Discover Hackney's Culinary Gems: Your Guide to the Best Places to Eat

Hackney is a bit of a legend in East London, right? It's known for being super creative and having a really cool vibe. But beyond the buzz, there's a whole load of amazing places to eat that you might not know about. If you're looking for the best places to eat Hackney has to offer, you've come to the right spot. We've rounded up some top picks that are seriously worth checking out, whether you're a local or just visiting.

Key Takeaways

• Nest offers a modern British dining experience with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.

• P. Franco is a unique spot combining a wine shop with a rotating guest chef menu.

• Morito serves up vibrant North African and Eastern Mediterranean tapas.

• The Dusty Knuckle Bakery is a community-focused bakery known for its sourdough and sandwiches.

• Oren provides a relaxed atmosphere with delicious Eastern Mediterranean dishes and natural wines.

1. Nest: Modern British Magic

Tucked away on Morning Lane, Nest is a real find for anyone after a taste of modern British cooking done right. It’s a small place, so don't expect huge crowds, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in flavour and atmosphere. They’re all about seasonal ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, which means the menu changes to reflect what’s best at that particular time of year.

The tasting menu is where Nest really shines, offering a journey through creative, contemporary dishes. It’s a chance to try a bit of everything, and honestly, it’s usually a good shout. You’ll find dishes that are both familiar and surprising, all presented beautifully. It’s the sort of place where you can tell the chefs really care about what they’re putting on the plate.

Here’s a rough idea of what you might encounter:

• Small plates focusing on seasonal vegetables

• Thoughtfully prepared fish and meat dishes

• A dessert that’s always a sweet surprise

It’s not the cheapest meal you’ll have in Hackney, but for a special occasion or just a treat, it’s definitely worth considering. Booking ahead is pretty much essential, especially if you want to snag a table on a weekend.

Dining at Nest feels like being let in on a well-kept secret. The intimate setting and the focus on quality ingredients make for a memorable meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

2. P. Franco: Wine & Plates You Won't Forget

Tucked away on Lower Clapton Road, P. Franco is a spot that really gets the whole 'wine bar with food' thing right. It’s not just about the drinks, though they are seriously good – think a fantastic selection of natural and low-intervention wines that’ll have you exploring flavours you never knew existed. The real magic happens when you pair those wines with their ever-changing menu of small plates.

Forget stuffy dining rooms; P. Franco has this wonderfully relaxed vibe. It feels like you've stumbled upon a local secret, the kind of place you’d happily spend an evening chatting and grazing. The food is thoughtful, creative, and always delicious. You might find yourself tucking into perfectly cooked charcuterie, seasonal vegetable dishes that are anything but boring, or perhaps some expertly prepared seafood. It’s the sort of place where the quality of ingredients really shines through.

What to expect on any given visit:

• A curated list of exciting natural wines, often by the glass or carafe.

• A menu of small, shareable plates that change with the seasons.

• A buzzing, friendly atmosphere that encourages lingering.

It’s a brilliant example of how simple, well-executed food and great wine can create a memorable experience. If you're looking for a place to discover new wines and enjoy some seriously tasty bites, P. Franco is definitely worth seeking out. It’s a great spot to explore if you're interested in London's vibrant nightlife.

The focus here is on letting the quality of the produce and the skill in the kitchen speak for themselves, all while you sip on something interesting from their extensive wine list. It’s uncomplicated, but incredibly satisfying.

3. Morito: North African Tapas with a Twist

Morito on Hackney Road is a place that really knows how to do small plates. It’s a spin-off from the original Exmouth Market spot, and they’ve carried on doing what they do best. The idea is simple: Spanish and North African flavours, served up tapas-style. This means you can try a bit of everything, or just keep ordering if you’re still peckish.

The menu here is always changing, but you can’t really go wrong with anything you pick. It’s worth keeping an eye out for their labneh, any of the seafood dishes, and definitely the croquettes and cheese fritters – they’re usually spot on. Sitting at the counter is a nice option if you’re with a partner, but it’s also a good shout for a relaxed meal with friends you want to impress a little.

Here are a few things that often get a mention:

• Labneh with pistachios and honey

• Crispy squid with lemon aioli

• Lamb kofta with mint and yoghurt

• Patatas bravas with a smoky paprika sauce

It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a couple of hours just grazing and chatting. The atmosphere is usually buzzing, but not so loud that you can’t hear yourself think. Definitely a solid choice for a flavourful evening out.

4. The Dusty Knuckle Bakery

Forget your usual sit-down meal for a moment and picture this: incredible baked goods, made with real passion. That's The Dusty Knuckle Bakery for you. It's not just a place to grab a loaf; it's a proper community hub that happens to make some seriously tasty food. They started out with a mission to help young people get into work, and honestly, you can taste that care in everything they produce.

Their sourdough is something else – crusty on the outside, soft and chewy within. And the pastries? Oh, the pastries. Think flaky croissants, rich pain au chocolat, and seasonal fruit tarts that look as good as they taste. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why simple, well-made food is often the best.

Beyond the bread and pastries, they do a cracking line in sandwiches. Using their own amazing bread, of course, filled with interesting combinations that change regularly. You might find slow-cooked lamb, or perhaps a vibrant veggie option. It’s always fresh, always flavourful, and always satisfying.

Here’s what you absolutely have to try:

• Sourdough Bread: The star of the show. Perfect for toast or just tearing off a chunk.

• Seasonal Fruit Tarts: Beautifully made and bursting with flavour.

• The Daily Sandwich: Always a surprise, always delicious.

• Coffee: They do a good cup of coffee too, perfect for pairing with your pastry.

The Dusty Knuckle is more than just a bakery; it's a testament to what happens when good intentions meet great baking. It’s a place that feels good to support, and even better to eat from.

5. Oren: The Mediterranean Gem

Tucked away on Shacklewell Lane, Oren is a bit of a hidden treasure. It’s not flashy, but the food is seriously good, focusing on Eastern Mediterranean flavours. Think really smooth hummus and tasty skewers, all paired with a well-chosen selection of natural wines. It’s the sort of place that feels just right for a relaxed lunch on a weekend, or maybe a more low-key date night.

What you can expect:

• Silky smooth hummus

• Succulent grilled skewers

• A curated list of natural wines

Oren manages to feel both elegant and relaxed, making it a standout spot for anyone looking for authentic Mediterranean tastes without any fuss. It’s a place that lets the quality of the ingredients and the cooking speak for themselves.

6. Miga: Modern Korean Marvel

Miga is a relatively new spot in East London that's already making a big splash. Opened in the summer of 2024, it's a family-run place that's all about giving modern Korean food a bit of a shake-up. They're not just serving up the usual suspects; Miga is all about bold flavours and dishes that really pack a punch.

If you're looking for something a bit different, Miga is definitely worth checking out. The vibe is warm and welcoming, making it a great place to go whether you're on a date or catching up with mates. They've got a knack for creating dishes that are both exciting and comforting.

Here are a few things that really stood out:

• Yughwe: This is their take on beef tartare, and it's something else. Think tender beef, sweet Asian pear, and a perfectly glistening egg yolk on top. It sounds fancy, but it tastes amazing.

• Maeun Saeu: These are prawns served in a really flavourful gochujang sauce. They're not just prawns; they're little pink beauties swimming in a puddle of deliciousness.

• The overall experience: It's the kind of place where the food is the star, but the friendly service makes you feel right at home.

Miga proves that modern Korean doesn't have to be complicated. It's about taking familiar flavours and presenting them in a way that feels fresh and exciting, using good ingredients and a bit of flair. It’s a spot that’s definitely worth seeking out if you’re in the Hackney area and fancy something a bit special.

7. Shankeys: Irish-Indian Fusion

Shankeys is a place that really surprises you. It’s a spot in Homerton that takes two very different cuisines – Irish and Indian – and somehow makes them work together beautifully. Forget what you think you know about fusion food, because this is something special.

The menu is where the magic really happens, with dishes that sound a bit wild but taste incredible. Think along the lines of 'Spuds & Butter', which is a cocktail served in a glass that looks like melted butter, or their chaat potatoes. These aren't your average fried potatoes; they're crispy on the outside, soft inside, and coated in a turmeric and poitín butter that’s both oily and a little spicy. A green chilli chutney cuts through it all perfectly, keeping things fresh.

It’s not just about the food, though. The whole experience feels really personal. The plates they use are often floral, looking like something you’d find at your nan’s house, which adds to the cosy, welcoming vibe. It’s a bit of a colourful mess, in the best possible way.

Here’s a little taste of what you might find:

• Chaat Potatoes with turmeric and poitín butter

• Spuds & Butter cocktail

• Dishes served on charming, vintage-style crockery

It’s the kind of place that makes you feel right at home, even if you’ve never tried Irish-Indian food before. Definitely worth a visit if you're looking for something a bit different.

8. Towpath: Riverside Dining

Tucked away right on the Regent's Canal towpath, Towpath is one of those places that just feels like a proper find. It really comes into its own when the weather warms up, with big windows that slide open and a few tables outside. You can imagine spending a good chunk of a summer afternoon here, just watching the world go by.

They do breakfast, which often includes things like fried eggs on toast or granola with fruit. Later in the day, the blackboard menu usually has a few tempting cakes – their olive oil and lemon cake is particularly light and lovely – alongside savoury options like pork tenderloin or a homemade quiche. It’s the sort of place that feels relaxed but still serves up really good food.

It's a spot that encourages you to linger, a simple pleasure in a busy city.

The vibe is casual, but the food is thoughtfully prepared. It's a great shout if you're after a relaxed meal with a nice view, especially if you catch it on a sunny day.

9. Pidgin: Weekly Changing Menu

Pidgin is a spot that really keeps you on your toes, and honestly, that's part of its charm. They've got this brilliant idea where the menu changes completely every single week. You're never quite sure what you're going to get, but it's always something interesting. It means you can go back again and again and have a totally different experience each time.

It's a great way to try new things and see what the chefs are inspired by at that particular moment. They often draw from different cuisines, so one week might feel a bit Italian, and the next could have a distinctly Asian influence. It’s a refreshing approach to dining out, especially if you're someone who likes a bit of culinary adventure.

The constant evolution of their dishes means there's always a reason to return. It’s a place that rewards curiosity and a willingness to step outside your usual food preferences.

If you're looking for a place that offers a consistently fresh dining experience, Pidgin is definitely worth checking out. It’s a testament to creative cooking and a fun way to explore different flavours without leaving Hackney.

10. The Laughing Heart: British-Chinese Fusion

Tucked away on Hackney Road, The Laughing Heart is a bit of an enigma. From the outside, it’s just a simple storefront, but step inside and you’re met with a really interesting blend of a restaurant and a wine bar. They’re doing this thing where they mix British and Chinese flavours, and honestly, it works surprisingly well. It’s not your typical Chinese takeaway, that’s for sure. They’ve got a knack for taking familiar ingredients and giving them a whole new spin.

What’s really cool is the downstairs wine cave. It’s the perfect spot for a late-night drink after your meal, or even just to pop in for a glass. They’ve got a decent selection, and it complements the food nicely. It feels like a bit of a secret spot, which adds to the charm.

Here’s a little taste of what you might find on their menu:

• Crispy Pork Belly Bao Buns: A classic, but done with their own twist.

• Salt and Pepper Tofu: Perfectly fried and seasoned.

• Seasonal Greens with Ginger: Simple, fresh, and flavourful.

The whole vibe is relaxed but still feels special. It’s the kind of place you’d go if you wanted something a bit different, something that surprises you. They’re not afraid to experiment, and that’s what makes it exciting. It’s a great example of how Hackney’s food scene is always evolving, offering up unique spots like this. If you're looking for something beyond the usual, this is definitely worth checking out. You might even find yourself wanting to try some of their other dishes, like the Chicken Laksa if you're in the mood for something different.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Right then, that's a wrap on our little tour of Hackney's food scene. We've barely scratched the surface, really, but hopefully, this gives you a good starting point. Whether you're after a fancy meal or just a decent bite to eat, Hackney's got something for everyone, you just have to know where to look. So next time you're in the area, ditch the usual suspects and go explore. You might just find your new favourite spot. Happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food can I expect in Hackney?

Hackney has loads of different food! You can find modern British dishes, tasty tapas, yummy Mediterranean food, and even some cool Irish-Indian fusion. There are also great bakeries and places for coffee.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?

Many places in Hackney focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, so you'll often find great veggie and vegan choices. Some restaurants even specialise in these options, like the Ethiopian vegan place.

Do I need to book a table at these restaurants?

For some of the more popular spots, especially those with tasting menus or small dining areas, booking in advance is a really good idea to avoid disappointment.

Are these restaurants expensive?

Hackney offers a range of dining experiences. While some places might be a bit pricier for a special meal, there are also many affordable and delicious options, including bakeries and casual eateries.

What's special about The Dusty Knuckle Bakery?

The Dusty Knuckle is famous for its amazing potato sourdough bread and tasty sandwiches. Plus, it's a social enterprise, meaning it helps train young people, which makes the food taste even better!

Can I find places for a casual meal or just a drink?

Absolutely! Besides full restaurants, Hackney has cool wine bars like P. Franco and The Laughing Heart, and relaxed cafes and bakeries perfect for a lighter bite or a drink.