A Foodie's Guide to the Best Dalston Restaurants in 2025
- comedyinyoureye
- Oct 7
- 14 min read
Dalston is the sort of place where you can find something good to eat on every corner. Whether you’re after a kebab at midnight or a vegan lunch, there’s always a spot buzzing with people. The best Dalston restaurants keep things interesting, with everything from Turkish grills to natural wine bars and bakeries that make you want to move in next door. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide will help you find the local favourites, the hidden cafés, and the places everyone’s talking about for 2025.
Key Takeaways
Dalston’s Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants on Kingsland Road are famous for their grills, kebabs, and sweet treats—don’t miss the bakeries.
You can eat your way around the world here, with standout spots for Southeast Asian, African, Indian, and Pakistani food all within walking distance.
Vegan and vegetarian options are everywhere, from trendy plant-based cafés to Asian-inspired dishes and affordable comfort food.
Locals love the independent cafés and bakeries, especially for sourdough, pastries, and late-night coffee stops.
Natural wine bars and places serving small plates are perfect for a relaxed evening, and Dalston’s iconic dishes are always worth seeking out.
Turkish and Middle Eastern Gems Lighting Up Kingsland Road
Kingsland Road is pretty much the heart of Dalston’s Turkish and Middle Eastern food scene. Walk down this stretch, and you’ll see smoke curling out of ocakbaşı grills, every other shop window packed with fresh bread and vibrant desserts, and the chatter of diners picking over platters of kebabs long into the night. Honestly, it’s tough to choose just one spot most evenings, but that’s half the fun.
Classic Ocakbaşı Grills and Traditional Kebabs
Grill culture is everything here, with spots that have been perfecting their kebabs for decades. The meat hits the charcoal, the flatbreads come out hot and pillowy, and there’s always a loud table arguing over who gets the last piece of lamb.
Key choices for a classic ocakbaşı night out:
Skewers fresh off the open fire (Adana, lamb, chicken)
Sizzling mixed grills, sometimes with a tomato-laden sauce on top
Salads loaded with sumac onions, fresh parsley, and tomatoes
Traditional pide, that soft canoe-shaped bread with melted cheese and spicy sausage
Restaurant | Star Dish | Average Price (pp) |
|---|---|---|
19 Numara Bos Cirrik II | Mixed Grill | £18-23 |
Umut 2000 | Lamb Shish | £16-20 |
Ocakbasi Goldsmiths | Adana Kebab | £14-17 |
The thing is, once you’ve tasted smoky meat hot off the coals, you’ll struggle to enjoy kebabs anywhere else. Kingsland Road ruins you in the best way.
Modern Takes at Mangal II and Beyond
Some family-run places here have gone modern, tweaking old-school recipes with British ingredients or new presentation. Mangal II is the obvious highlight – if you’re lucky enough to get a table, expect wild-caught fish cooked on the grill, chicken livers with salad, and their own take on house-made chilli sauce. Friends drag me back just for the sourdough pide and the creative small plates.
New dishes pop up all the time (smoked mackerel, charred vegetables)
Drinks are better than ever: local beers, natural wines
Still feels cosy, no matter how ‘cool’ it’s got
Unmissable Turkish Bakeries and Sweets
No visit is complete without loading up on bakery snacks and desserts. Kingsland Road’s Turkish bakeries keep their counters jammed from dawn till night:
Fresh simit (sesame-crusted ring bread) for the road
Trays of baklava, dripping with honey and pistachios
Kunefe, made to order if you’re patient, with gooey cheese and crisp pastry
Börek, whether you’re after spinach and cheese or spiced mince
If you time it right, you may even catch the breads coming straight out of the oven – soft, warm, and impossible to resist. It’s the kind of place where you always buy more than you meant to.
So that’s Kingsland Road as it is right now: smoke in the air, bread on the tables, and meals that keep you coming back for just one more bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular haunt.
Best Dalston Restaurants for Global Cuisines
Dalston’s never been the type of place to stick to just one flavour. Wander down its main roads any day, and you’ll come across food from just about every corner of the world. There’s something exciting about how places in Dalston serve things you’d struggle to find elsewhere in London, and yet somehow, it all feels right at home here.
Southeast Asian Delights on Dalston’s Main Drag
Sometimes, it’s the little things that set a Southeast Asian spot apart. You’ll find family-run Vietnamese kitchens with their punchy pho and crisp banh mi, piled high with pickled veg. Thai curries don’t shy away from heat, and there’s even the odd Malaysian joint ladling out laksa that will fog up your glasses.
Try house-made noodle soups with all the fixings on Kingsland Road
Best banh mi shops can be found just a short walk from Dalston Junction
Sizzling woks at local Thai cafés produce spicy stir fries and coconut-heavy curries
Don’t skip Dalston’s buzzing Asian canteens—they’re fast, filling, and ridiculously tasty.
Authentic African Eateries Worth the Journey
There’s a proper sense of community in Dalston’s African restaurants. Nigerian, Ethiopian, Ghanaian—each brings something unique. Jollof rice is, without fail, a staple at West African tables, and you’d be hard-pressed to leave without getting roped into another round of suya skewers. Ethiopian spots serve fragrant stews piled on spongy injera.
Here’s a quick look at typical dishes you might come across:
Country | Must-Try Dish | Description |
|---|---|---|
Nigeria | Jollof Rice | Spicy tomato rice |
Ethiopia | Doro Wat | Spiced chicken stew |
Ghana | Kelewele | Fried, spiced plantain |
Some favourite African cafés sit quietly between bus stops and shops—blink and you’ll miss them, but locals know they’re worth tracking down.
Standout Indian and Pakistani Favourites
Dalston’s Indian and Pakistani scene is all about punchy flavours and home-style cooking. You’ll hear the clatter of tandoors from outside, and the smell of garam masala almost leads you in by the nose. There are North Indian curry houses, Punjabi kitchens, and tiny canteen-style Pakistani restos—think slow-cooked lamb, tangled piles of biryani, and perfectly crisp dosas dotted with chutneys.
It’s easy to see why people keep coming back for:
Tandoori grills and slow-roasted meats
Spiced veggie curries—these are fantastic for sharing
Fresh naan baked throughout the day
If you want a break from Turkish fare, Cafe Route on Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is a top shout for a mix of flavours, making sure global food always feels close by.
Walking into any of these spots, you get the sense that food here is a way of bringing people together—a sort of edible passport to the world, right in the heart of Dalston.
Unmissable Vegan and Vegetarian Hotspots in Dalston
Plant-forward restaurants in Dalston aren’t just for folks who skip meat—they’re some of the most popular spots for anyone after good food. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or somewhere in between, Dalston has grown into a hub for meat-free eating. These places bring out plenty of creativity and a few surprises along the way. You’ll find casual joints, Asian-inspired menus, and a lot of clever comfort food using local produce.
Plant-Based Pioneers Setting the Trend
There’s always been a plug for plant-based food in Dalston, but over the last year, it’s gone up a notch. The top places pull in crowds with menus that are tasty and full of unexpected twists. Here’s what makes some of them stand out:
Seasonal ingredients drive most menus, so expect regular changes and lots of local colour.
You’ll spot tasty innovations like miso-glazed aubergine bao, jackfruit shawarma, and vegan shawarma wraps.
Friendly staff and an upbeat crowd mean it doesn’t have that stuffy health food vibe—think more relaxed and fun.
Venue | Must-Try Dish | Price Range (£) |
|---|---|---|
Coalescence | Smoked Beetroot Burger | 12–15 |
Wild Root Café | Tofu Benedict | 8–11 |
The Green Table | Seitan Katsu Curry | 10–13 |
It really is easy to forget you’re in a vegan or vegetarian place when the menus are this interesting, and the food genuinely satisfies those comfort cravings.
Asian-Inspired Vegetarian Feasts
Plenty of the best veggie dishes in Dalston come with an Asian influence. From Vietnamese noodle bowls to Japanese rice plates, chefs here don’t shy away from bold spices and colour.
Dishes like crispy okra, pad Thai with tofu, and mushroom gyoza light up the scene.
Most kitchens offer a separate vegan menu, so there’s no hunting for a green symbol in tiny print.
Steamed buns, curries and colourful salads are perfect for sharing, and portions are pretty generous.
If you fancy eating out with friends who aren’t all plant-based, these are safe bets—nobody leaves hungry, and the atmosphere keeps things lively.
Affordable Vegan Comfort Food
You don’t need a big budget to enjoy good plant-based food in Dalston. Plenty of local spots serve up filling meals that won’t break the bank. If you’re short on cash or just want something quick, try these classics:
Loaded vegan “chicken” sandwiches
Smoky lentil chilli slices with fresh sourdough
Mac ‘n’ ‘cheese’ with crispy breadcrumbs and a touch of truffle oil
Many cafés do cheap lunch deals, especially midweek. This makes them a real favourite for students, freelancers and anyone needing a pick-me-up between meetings.
The mix of affordable pricing, hearty portions and a few indulgent touches make Dalston’s vegan scene a winner for all kinds of appetites. Book ahead for dinner, though—tables fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Hidden Independent Cafés and Bakeries That Locals Adore
Dalston’s best cafés are tucked away on corners and side streets, and locals wouldn’t have it any other way. Spend a morning here and you might spot writers, musicians, and the odd famous chef, all claiming their favourite window seat. Below, I’ll break down the standouts for incredible bread, coffee perfection, and the beloved late-night haunts that keep the area buzzing.
Sourdough, Pastries and the Best Flat Whites
There’s a certain magic to starting your day in Dalston with the tang of freshly baked sourdough and a perfect flat white. Hidden bakeries have flour-dusted windows and long queues, but everyone knows it’s worth the wait.
A proper Dalston morning starts with local bread and top-notch espresso.
Some spots to check out:
A neighbourhood sourdough bakery slinging olive and rosemary loaves straight from the oven
A tiny spot specialising in viennoiserie—think pain au chocolat, cardamom buns and glossy Danish pastries
Coffee bars pouring silky flat whites from beans roasted just down the road
Bakery/Café Name | Signature Bread/Pastry | Daily Coffee Special |
|---|---|---|
The Dusty Loaf | Olive Sourdough | Oat Flat White |
Rise & Go | Cinnamon Swirl | Iced Mocha |
Bun & Brew | Almond Croissant | Nitro Cold Brew |
Sweet Treats: Cakes, Baklava and More
When the sweet craving hits, Dalston delivers in spades. Melt-in-your-mouth baklava, crumbly biscuits, and elaborate cakes all await behind unassuming doors. One minute you’re grabbing a loaf to go, the next you’re sitting down to an oversized slice of pistachio cake—or three.
Here’s a quick list of what locals rave about:
Lemony drizzle cake, impossibly moist and sharp
Fresh, syrupy baklava layers stacked up by the counter
Giant vegan brownies loaded with walnuts
Sometimes you find the best sweets in places that don’t even have a sign — just follow your nose or the queue outside.
A good starting point is discovering Dalston's lively atmosphere through its bakeries and dessert cafés, which are just as much part of the neighbourhood’s charm as the bigger restaurants.
Late-Night Café Culture
In Dalston, café life doesn’t end when the sun goes down. There’s a real sense of community when friends gather for baklava and mint tea after a gig, or freelancers set up their laptops for a late deadline in a place that stays open well past midnight.
Popular features of Dalston’s after-dark cafés:
Cosy seating by big, steamed-up windows
Turkish tea served in small glasses, with a side of honey drizzled pistachio rolls
Playlists blending jazz, Afrobeats or local indie tracks for background energy
Don’t be surprised if your low-key coffee break turns into a night of music, stories, and people-watching—it’s just how Dalston works. The best thing? There’s always something or someone new to discover, every night of the week.
Top Picks for Natural Wines and Small Plates in Dalston
Dalston’s scene for anyone who loves natural wines and sharing-style eats has new sparkle in 2025. It’s not just the usual hip crowd you’ll find in these spots — everyone’s looking for the next surprise bottle or little plate that changes their mind about, say, cabbage or anchovies.
Buzzy Wine Bars with Local Character
When it comes to character, Dalston wine bars never feel forced. These places genuinely look like someone’s living room, just with better glasses and a record player humming in the corner.
It’s hard to beat the laid-back buzz at these local hangouts:
Oranj: This place keeps adding new low-intervention bottles every time you pop in, plus has guest chefs hosting supper clubs.
The Dreamery: Half wine bar, half ice cream parlour, all good fun. Natural wines by the glass, lots of local faces, and quirky snacks.
Ellie’s Bar: Taps into Dalston’s love for late-night mischief, with natural wine, crispy potatoes, and a young playlist.
Seasonal British Menus and Sharing Dishes
The real treat is how many places here focus on sharing plates, with local veg and plenty of surprises. Let’s be honest, it’s just more fun grabbing a forkful from someone else’s dish.
Here’s what turns up again and again on Dalston’s best tables:
Beetroot with whipped goat’s cheese and hazelnut oil
Smoked mackerel flatbread with foraged herbs
Charred leeks, pistachio romesco, soft eggs
Griddled peaches and burrata, even in weird weather
Plate | Usual Price (2025) | Best Paired With |
|---|---|---|
Charred Leeks & Pistachio Romesco | £9 | Orange wine (skin-contact) |
Beetroot & Goat’s Cheese | £7 | Crisp, funky white |
Mackerel Flatbread | £11 | Light, chilled red |
Burrata & Peaches | £8.50 | Rosé |
If you’ve never paired cold funky wine with a smoky veggie plate, this is your sign. It makes for the kind of meal that’s not too serious — just a proper good time with friends.
Laidback Evenings and Perfect Pairings
No need to dress up or book ahead for most Dalston wine bars; that’s half the charm. You’ll wander in on a weeknight and find a couple of seats at the bar, a friendly pour, and maybe five things chalked up on the snacks board.
Pair a glass of skin-contact white with anchovy toasts
Order another small plate of the crispiest fried potatoes (goes with anything)
Just ask — staff are always happy to recommend an offbeat bottle
For lovers of unfussy evenings and food that’s made to share, Dalston keeps it honest. The best part? You’ll probably end up staying a lot later than you planned, and nobody’s keeping score.
Where to Find Dalston’s Most Iconic Dishes
Dalston has always marched to its own drum when it comes to food. There’s no shortage of places claiming to serve the latest craze, but a handful of dishes truly stand out—these are the ones that locals quietly recommend or that you just see on every table. If you’re looking for what seriously makes Dalston’s food scene tick, it’s these special plates and bowls.
Must-Try Signature Plates
Grilled Adana kebab at one of Kingsland Road’s ocakbaşı spots — smokey, juicy, nestled on fluffy naan, with charred veg on the side.
Proper Sunday roast with all the trimmings, Yorkshire pudding towering on your plate, at a buzzy pub.
Mushroom and truffle tagliatelle at a neighbourhood Italian — creamy, earthy, and always filling.
Cod schnitzel with beurre blanc tartare at a modern British bistro, somewhere between comfort food and classic technique (see what’s cooking at Bistro Freddie).
The best thing about Dalston’s icons? No matter how often trends change, these dishes are always in demand, and you’ll notice every table has at least one.
Fusion Dishes Unique to Dalston
Fusion food in Dalston never feels forced. It’s a bit like how the area itself works — you get Turkish flavours pairing up with classic British, or Japanese seasoning giving a nudge to Italian plates. Here’s what you need to try:
Turkish-style pizza (lahmacun) topped with kimchi and free-range lamb mince.
Slow-braised beef bao buns, reworked by a local chef using Nigerian suya spices.
Vegan ramen made with roasted celeriac broth, a nod to both local vegan creativity and East Asian tradition.
Dish Name | Cuisine Base | Dalston Twist |
|---|---|---|
Lahmacun with Kimchi | Turkish | Korean topping, British lamb |
Suya Beef Bao Buns | Chinese/Nigerian | Local beef, fiery suya blend |
Celeriac Vegan Ramen | Japanese | Root veg broth, British veg |
Cult Favourites and Local Legends
Some dishes aren’t just food, they’re part of Dalston’s daily life. Some have online fame, others just keep locals coming back. Don’t leave without:
Hunkar begendi (smokey aubergine stew, topped with lamb, best mopped up with fresh bread).
Crispy pork lor bak from an East London restaurant that’s earned a loyal following beyond Dalston — Mambow serves up a perfect example (Mambow highlights).
Sweet, sticky baklava from family-run bakeries open late.
Classic fish and chips, salt and vinegar, wrapped up, always eaten hot on the way home.
For anyone exploring Dalston, starting with one of these dishes means you’ll really get what the neighbourhood is about. There are always new things to try, but these are the ones you’ll want to eat again and again.
Family-Friendly Restaurants for Groups and Gatherings
Dalston does a great job when it comes to restaurants that welcome everyone, kids and grandparents included. You’ll find loads of relaxed spots where nobody will bat an eye if things get a bit noisy or the kids drop a chip or two. Booking a big table is rarely an issue, and plenty of menus leave everyone grinning. Here’s how to make sure your next group meal is a good one:
Lively Pizzerias with Space for All
Pizza brings people together, and Dalston has got options. Long tables, sharing slices, endless jugs of lemonade – these spots are a hit for groups:
Big communal tables mean no need to squeeze in.
Pizzas come in all shapes and toppings, from classic Margherita to vegan specials.
Most offer gluten-free and dairy-free tweaks, so nobody gets left out.
Restaurant | Seating Capacity | Typical Price per Pizza | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Crust Bros | 30+ | £9-£14 | Big birthday groups |
Flat Earth | 20-25 | £8-£15 | Family vegan feasts |
One local favourite keeps the drinks flowing and the playlists upbeat, letting you take your time over your meal. You can check out more options for groups in London by browsing a curated selection of great restaurants.
Shared Platters and Mezze Experiences
Dalston’s Turkish and Middle Eastern heritage means platters galore. Shared mezze dishes are perfect – just grab a fork and dig in. Here’s what you’ll spot:
Warm flatbreads stacked high.
Dishes of aromatic rice, spiced lamb, and fresh salads.
Big jugs of ayran or juice to cool things down on a hot day.
Some places do set sharing deals for groups, which keeps things easy on the bill. Others let you order as much or as little as you fancy, so you can tailor things for big gatherings or fussy eaters.
When you let everyone help themselves from a huge platter, there’s way less stress than trying to order twelve different mains.
Affordable Menus for Every Age
Taking a group out shouldn’t mean breaking the bank. Dalston has restaurants with fixed-price menus and kids’ meals, so all ages and budgets are covered:
Set menus for families keep costs predictable.
Table service is relaxed, never rushed.
Staff are used to sorting highchairs, allergies, and tired toddlers.
If you’re planning a group evening, look up restaurants with plenty of space and laid-back vibes – Dalston’s best spots are just as happy to serve big groups as they are couples or solo diners.
Conclusion
So, that’s Dalston for you in 2025 – a proper mix of old favourites and new faces, all packed into a few busy streets. Whether you’re after a quick bite, a long dinner with mates, or just a good coffee and a pastry, there’s something here for everyone. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve wandered down Kingsland Road, thinking I’d just grab a snack, and ended up in a totally different spot than planned. That’s the fun of it, really. Dalston keeps changing, but the food scene always feels welcoming. Next time you’re hungry and not sure where to go, just head here and see what grabs you. Chances are, you’ll find a new favourite before you know it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Turkish restaurants to try in Dalston?
Dalston is famous for its Turkish food, especially around Kingsland Road. You can enjoy tasty grilled meats at places like Umut 2000 and 19 Numara Bos Cirrik II. For a modern twist, Mangal II is a great choice. Don’t forget to check out Turkish bakeries for fresh bread and sweet treats like baklava.
Are there good options for vegan or vegetarian food in Dalston?
Yes, Dalston has many vegan and vegetarian spots. Some restaurants serve creative plant-based dishes, while others offer Asian-inspired veggie meals. You can also find affordable vegan comfort food, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a meat-free meal.
Where can I find food from around the world in Dalston?
Dalston is home to many global cuisines. You can find tasty Southeast Asian food, African dishes, and Indian or Pakistani favourites. There are also places serving food from other parts of the world, so you’ll never run out of new things to try.
Are there any cosy cafés or bakeries that locals love?
Dalston has lots of independent cafés and bakeries. Many serve fresh sourdough bread, pastries, and great coffee. You can also find places with amazing cakes, baklava, and other sweets. Some cafés are open late, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.
What’s special about Dalston’s natural wine bars and small plates restaurants?
Dalston’s wine bars are friendly and full of character. Many serve natural wines and offer small plates that are perfect for sharing. Some focus on British food made with seasonal ingredients. These spots are great for a laid-back night out with good food and drinks.
Are there family-friendly restaurants in Dalston?
Yes, there are many places in Dalston that welcome families and groups. You’ll find lively pizzerias with lots of space, restaurants with shared platters or mezze, and places with affordable menus for all ages. It’s easy to find somewhere fun and tasty for everyone.