Ten Restaurants In Dalston That Locals Love For Food & Vibes!

Wandering our World is reader supported! If you purchase anything through a link on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Last updated on December 31, 2022 by Wandering our World

Dalston is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood in the heart of East London, known for its lively atmosphere and exciting food scene. With its mix of trendy bars, independent restaurants, and traditional market stalls, there really is something for every type of foodie in Dalston.

And one of the standout features of the Dalston food scene is its multicultural influence. The neighbourhood has a long history of immigration, and this is reflected in the wide variety of cuisines on offer.

However, the true melting pot of cultures would be the Ridley Road Market, a great place to sample local specialities and pick up some unique ingredients for your own cooking.

Overall, Dalston is a must-visit destination for foodies and travellers looking to experience the best of London’s diverse and exciting food scene. And if you’re stumped for choice, we’re here to help! So let’s introduce you to the best restaurants that we believe Dalston has to offer.

Close Up Of Waitress Working In Traditional English Pub Serving Breakfast To Guests
iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages

The Best Restaurants In Dalston: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. The Midyeci

Midyeci is a casual Turkish seafood restaurant known for its authentic, flavourful dishes, and its comfortable, laid-back atmosphere.

If you’re a foodie looking for authentic, delicious Turkish cuisine in a casual, laid-back setting, look no further than The Midyeci. This charming restaurant, located in the heart of the Dalston neighbourhood, offers a wide selection of contemporary seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving.

As soon as you walk through the doors of Midyeci, you’ll be struck by the relaxed atmosphere of the place. It’s the perfect spot to unwind. It feels like a true neighbourhood spot, the kind of place where you could drop by for a quick bite or stay for hours.

The menu at Midyeci is full of Turkish seafood specialities, the most popular dish on their menu being the stuffed mussels. They use a mixture of traditional cooking, with a little creative flare, to make a fusion of comfort food with Turkish flavour.

Customers rave about the delicious, fresh flavours of the dishes at Midyeci, as well as the friendly and attentive service provided by the staff. Of course, it’s counter-serve, but that doesn’t make the experience any less pleasant!

So if you’re looking for incredible, comforting Turkish cuisine and somewhere to relax and have a casual meal, be sure to check out Midyeci. You won’t be disappointed!

  • Opening Hours: 12 pm to 11 pm Daily
  • Location: 505 Kingsland Rd, London
Selection of Turkish dishes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Yulia Gusterina

2. Plant Club

A trendy vegan up-and-comer serving Italian cuisine with a plant-based twist in a trendy plant-inspired venue with outdoor seating.

The Plant Club is a trendy vegan restaurant on the outskirts of lively Dalston. It’s where the creativity of vegan cuisine meets the robust flavourful world of Italian cooking, creating an experience you don’t want to miss.

The venue boasts a contemporary design, with a windowed ceiling that allows natural light to flood the space. The whole place reminds us of having tea in a greenhouse, and we suppose that’s how they earned their name. The interior is decorated with modern furnishings and succulent plants, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere.

For diners looking to enjoy their meals outdoors, The Plant Club also has curbside outdoor seating and a small patio. This is a popular spot for soaking up the city’s lively ambience while enjoying a delicious meal.

The menu at The Plant Club specialises in vegan Italian cuisine, featuring a variety of plant-based dishes that are both flavorful and healthy. Options include pasta dishes made with homemade sauces and a selection of pizzas topped with creative, vegan-friendly ingredients.

There are also a variety of appetisers and salads available, as well as a selection of desserts made with vegan ingredients like the all-important Italian staple, Tiramisu.

Whether you’re a vegan looking for tasty plant-based options or trying something new, The Plant Club is the perfect spot to experience innovative vegan Italian cuisine in one what is easily one of the best restaurants in Dalston.

  • Opening Hours: 5 pm to 10 pm Thurs & Fri; 1 pm to 11 pm Sat; 1 pm to 8 pm Sun
  • Location: 49 Green Lanes, Newington Green, London
Wine and pizza display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Foxys_Forest_Manufacture

3. Angelina

An exciting taste adventure where Japanese and Italian cuisines meet to make one incredibly sophisticated dining experience.

If you’re making your way through Dalston and see Angelina, we promise you you’re in for a treat. We never thought we’d come across such a creative collaboration of cuisines, but here we have it, Japanese-Italian fusion!

The venue boasts a bespoke design, an elegant and classy interior, and an open kitchen. The space is decorated with stylish furnishings and modern artwork, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere.

The central feature, the kitchen, reminds us of sushi bars and provides dinner and a show where guests can watch their food being expertly prepared.

Outside the entrance, a semi-private patio has been enclosed in a nest of gorgeous shrubs. It still offers an air of intimacy without sacrificing everyone’s favourite hobby; people-watching.

The menu at Angelina features a variety of innovative dishes that combine the flavours and techniques of Japanese and Italian cuisine. Unfortunately, their menu lacks an ala carte feature at the time of writing, but it does have a robust Kaiseki tasting menu of 10 courses or an Omasaki menu featuring 4 courses and an optional Wine Tasting.

We’re not complaining, though; the more you try, the better the experience. And considering the unique fusion they serve, you’d want to try it all!

The staff are professional and efficient and are ready to answer all your questions about the new and wonderful cuisine they’ve created.

So it goes without saying if you’re interested in exploring new fusion, Angelina is the best restaurant in Dalston to try.

  • Opening Hours: 5 pm to 11 pm Mon – Fri; 1 pm to 3:30 pm; 5 pm to 11 pm Sat; Closed Sun
  • Location: 56 Dalston Ln, London
Chef cooking in kitchen
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

4. OREN

A romantic Mediterranean grill with a concise menu served in a cosy and intimate setting.

When the craving hits to sink your teeth into some incredible Mediterranean cuisine, we can only recommend OREN. Opened in 2019, this flourishing restaurant has built a reputation for having some of the best food on the block and the reviews speak for themselves.

When it comes to the menu, OREN does not disappoint. They offer a variety of flavourful Mediterranean dishes cooked to perfection over a wood-fired grill. From grilled meats like lamb, pork, and beef to a variety of grilled vegetables like aubergine, and zucchini, there’s plenty to try and enjoy.

We always recommend indulging in a spot of Mezze at Mediterranean restaurants too, and OREN is no exception. So if you truly want a taste of the cuisine, this is the best way to do it, hands down.

But the heartier fare is still on the table as well, and you can find Pork Chops, a Jerusalem Mix Grill plate, and more packed with incredible flavour.

For libations, we implore you to explore their intricate drinks menu, from imported wines and beers to artisanal cocktails; it’s packed with impeccable choices.

The venue is a romantic tribute to the inspiration for the menu. It’s quaint, with a small dining space often bustling with activity from hoards of diners just itching to try the food. Bold yellow and soft wooden furnishings meet dark, broody colours in a stunning and modern contrast.

  • Opening Hours: 5 pm to 11 pm Tues – Fri; 1 pm to 11 pm Sat; Closed Sun & Mon
  • Location: 89 Shacklewell Ln, London
Mediterranean dishes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/los_angela

5. The Clove Club

An elegant treat of seasonal British cuisine tucked on the outskirts of Dalston, this Michelin-starred venue is a must-see for anyone who wants a taste of luxurious dining.

Found on the outskirts of Dalston, The Clove Club is a sophisticated outlier that’s been the talk of the town since their inauguration into society in 2013.

Led by expert chef Isaac Mchale, their menu is a seasonal delight, showing impressive skill and creativity in a way that showcases the best ingredients found in the local area.

Each season, a new Set Menu arrives on the scene filled with tempting dishes that not only look incredible on the plate but are rumoured to be unfathomably delicious.

Of course, we expect nothing less. The entire restaurant is based on a calibre of class and heritage, so it’s fitting that the venue is found in a historic building and, while casual, has an atmosphere that blossoms with refined dining expectations.

The staff are detail-oriented and attentive to their tables, delivering a dining experience for the books that you certainly want to take advantage of.

From the elegant, encompassing venue to the gorgeously plated meals made sustainably, there’s no more need to convince you that The Clove Club is a must-try restaurant.

The Clove Club has steadily held the title of being one of the best restaurants in Dalston and the surrounding region for years. Even so, if that still doesn’t persuade you, in 2016, they were Britain’s highest-ranking entry into the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

Oh, and did we mention the two shiny Michelin Stars? No? Well, they have those too!

  • Opening Hours: 6:30 pm to 11 pm Wed; 12 pm to 2 pm, 6:30 pm to 11 pm
  • Location: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London
Chef adding drizzle to fine dining plate
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kuzmin

6. KRAFT

A contemporary cocktail bar serving modern Korean treats alongside craft cocktails and beers, the perfect destination for a weekend brunch.

KRAFT is a collaboration of businesses, all pitching together to create a dynamic dining experience that covers all the bases for their guests. From the stylish venue, courtesy of Locke Aparthotels, to the German Kraft Beer, you may find yourself finding a new favourite local hangout when you visit.

The stylish venue has a modern twist on retro urban dining. At a glance, you may be reminded of old 50s Diners, but upon further inspection, the pops of pastel colour, hard edges and cool, contemporary design will impress.

Everything about it is suave in a Millenial sort of way and totally Instagrammable for all you foodie influencers out there. The round-edged bar is where the action happens, as mixologists team up with a deluge of spirits and craft beers to bring you innovative and colourful cocktails.

And if you’re looking for brunch, there’s no better place.

The kitchen specialises in Korean cuisine and ranges from bar snacks to hearty mains. Visitors rave about the homemade Kimchi and express that, above all else, your dish should at least have a dash of the famed Korean pickled vegetables. You’re in luck because you can find it in Kimchi Pancakes, Kimchi Rice or as a side to add to your Korean Fried Chicken Combo.

The staff, like the venue, are vibrant and welcoming and are used to the grind of a busy, happy hour, so expect nothing less than speedy service with a smile.

  • Opening Hours: 4 pm to 11 pm Mon – Thurs; 12 pm to 12 am Fri & Sat; 12 pm to 10 pm Sun
  • Location: Kingsland Locke, 130a Kingsland High St, London
assortment of asian dishes on a table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/thesomegirl

7. Filthy Buns

A wacky take on gut-busting burgers found in a casual pop-up on Dalston Street with outdoor seating.

Come on down to visit one of Dalston’s most successful pop-ups. Filthy Buns on Dalston Street might just deserve the title of London’s best burgers according to several of the regulars.

They’re contemporary and urban, with a youthful attitude that’s made them easy to love. Not only is the food known for being incredible, but the atmosphere is, frankly, unbeatable. You wouldn’t expect it from looking in from the outside, but if you ignore the old-style building, you’ll quickly fall in love with the character of the restaurant itself.

They even have outdoor seating on a covered patio for those looking to enjoy their meals outdoors. This is a popular spot with plenty of space to have a sneaky sundowner with your closest friends. Inside it’s a bit more like your local pub, but when you come to Filthy Buns, you’re not here for the wacky decor.

They make the ultimate comfort food; and the owner has described their cuisine as “grabbing the humble burger and turbocharging it”. That’s downplaying it. The burgers are monstrous, with some of the stacked patties seemingly bigger than your head, so we hope you’ve brought a healthy appetite; you’re going to need it.

And the best part is that they have offerings for vegetarians too.

Not only are the burgers huge, but they come in such unique and creative combinations that they will impress even the most demanding burger aficionados. Our recommendation: The Lockdown Millionaire; we promise you won’t find anything like it.

  • Opening Hours: 5 pm to 9 pm Tues – Fri; 1 pm to 9 pm Sat; 1pm to 8 pm Sun; Closed Mon
  • Location: 99 Dalston Ln, London
Big burger on wooden table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Georgiy Datsenko

8. Andu Ethiopian Vegan Cafe

A vegan twist on Ethiopian cuisine served in a quaint and cosy neighbourhood cafe.

Andu Ehtiopian Vegan Cafe is a plant-based restaurant located in the vibrant Dalston neighbourhood, offering a wide range of authentic Ethiopian dishes with a vegan twist. If you’re a fan of Ethiopian cuisine or simply looking for something new and delicious to try, this is the perfect spot.

As soon as you walk through the doors of Andu, you’ll be struck by the cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The space is decorated with colourful accents and rattan furnishings, creating a warm and inviting vibe that makes you feel right at home.

The menu at Andu is surprisingly concise, but don’t let the limited options scare you away; they expertly create delicious, authentic Ethiopian cuisine, and it’s all vegan too!

The selection is small, but that’s the beauty of it; each dish is perfected to give you the best taste of traditional cuisine. Of course, the best dish to order would be the Sampler, a small portion of everything on the menu conveniently served on one plate.

In addition to the delicious food, Andu also has a great selection of drinks to choose from. Including a rich Ethiopian coffee prepared using plant-based milk (obviously).

This is a popular spot for soaking up the lively atmosphere of the neighbourhood while enjoying a delicious meal. It also happens to be one of the only vegan Ethiopian restaurants in the entire UK, making it one incredible hidden gem!

  • Opening Hours: 12 pm to 10 pm Daily
  • Location: 528 Kingsland Rd, London
Injera is a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour.  It is the national dish of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Djibouti
Photo for illustrative purposes only. iStock.com/MagicBones

9. Hash E8

Dalston’s hottest brunch club conveniently located in an urban chic cafe on Dalston Lane.

Brunch is a staple we millennials can’t live without, and Hash E8 just so happens to be the best brunch spot in the Dalston area. It’s a casual venue with a trendy and urban feel that fits right in with the Dalston atmosphere.

Guests have the choice of indoor and outdoor dining, with a small curbside operation allowing you to enjoy an al fresco meal. Inside, the small cafe offers intimate seating arrangements and feels surprisingly spacious.

The staff are friendly and attentive to their tables. Despite how busy Hash E8 can get, they are quick and efficient in serving and seating tables to keep the brunch rush going.

The menu doesn’t sway from breakfast foods which means you can have a well-deserved lie-in before hitting them up for a Pork Belly Benedict! And in the true spirit of a mean brunch, don’t forget to pair it up with a mimosa or two.

They serve everything from breakfast Hash right down to an assortment of sweet treats to start your day. And they do so in style, offering something unheard of to us, called a Laced Cereal, and it’s exactly what it sounds like.

Rumour on the street is if you’re carrying a sore head from a raucous night before, Hash E8 will have everything you need to feel right as rain before noon.

Personally, we love the concept, and we know the locals do; otherwise, they wouldn’t have made it onto our list of the best restaurants in Dalston.

  • Opening Hours: 9 am to 3 pm Mon & Tues; Thurs & Fri; Closed Wed; 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
  • Location: 170 Dalston Ln, London
Pancakes with banana, walnut and caramel.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Lilechka75

10. Snackbar

An urban pet-friendly cafe with outdoor dining specialising in tantalising breakfasts and lunches inspired by global cuisine.

Why work at home when you can take your laptop down to Snackbar? You can’t miss it! The bright yellow shop front is enough of a show stopper to pique your interest when wandering around Dalston Lane.

The venue looks tiny at a glance, but what they lack in width, they make up for in length. The narrow building stretches through to a cute little urban garden patio where tables line the gardens for an al fresco dining experience in the urban jungle of London.

The colourful exterior worms its way inside, where bright colours and an airy atmosphere make for a fun, casual environment to tuck into some incredible food.

And speaking of, when we say global, we mean it; the dishes are inspired and creatively take a modern twist on cafe treats by throwing in some traditional ingredients to create something dynamic and refreshing.

At a glance, the menu seems small. Still, you’d need to include the literal signs on the wall dictating specials of the day and other delicacies that might not have made it to print but will certainly make it to your plate.

Kimchi Toasties, Mexican Breakfast Burritos and more are all available for your choosing, and the menu is as dynamic as the food, changing weekly to accommodate fresh dishes to shake things up.

And we forgot to mention the absolute best part; they’re one of the most pet-friendly cafes and restaurants in Dalston too!

  • Opening Hours: 8 am to 4 pm Wed-Fri;
  • Location: 20 Dalston Ln, London

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.