The best new restaurants in East London

Ornella is a buzzy Northern Italian restaurant in central Hackney, launched by the team behind Lupa, including famous actor Theo James. Shifting focus from Roman cuisine to Milanese inspiration, the menu features regional classics such as risotto alla Milanese and tagliatelle al burro e parmigiano. There's a pleasant pavement terrace for al fresco dining as well.

A new Bread Street Kitchen joins Gordon Ramsay's growing Bishopsgate lineup, bringing a more relaxed energy to the skyscraper. This all-day spot serves the restaurant's familiar mix of modern British and European comfort food, including his famous beef Wellington, burgers, and weekend roasts, alongside cocktails and a well-chosen wine list.

Previously known as the much-loved Nest, this Shoreditch address reopened in 2026 as a British bistro, swapping its former tasting menus for a more relaxed dining style, grounded in tradition and nostalgia. The kitchen centres on open-flame cooking, with a daily menu built around generous plates made for sharing. Alongside the food, you'll find classic cocktails, beers, and other drinks.

Bancone has earned plenty of praise for its handmade pastas. Every strand and shape is rolled or folded on-site, then served in a sleek, contemporary setting. Expect plates such as cacio e pepe, courgette-filled ravioli, or slices of aromatic smoked duck, alongside house cocktails and a thoughtfully assembled wine list featuring the occasional hard-to-find bottle.

Occupying the former Nobu Shoreditch site, Mitsu reimagines the traditional Japanese izakaya through a modern lens shaped by the neighbourhood's creative pulse. The menu balances time-honoured techniques and authentic flavours with potent drinks and vibrant DJ nights, while the sleek, spacious interiors round out the vibe of a contemporary dining destination.

Occupying the former site of Papi, Auguste delivers a creative culinary experience centred around flame-grilled arrosticini skewers and low-intervention Italian wines. The interior features a playful combination of pastel tones and walnut accents, offering a variety of dining options including a downstairs bar, standard tables, and a standing counter.

Teal marks the first solo project from Sally Abé, one of the UK's most exciting young culinary talents, previously at the helm of The Pem. The restaurant takes the form of a modern bistro that champions British cooking, pairing robust flavours with time-honoured techniques and comforting nostalgia. Alongside the menu, a regularly evolving wine list highlights champagne and bottles from across France.

MRBL is an elegant British steakhouse set within the striking surroundings of Leadenhall Market, spread over two floors with outdoor seating. The menu focuses on premium large cuts such as porterhouse, served with flavoured butters, fries, and martinis, alongside a considered wine list. It's a polished, City-ready destination for indulgent business lunches and other schmoozy affairs.

The 72-cover steakhouse at the Four Seasons beside Tower Bridge centres its menu around flame-driven dishes and top-tier cuts, pairing modern culinary ideas with old-world character. Its name, Cooper's Cut, nods to Sir Edwin Cooper, the architect responsible for the landmark building the hotel now occupies.

Wild Izakaya is the latest venture from the minds behind Notting Hill favourite Wild, offering their own spin on Japanese dining culture. Led by a former Nobu chef, the kitchen focuses on classic techniques and flavours, best enjoyed from counter seats that look straight onto the open workspace. Alongside the food, a carefully curated drinks menu features Japanese-influenced cocktails, plus a robust selection of sake, wines, and premium spirits.

Dominic Taylor, winner of “Five Star Kitchen”, brings his globally inspired Caribbean cooking to The Good Front Room, a space dedicated to reimagining island classics for a modern audience. His menu puts a fresh spin on favourites like seafood boil and ackee with salt fish, all best enjoyed with the signature rum punch. The venue leans into atmosphere too, hosting a thoughtful music programme that includes vinyl listening parties and intimate acoustic performances.

Cafe Kowloon delivers a modern take on Cantonese cooking shaped by the way Hong Kong likes to eat, with the menu featuring dishes such as curry fish ball skewers, prawn toast with crispy heads and pickles, and whole sea bass cooked over the grill. An open kitchen sets the tone inside, while banquette seating with Lazy Susans makes sharing effortless. The cocktail list is intriguing as well.

Once a much-loved pop-up, Tiella quickly earned a following for chef Dara Klein's inventive take on Italian cuisine, infused with subtle New Zealand inflections. Now settled into its first permanent home in a converted pub, the restaurant blends the charm of a contemporary trattoria with the warmth of a neighbourhood bar. Guests can expect generous plates of Klein's celebrated antipasti, pastas, and other Italian favourites.

A close relative of the much-loved Sông Quê Café – widely regarded as one of London's standout Vietnamese spots – Sông Quê Pho Bar puts the spotlight firmly on Vietnam's famed noodle soup. The menu brings together the full range of pho variations that earned its sibling restaurant such a loyal following, alongside a selection of small Vietnamese bites. There's a creative cocktail list to round things off.

Hoax in Dalston brings a fresh, modern take on Italian dining, helmed by long-time figures on London's hospitality scene. The kitchen turns out plates like  chicken with black truffle and pan brioche, a house cacio e pepe, and beef cheek slow-cooked in red wine, with a theatrical tiramisu finished at the table. Downstairs, a discreet basement bar offers a more intimate setting for cocktails after dinner.

Meet Bros is a grand steakhouse featuring a contemporary, nature-inspired setting with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The group's second London branch, located in Shoreditch, serves top-quality cuts of steak complemented by Asian-influenced appetisers and mains. The fully halal menu is paired with a broad selection of alcohol-free drinks, while the striking venue is also available for exclusive private events.

Combining Neapolitan roots with the spirit of classic New York slice joints, Vincenzo's first outpost in Bushey quickly earned cult status, luring pizza lovers willing to travel for what's often hailed as the finest New York-style pizza in the UK. Now the pizzeria has landed in Shoreditch with a two-level space decked out in retro green-and-white marble floors, old-school oil paintings, and vintage photographs.

By night, The Good Egg at Eat 17 in Walthamstow Village becomes Proud Mary Pizzeria, complete with psychedelic colours and a lively soundtrack. The menu features generously topped pizzas such as the Rebel Queen with hot honey, mozzarella, parmesan, and caponata, plus sides and bites like za'atar fried chicken. A vinyl player adds to the atmosphere, letting diners spin psych-rock favourites while they eat.

Velvet Taco, the US chain, is launching its first UK outpost in Broadgate Circle, showcasing its playful, globally inspired twists on the Mexican taco. Expect unconventional fillings such as fish 'n' chips or shepherd's pie, alongside more traditional favourites. The lively space, lit with neon, also features a bar serving palomas, margaritas, and other fitting cocktails.

From the team behind London's Electric Star pubs, Firestarter takes things up a notch with its flame-fuelled approach to dining. This fiery restaurant celebrates live-fire cooking, serving up smoky burgers, crab doughnuts, Galician ribs, and other sizzling dishes, while signature cocktails, shots, and other refreshing drinks help douse the flames.

The newest Humble Grape is setting up in a pretty unforgettable location, inside the 11th-century crypt of St Mary-le-Bow in Cheapside. Like its sister spots, it's all about great wine, with around 500 bottles to choose from and plenty of European-style sharing plates to accompany them. The setting adds a dramatic twist without compromising the casual wine bar vibe. They'll even open for breakfast.

The London Fields offshoot of South London's Mr Bao is a compact spot devoted entirely to wontons. Guests can mix and match their fillings – from juicy prawn to traditional pork – and pair them with either rich broth or lo mein noodles. Taking cues from Hong Kong's lively noodle bars, this snug walk-in eatery delivers an authentic and energetic slice of Cantonese dining.

Led by Ivan Tisdall-Downes, previously of Native, Field Notes reiterates his commitment to sustainable cooking. Drawing on his international experience, the restaurant presents an ever-changing menu inspired by global influences but grounded in seasonal British produce. To match, the “living drinks” list spans wild sodas, botanical cocktails, and natural wines.

Amalfi Ristorante brings a touch of the Italian coastline to life. The chic, contemporary space is filled with vibrant colours and lush greenery, while tiled walls and exposed brick enhance its Mediterranean charm. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including burrata, stone-baked pizzas, risottos, pastas, and burgers, along with a dedicated kids' menu. The venue also caters to private dining and hosts bottomless brunch events.

Three Rounds Tavern is a new Chinese restaurant in East London, channelling the spirit of Hong Kong's drinking culture into a warmly social setting. With a rare baijiu spirits at its core, the venue flips the usual script by putting the drinks front and centre, and letting the food play a supporting role. Settle in with a cocktail or a Chinese craft beer, strike up conversation with fellow drinkers, and graze on expertly smoked and braised cold cuts, authentic dumplings, and other classic Chinese comforts.

Arriving in London from France, Il Bambini Club delivers a theatrical spin on the classic Italian trattoria, swapping rustic charm for full-blown Versailles glamour. Think plush fabrics, glittering chandeliers, and ornate flourishes in every corner, with the same all-out indulgence extending to the menu – handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, desserts piled high, and fine Italian wines. There's live music to set the mood, and the cocktail bar keeps the party going well into the night.

Once known as Pachamama East, this spot has been reborn as Lagana, still under the same ownership but now channelling a Mediterranean vibe. The focus is on inventive, Greek-inspired dishes, with the namesake lagana stealing the show – puffy, oven-fresh flatbreads paired with an array of tempting dips. True to its predecessor's reputation, the cocktail list remains a standout feature.

Set high above the city on the 25th floor of Hoxton's Art'otel, Solaya is a French-Mediterranean dining spot helmed by Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson. Boasting a striking setting, the space offers an elegant main restaurant alongside secluded balcony areas for private dining. Guests can also unwind with signature cocktails and a curated wine list in the plush lounge bar.

Jiāonest began as a series of intimate supper clubs, born from a craving for the warmth and comfort of home cooking. Now a cosy Chinese restaurant, it delivers the bold, fiery flavours of Chongqing, serving favourites like mapo tofu, gōng bǎo chicken, and deep-fried duck duck rice toast. A thoughtful wine list provides welcome relief from the spice, while the space itself features custom-made furniture and handcrafted ceramics, crafted in collaboration with young London artists.

Legado marks the second London establishment from Michelin-starred chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho of Sabor fame. The Shoreditch restaurant likewise celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Spain, drawing inspiration from lively tapas bars, whole-animal asadors, fresh coastal seafood, and more, all rooted in authentic Iberian flavours.

After quickly earning praise and a loyal following during its residency at The Pembury Tavern, Ace Pizza took things up a notch by opening its first standalone location near Victoria Park. Here, they dish up their unique interpretation of pizza, combining the charred crust of Neapolitan bases with the sturdy, foldable form of a classic New York slice for a unique London style. Their signature pizza sandwiches are available here as well.

Campanelle is an all-day Italian restaurant set within the historic walls of the old London Shipping Exchange. Spanning two floors, the venue features a terrace, an open kitchen, a private dining area, and a dedicated wine room. Designed as a tribute to Italy's rich culinary tradition, the menu showcases everything from light bites and antipasti to hearty pasta and sharing plates like 45-day dry-aged ribeye topped with seasonal truffle.

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.

Much like the rest of the Big Mamma family, Barbarella is a full-blown love letter to Italy with a flair for OTT indulgence. Set in Canary Wharf, the restaurant draws inspiration from the glitz of 1970s Roman cinema, decked out with touches like Ferragamo silks and a gleaming chrome lounge. The menu delivers fresh protagonists to Big Mamma's repertoire, like a metre-long spaghettone or crisp Roman-style pizzas. There's a waterfront terrace with its own dedicated gelato menu, too.

The family-run Singburi built a reputation as one of London's finest Thai restaurants, with its small original spot always bustling and famously tricky to book, given its lack of a website and unpredictable phone responses. Now under the stewardship of a new generation, this much-loved Leytonstone gem has relocated to a larger space in Shoreditch. Despite the move, it remains true to its roots, continuing to serve expertly crafted, authentic Thai cuisine.

Originally hailing from Paris, Dumbo debuted its first UK location in Shoreditch. Celebrated for its minimalist style and pioneering smashburgers, the brand now serves up its famously crisp-edged patties, golden fries, and house-made chicken nuggets in East London. Everything on the menu is crafted using top-tier, ethically sourced ingredients from trusted local producers.

Gina in Chingford is a heartfelt venture from renowned chef and author Ravneet Gill and her husband Mattie Taiano, named in honour of his mother. The restaurant blends the charm of a family-run spot with the bold spirit of a traditional chophouse.

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. 

Soul Mama is the creation of acclaimed jazz musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown, blending food and music under one lively roof. The restaurant's menu brings together comforting, homestyle dishes inspired by the flavours of Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Just as the kitchen celebrates global soul, the stage does too, with a daily line-up of live performances spanning jazz, reggae, gospel, and beyond.

Hailing from Paris, Tigermilk's second UK location – and its largest to date – spans two designer floors adorned with mirrored ceilings and tropical decor, setting the stage for a flavourful culinary tour of Latin America. Guests can savour classic dishes like fresh ceviche, gourmet tacos, and succulent T-bone steaks while choosing from an extensive collection of over 250 tequilas and mezcals.

The overlap of London's rotisserie chicken revival and Leyton's rising profile, Roost is tucked away in a Forest Gate railway arch. Founded by a trio of local mates, the restaurant's showstopper is the 24-hour brined chicken, spit-roasted to perfection and served alongside a selection of cocktails, wines, and local craft beers.

Cloth Cornhill occupies the former Simpson's Tavern site, keeping touches of the old institution's charm with its wood-panelled walls, bow windows, brass fittings, fireplaces, and classic wooden booths. It also preserves the spirit of leisurely City lunches, where generous pours of wine and plentiful plates of meat remain very much part of the routine.

Bulbul in Temple offers well-travelled Indian small plates, paired with a creative selection of cocktail flights. The restaurant's artful interior transports diners into an immersive forest environment, where the kitchen prepares specialities like crab-filled dosa with forest pepper masala or 48-hour braised shrimp on toast. The venue also features a beautifully appointed private dining space.

Premium Cantonese dining destination Banquet 88 is located right by the river, in St Katherine Docks, and features relaxing views of the marina to go with the spacious interiors. Various dim sum, traditional Chinese specialities like Peking duck, and fresh seafood are among the menu highlights, and the venue is designed to accommodate family feasts, business gatherings, and other big groups with ease.

The Canary Wharf outpost of Tattu draws influence from historic Chinese floating restaurants, divided into four distinct spaces rooted in maritime myth. The kitchen delivers Chinese fare, reinvented for the contemporary era through unconventional pairings and components. Every platter is styled with theatrical flair, featuring creations resembling dragon eggs or aquatic globes that appear almost too stunning to eat.

Vesper is a new East London bistro from celebrated chef Jackson Boxer, adept at launching trendy venues where the cooking matches the buzz. Consisting of various shared and substantial portions, the menu spans the globe to find intense flavours and creative twists, with options such as potato pizzetta topped with salame rosa or a raw beef and charred pepper tostada. The space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a dedicated cocktail bar, and an al fresco terrace.