The best new restaurants in East London

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 will also have a cocktail bar.

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.

Whyte's Restaurant is a snug, warmly-lit restaurant in Hackney, offering a menu featuring of eclectic dishes that draw culinary inspiration from around the globe. The dining experience is enhanced by a variety of cocktails and a carefully-chosen wine list that showcases international vintages.

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.