Where to eat in London Fields and Broadway Market

This minimalist corner spot at number 1 Mare Street is a family-run Korean restaurant specialising in modern Asian dishes in a simple setting. Run by two brothers and their father, the restaurant tells their story—literally—on the wall outside, where you can read about their history before heading in. The dad was trained by Korean master chefs in the 90s and has brought his skills to Hackney, serving his modern take on punchy Korean cuisine. It's open for lunch and dinner, with a slightly shorter menu during the day, divided into rice, noodles, small plates and sides. It's modern East London vibe and family-focused hospitality set it apart from its neighbours.

Green Papaya Xi'Viet is a Vietnamese and Xi'anese fusion restaurant serving traditional dishes in a cool Hackney space in the middle of Mare Street. This long-standing, family-run spot offers a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy traditional, flavour-packed Asian dishes. The menu includes Xi'anese noodles, pho, and a variety of vegetarian and meat-based plates, all served at reasonable prices. Service is friendly and warm, and everything is reasonably priced.

Papi is the sort of place you can expect to find Hackney hipsters hanging out. They've got a funky wine list and a varied range of more-ish small plates to share. The food is all prepared using the best seasonal produce with a menu that changes frequently. There's also an emphasis on reducing as much waste as possible. There are two menus to choose from here: the dinner menu and the set lunchtime menu.

The London Fields branch of Brat brings its Michelin-star-worthy cuisine to a more informal setting in an old railway arch. Everything here is cooked on live wood fire as an ode to Basque cooking techniques, with plates perfect for sharing. There's an extensive wine list to boot, as well as a selection of other beverages. You can enjoy dining inside or outside; both ooze cool Hackney vibes.

Aye & Suki is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant on Broadway Market that's also queer female owned and run. They serve food morning 'til night with a focus on fresh Mediterranean fare, with produce sourced locally and sustainably. They celebrate traditional cooking techniques while moving away from mass food production.

Behind is a fine-dining restaurant tucked down Sidworth Street in London Fields. It quickly established itself as a top dining destination, earning a Michelin star just 20 days after opening. This intimate restaurant is home to an 18-seat chef's table, where guests can feast on seafood-focused tasting menus prepared and served by the chefs themselves. Enjoy your meal with wine pairings, and unwind before or after your meal in the cosy wine bar.

Koya is a modern Japanese noodle bar specialising in thick udon dishes. In the morning, they serve a breakfast menu that includes noodle and rice dishes, followed by lunch and dinner, which include hot and cold udon dishes, donburi bowls, and small plates that are perfect for sharing. You can sit at the chef's counter for a view of the kitchen or opt for a seat in the communal dining spaces indoors or outdoors.

Elliott's is a restaurant, bar and natural wine shop on Mare Street in London Fields, with another branch in Borough Market. This modern eatery is all about cooking using the best produce from independent suppliers, including traders in Borough Market and some of the best fruit and vegetable growers, fishermen and farmers in the UK and Europe. They cook using a wood-fired grill and oven to enhance the flavours of each ingredient via delicate plates of food. They pour natural wines sourced from growers who farm their land organically and bio-dynamically with zero or little additives.

Hill & Szrok is a whole carcass butchers and cookshop specialising in high-quality, organic, free-range meats cooked on-site to enjoy in the premises or to take home. It's inspired by both Istanbul and London's vibrant food cultures, with rows of perfectly grilled meats served with bright, healthy salads. Browse the refrigerated window for your next purchase to take home, grab a bite to eat in-house or participate in one of their butchery classes to learn the skill for yourself.

In the morning, Popham's is bashing out city-famous croissants by the second, ranging from your classic pain au chocolat to more inventive options like marmite and Schlossberg with spring onion. They've made a name for themselves for their pastries, but you can also enjoy lunch or dinner here. Dishes change regularly, but focus on seasonal produce and pasta.

It's all about award-winning, meat-free, and vegan pizzas made from the best ingredients at Flat Earth Pizzas, located right next to the canal in London Fields. The owners established Flat Earth to challenge conventional ideas around pizza, moving away from meat-loaded pizzas and bases made with ingredients flown in from Italy, honing in on local suppliers, and using the entire vegetable to avoid waste.

Lardo is another Italian restaurant in London Fields with outdoor seating and a seasonal menu. The food has daily changing specials that reflect what's ripest at that time of year, while the drinks highlight regional beers and low-intervention, natural wines. Expect pizza, pasta, and small plates in an industrial-chic space. This is a great spot if you like to dine outside, as they have plenty of seating for al fresco feasting.

This casual canalside bistro is all about seasonal small plates in a laid-back space in London Fields. The industrial style screams Hackney, and the full-length window view of the oldest gas towers in London adds to its charm. Chef Max Rocha previously worked at the renowned St John and the River Café and now brings his iconic flavours to Cafe Cecilia with a sprinkling of his Irish heritage.

Third Culture Deli is a plant-based café and deli on Broadway Market that serves grab-and-go food and offers the opportunity to stock up on vegan pantry staples. Swing by for lunch and grab a freshly prepared sandwich or salad, or go all out at one of their vegan supper clubs.

Chakana is a stylish restaurant on Broadway Market where contemporary dishes are inspired by Peruvian traditions. With dishes like Andean Potato Stew and Reed Mullet Hot Ceviche, you'll be transported to vibrant South America without having to leave London. You'll also find Europe's most extensive range of Pisco brandy here.

It's carb city over at The Snapery East, The Snapery Bakery's first customer-facing shop. For many years, these guys have provided bread and pastries to some of the most iconic London restaurants. Their London Fields site offers breakfast and lunch dishes daily, with seasonal ingredients at the helm. Everything is made using Wildfarmed flour, which uses farming practices to put soil health first. There's also an extended weekend menu served here.

Japanese cuisine with a side of beach-Pacific lifestyle is the focus at OKKO on Broadway Market. This chic Japanese spot pays homage to Japanese elegance, using simple ingredients to create a menu of refined dishes, like sashimi, poke, and broth, and classic Japanese comfort food, such as ramen, katsu, and gyoza.

This London Fields restaurant brings the fiery flavours of Sichuan cuisine to Hackney via Asian-inspired dishes. Expect heat in most of the dishes served here, including Spicy Dan Dan Beef Noodles and the Sichuan Classic Sando with crispy chicken Sichuan sauce, mala honey sauce, smacked pickles, and slaw. Pop in and order your food on a tablet at the front, which you can enjoy in-house or to take away.

The Bach is the go-to spot for breakfast and brunch, where classic morning dishes take centre stage. Alongside a menu filled with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, you can enjoy quality coffee, New Zealand wines, cocktails, and local beers. Named after the traditional New Zealand holiday home or beach house, a 'bach' is a symbol of relaxation and escape, perfectly reflecting the laid-back vibe of this café.

If you're craving Italian comforts, Bella Vita on Broadway Market is the place to be. They serve traditional dishes like pasta and pizza as well as a handful of fish—and meat-based mains, sides, and salads. The outside seating area is a main draw, imitating the feeling of dining al fresco in a faraway European country.

Buen Ayre is the place to go for traditional Argentine steak in East London. Although meat is the centrepiece here, they also serve things like empanadas and chorizo cooked in cider and some veggie-friendly dishes. It's the top spot for prime Argentinian steak cuts.

Ombra's menu celebrates oraganic produce, rare breed meat, and hand-rolled pasta made on-site daily. The dishes here regularly change to keep up with the seasons, including a range of elevated Italian dishes. Ombra's wine list is focused on low-intervention and natural wines, mostly hailing from Italy, with a handful of exceptions if they feel it's genuinely worth it. Enjoy your meal with views of the neighbouring canal.

El Ganso Café is a casual Broadway Market restaurant serving tapas dishes and one-off specials. Led by renowned chef Marcelo Sánchez Cabrera, the menu highlights seasonal produce with a focus on authentic Spanish flavours. The atmosphere imitates the experience of dining in Spain while maintaining an intimate and relaxed setting.

The Dove is a traditional London boozer on Broadway Market with a bright blue, unmissable façade. The menu combines British classics with Thai cuisine, with lots of choices for plant-based diners. They also serve beers and wines from around the world, including 101 bottled beers and cocktails. There's outside streetside seating for drinking al fresco or plenty of seating indoors. It's a great spot to people-watch.

This independent restaurant and bar on Mare Street offers Mexican classics with a creative twist, challenging traditional ideas about Mexican cuisine. The vibrant Day of the Dead-inspired street art mural takes centre stage indoors, but there's also the option for outdoor seating. Enjoy your food with a selection of draught beers and wines; the bar is known for mixing up some seriously good margaritas.

For hearty pub grub and good beer, head to The Cat & Mutton at the end of Broadway Market. This classic boozer has been around since the 16th century and is particularly proud of its extensive selection of beers. The food menu varies and includes the sort of fare you'd expect to see on a pub menu but is slightly elevated. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, too. The weekly DJ sessions are worth checking out if you like a boogie.

Not strictly a restaurant but plenty of dining options are available at Neil Market, London Fields' famous food market nestled between Mare Street and Broadway Market. Don't know what you fancy? Swing by and browse the many traders here. You've good Asian cuisine by Sen Woods, pizza slices by World Famous Gordon, NY-style bagels by Paulie's Bagels and much more.

Caribbean Kitchen is a family-owned takeaway on Mare Street serving hearty homemade Caribbean classics in a laid-back space. This popular spot might seem a little unassuming from the outside, but it should certainly not be walked past. The Jamaican food served here is bold, packed with flavour, and affordable. It includes jerk chicken and pork, jerk chicken burgers, salfish and cabbage and brown stew chicken, and many other Jamaican classics with a twist. They often have lunch deals, so keep an eye open if you want to nab a bargain.