant venue specialises in skewering seasonal British ingredients and grilling them over charcoal, infusing flavours from across Asia. It's a lively spot for enjoying delicious small plates and drinks.

Kolamba offers a taste of Sri Lanka with its authentic culinary delights. The restaurant boasts a tranquil, zen-inspired ambience complete with foliage, rustic brick walls, and soft lighting. Notable dishes include the Ceylon chicken curry and a flavourful mix of toasted pumpkin seasoned with black pepper and red chilli.

Originally a pop-up, this modern Indian eatery established a permanent presence and expanded to several locations across London. It boasts a menu that merges traditional Indian flavours with quality British ingredients. Signature dishes include the Keralan chicken and samphire pakoras. The Canary Wharf branch also has a cocktail bar.

Soul Mama brings jazz, soul, gospel, and reggae vibes to Stratford, along with a fusion of South American, African, and Caribbean cuisine. For an added twist, the dishes are based on recipes passed down by mothers through the generations. The restaurant and live music venue is backed by acclaimed jazz musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown, and broke the record for the largest-ever Kickstarter crowdfund by a restaurant.

Fremantle Bar & Kitchen provides all-day dining in an elegant open-plan space that draws inspiration from the local area's history. The menu features Australasian-inspired cuisine, complemented by a selection of international wines and locally-distilled spirits. The restaurant includes a year-round terrace and private dining spaces.

Plates is a cosy, plant-focused eatery showcasing sustainable plant-based cooking. This intimate restaurant, with just 25 seats and an al fresco dining terrace, offers tasting menus designed to transform diners' views on fruits, vegetables, and plants. Diners can expect enthusiastic and inventive cooking with global influences.

TacoSmash, originally from Paris, is a fast-food establishment that's known for its succulent smash burgers and signature French tacos. The restaurant has quickly become a hit with a younger crowd, and its first UK location offers not only delicious food but has arcade games as well.

Lima infuses London with the lively flavours of Peru in a welcoming and colourful atmosphere. The menu merges traditional South American ingredients with British produce, featuring dishes such as ceviche and sweet alfajores shortbread. Diners can select from the à la carte menu, enjoy the express lunch, or indulge in the tasting menu. Lima also offers a selection of South American and European wines.

Marceline is a brasserie located in one of Canary Wharf's floating structures. Serving from breakfast until dinner, this all-day spot provides an escape from the bustling city with French evergreens such as steak frites and a glass of exquisite wine. The roomy restaurant and café can host groups of different sizes, boasting a bar and a terrace, with no need for reservations.

Founded by one of Rosa's Thai co-founders, Dang's is a trendy spot in Spitalfields, offering a taste of Thailand's famous Hatyai chicken – a spicy fried chicken speciality. You can choose from wings or whole chickens, served alongside fresh salads and various sides. Afterwards, cool off with one of their Thai-inspired cocktails, though you'll probably want to avoid the ones made with wasabi or chilli vodka. The basement venue boasts a warm, intimate atmosphere with exposed brick walls and vintage red decor.

Originally from New York City and now with locations worldwide, Black Tap is known for its burgers and chicken sandwiches, paired with their famous milkshakes, which have become a viral hit due to their extravagant toppings like entire slices of cake. The brand's first London outpost is located at Westfield Stratford City, showcasing a black-and-white aesthetic adorned with bold street art. Craft beers are also on the menu, adding to the laid-back vibe.

The Shoreditch branch of Chinatown's beloved Bun House draws inspiration from the lively atmosphere of 1980s Hong Kong. Specialising in Cantonese-style buns filled with options like BBQ pork belly, curry chicken, and beef brisket, it offers both dine-in and takeaway choices. Alongside these buns, you'll find wonton dumplings with various fillings and dressings, as well as other Cantonese small plates, all complemented by a new cocktail menu that reimagines classic drinks with a Chinese flair, like the chrysanthemum martini.

The Black Cow is an American-inspired steakhouse with a unique twist of Middle Eastern flavours. Indulge in a selection of mouth-watering steaks, complemented by inventive sides like a sausage corndog with zaatar and sweet harissa, or artichokes topped with stilton. The restaurant's décor includes charming vintage pieces, and it boasts a courtyard adorned with olive trees, an open-fire kitchen, and a cosy private dining room for intimate gatherings.

Hera in Stratford offers a genuine taste of Greek cuisine. Begin your culinary journey with a selection of mezze before exploring the Garden, Farm, or Sea sections of the menu. The Garden features vegetable-focused dishes like moussaka, the Farm showcases an array of meat options, and the Sea delves into classic seafood fare. This contemporary eatery also includes a cocktail lounge and provides outdoor seating.

Noisy Oyster in Shoreditch is a bistro and martini bar with a focus on seafood. The menu showcases fresh fish and seafood specialities alongside creative seasonal vegetarian options. The venue's sleek yet understated design blends timeless elegance with contemporary flair. Guests can enjoy their meals paired with perfectly crafted miniature martinis.

Hailing from Peckham, 081 Pizzeria offers a fresh and modern take on traditional Neapolitan pizza. The vibe is trendy and youthful, blending a respect for tradition with a creative twist. Their menu features a wide range of toppings, complemented by an array of Neapolitan-style small plates perfect for sharing. Calzones and deep-fried stuffed pizza buns are a menu highlight.