Bethany’s guidebook
Foodie Galore
We absolutely LOVE good food... and it's arguably hard to find better food in London than right here in our neighborhood. If you're a foodie, you've come to the right place. East London is definitely where it's at!
Here are a few of our all-time faves for you to enjoy...
Excellent bakery, cafe, and restaurant. Perfectly situated on Newington Green in an industrial-chic space, serving refined comfort fare. Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner (with the exception of Monday). Part of the family of restaurants from natural wine and Michelin bib award-winning group Primeur, Westerns Laundry, etc.
44 locals recommend
Jolene
21 Newington GrnExcellent bakery, cafe, and restaurant. Perfectly situated on Newington Green in an industrial-chic space, serving refined comfort fare. Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner (with the exception of Monday). Part of the family of restaurants from natural wine and Michelin bib award-winning group Primeur, Westerns Laundry, etc.
One of our all-time faves! Amazing locavore menu of small plates & natural wines served in a stylish former garage space. Go for dinner... or for a lovely and quiet lunch on the weekend. Dinner served every night from 5pm, lunch Friday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
110 locals recommend
Primeur
116 Petherton RdOne of our all-time faves! Amazing locavore menu of small plates & natural wines served in a stylish former garage space. Go for dinner... or for a lovely and quiet lunch on the weekend. Dinner served every night from 5pm, lunch Friday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Excellent natural wine bar and restaurant, serving a menu of seasonally-inspired small plates in an intimate and cozy setting. The space is arranged around one large open-plan bar, with the chefs cooking on one side, right before your eyes. Be sure to call ahead to reserve a spot at the bar... For larger groups of 3-5, there are two tables in the window. Open all day, every day for lunch & dinner from 12pm onwards (with the exception of Monday lunch). They also do a wonderful and totally original breakfast on the weekends (10am-1pm). As the menu changes weekly, there are always new things to try. The focus is on simple and seasonal using only the best of Mediterranean ingredients.
20 locals recommend
Little Duck - The Picklery
68 Dalston LnExcellent natural wine bar and restaurant, serving a menu of seasonally-inspired small plates in an intimate and cozy setting. The space is arranged around one large open-plan bar, with the chefs cooking on one side, right before your eyes. Be sure to call ahead to reserve a spot at the bar... For larger groups of 3-5, there are two tables in the window. Open all day, every day for lunch & dinner from 12pm onwards (with the exception of Monday lunch). They also do a wonderful and totally original breakfast on the weekends (10am-1pm). As the menu changes weekly, there are always new things to try. The focus is on simple and seasonal using only the best of Mediterranean ingredients.
A neighborhood restaurant on Columbia road. They offer a daily menu of seasonal, produce driven dishes reflecting a love of cultural European cooking and natural wine.
Note they are closed on Sunday when the masses descend upon Columbia Road for the famous weekly flower market. Which means you may have to make two trips to Columbia Road as both are well worth it!
162 locals recommend
Brawn
49 Columbia RdA neighborhood restaurant on Columbia road. They offer a daily menu of seasonal, produce driven dishes reflecting a love of cultural European cooking and natural wine.
Note they are closed on Sunday when the masses descend upon Columbia Road for the famous weekly flower market. Which means you may have to make two trips to Columbia Road as both are well worth it!
The sister restaurant to the beloved Primeur, Westerns Laundry is a small plates spot in Highbury that’s been set up in a converted garage. Focusing on seafood and natural wines, the Spanish-inspired menu changes every day based on whatever’s in season.
Most importantly, you will find dishes served on and water poured from beautifully pottery, handcrafted by none other than my brother-in-law, a master potter based in the U.S.
47 locals recommend
Westerns Laundry
34 Drayton ParkThe sister restaurant to the beloved Primeur, Westerns Laundry is a small plates spot in Highbury that’s been set up in a converted garage. Focusing on seafood and natural wines, the Spanish-inspired menu changes every day based on whatever’s in season.
Most importantly, you will find dishes served on and water poured from beautifully pottery, handcrafted by none other than my brother-in-law, a master potter based in the U.S.
Bright is an excellent restaurant and wine bar in London Fields from the people behind Clapton wine-shop P. Franco.
17 locals recommend
Bright
1 Westgate StBright is an excellent restaurant and wine bar in London Fields from the people behind Clapton wine-shop P. Franco.
You'll be hard pressed to find a more quintessential wine bar than this hipster location. Starting with the fact that the sign reads "Great Wall " as the venue used to be a Chinese restaurant. They didn't bother to change the facade.
And what could be more hipster than a place that feels slightly hidden and where one needs to be "in the know".
62 locals recommend
P Franco
107 Lower Clapton RdYou'll be hard pressed to find a more quintessential wine bar than this hipster location. Starting with the fact that the sign reads "Great Wall " as the venue used to be a Chinese restaurant. They didn't bother to change the facade.
And what could be more hipster than a place that feels slightly hidden and where one needs to be "in the know".
On a sunny day, there is no better place (possibly in the world) than Towpath Café. Just hope it's not the weekend as you won't be the only one with this idea in mind. A small little nook with outdoor seating right on the bank of the Regents Canal, Towpath was founded by American food writer, Lori di Mori, who spent many years in Florence and the Tuscan countryside, only to land in London and create this perfect little haven for food and coffee lovers.
Make sure to try and grab the first seat you find as they go quick and then get a friend to queue at the bar to place your order.
216 locals recommend
Towpath Café
42 De Beauvoir CresOn a sunny day, there is no better place (possibly in the world) than Towpath Café. Just hope it's not the weekend as you won't be the only one with this idea in mind. A small little nook with outdoor seating right on the bank of the Regents Canal, Towpath was founded by American food writer, Lori di Mori, who spent many years in Florence and the Tuscan countryside, only to land in London and create this perfect little haven for food and coffee lovers.
Make sure to try and grab the first seat you find as they go quick and then get a friend to queue at the bar to place your order.
Leroy is yet another excellent small plates restaurant, located in the heart of Shoreditch. Think a glass of bubbles, some silky anchovies in olive oil and the best steak tartare you've ever had.
15 locals recommend
Leroy
18 Phipp StLeroy is yet another excellent small plates restaurant, located in the heart of Shoreditch. Think a glass of bubbles, some silky anchovies in olive oil and the best steak tartare you've ever had.
Whitewashed ex-smokehouse where Fergus Henderson pioneered the resurgent interest in offal dishes. St. John in Clerkenwell is a special place. It’s often referred to as an institution.
136 locals recommend
St. JOHN Restaurant
26 St John StWhitewashed ex-smokehouse where Fergus Henderson pioneered the resurgent interest in offal dishes. St. John in Clerkenwell is a special place. It’s often referred to as an institution.
Recently opened addition to the neighborhood, Oren has some really excellent Israeli-inspired dishes as well as natural wines.
6 locals recommend
OREN
89 Shacklewell LnRecently opened addition to the neighborhood, Oren has some really excellent Israeli-inspired dishes as well as natural wines.
Food scene
These may not have made our "Foodie Galore" category, but are still some very solid options when it comes to food in the immediate neighborhood.
Beautiful and elegant local Japanese restaurant serving a refined menu of traditional small plates, of both the raw and cooked variety. Situated on the ever charming Stoke Newington Church street, steps away from Clissold Park. Great date spot and all-around elevated Japanese treat!
9 locals recommend
AUN
178 Stoke Newington Church StBeautiful and elegant local Japanese restaurant serving a refined menu of traditional small plates, of both the raw and cooked variety. Situated on the ever charming Stoke Newington Church street, steps away from Clissold Park. Great date spot and all-around elevated Japanese treat!
Rubedo
35 Stoke Newington Church StEven though it's a pub, we've also included here, because the food is really that good and not to be missed! For more info, read below on our local pubs...
29 locals recommend
Lady Mildmay London
92 Mildmay ParkEven though it's a pub, we've also included here, because the food is really that good and not to be missed! For more info, read below on our local pubs...
Brunswick East
Gillett StreetCirrik 19 Numara Bos
34 Stoke Newington RdUncle Nam's
66 Stoke Newington High St
The Good Egg Stoke Newington
93 Stoke Newington Church StEsters
55 Kynaston RdBrunswick East Bakehouse
17 Amhurst TerraceIt's a bit of a trek... but so worth it! Amazing little, family-run Thai restaurant. Super inexpensive and delicious! Don't go for the decor, go for the food. If you're up for an adventure, take an Uber... we promise you won't regret it.
36 locals recommend
Singburi
593 High Rd LeytonstoneIt's a bit of a trek... but so worth it! Amazing little, family-run Thai restaurant. Super inexpensive and delicious! Don't go for the decor, go for the food. If you're up for an adventure, take an Uber... we promise you won't regret it.
Great Middle Eastern / Israeli / North African-inspired grill house from a former Ottolenghi chef under a railway arch near Haggerston station.
May just be some of the best hummus we've ever tried!
81 locals recommend
Berber & Q - Grill House
338 Acton MewsGreat Middle Eastern / Israeli / North African-inspired grill house from a former Ottolenghi chef under a railway arch near Haggerston station.
May just be some of the best hummus we've ever tried!
Laid-back but solid Thai restaurant in the heart of Shoreditch, inspired by Bangkok's late-night canteens.
I'm personally a vegetarian, but I hear the Massaman Bone Marrow curry is to die for... (no pun intended).
42 locals recommend
Smoking Goat Shoreditch
64 Shoreditch High StLaid-back but solid Thai restaurant in the heart of Shoreditch, inspired by Bangkok's late-night canteens.
I'm personally a vegetarian, but I hear the Massaman Bone Marrow curry is to die for... (no pun intended).
Get this.... Heavy-metal themed joint serving Turkish-inspired kebabs, flatbreads and beers! How's that for original. This place is tiny. It's also loud, it's fun and the food is delicious!
21 locals recommend
Black Axe Mangal
156 Canonbury RdGet this.... Heavy-metal themed joint serving Turkish-inspired kebabs, flatbreads and beers! How's that for original. This place is tiny. It's also loud, it's fun and the food is delicious!
Japanese Soul Food -- may be the best ramen in town! There are several locations, but this one is closest. If you're in Soho look up that one too...
20 locals recommend
Bone Daddies Old Street
211 Old StJapanese Soul Food -- may be the best ramen in town! There are several locations, but this one is closest. If you're in Soho look up that one too...
Xi’an Impression is a small restaurant in Highbury making some of the best Chinese food in London. Don’t miss the hand-pulled noodles.
34 locals recommend
Xi'an Impression London
117 Benwell RdXi’an Impression is a small restaurant in Highbury making some of the best Chinese food in London. Don’t miss the hand-pulled noodles.
Great little local café serving warm and yummy lunch. Perfect spot for lunch or a cuppa tea. They also have a good selection of kombuchas and alternative soft drinks.
27 locals recommend
Fingers Crossed
247 Amhurst RdGreat little local café serving warm and yummy lunch. Perfect spot for lunch or a cuppa tea. They also have a good selection of kombuchas and alternative soft drinks.
Neighbourhoods
These are a few of our favourite neighbourhoods. And most just happen to be the ones nearest to us!
Stoke Newington
Dalston
London Borough of Hackney
Shoreditch
Islington
An area in Central London not to miss... from Chinatown to the world-renowned "West End" theatre district, great restaurants, bars, clubs... if you're looking for the action, this is where you'll find it! And yet the heart of Soho still retains its historic charm and is very much full of every day Londoners... and is where much of the creative industry is based. Direct buses also make it very easy to get to.
34 locals recommend
Soho
An area in Central London not to miss... from Chinatown to the world-renowned "West End" theatre district, great restaurants, bars, clubs... if you're looking for the action, this is where you'll find it! And yet the heart of Soho still retains its historic charm and is very much full of every day Londoners... and is where much of the creative industry is based. Direct buses also make it very easy to get to.
If you cross Oxford Street from Soho and head North, you enter into a quieter version of Soho known as Fitzrovia. Less bustle, more charm... with plenty of great restaurants, bars etc.
27 locals recommend
Fitzrovia
If you cross Oxford Street from Soho and head North, you enter into a quieter version of Soho known as Fitzrovia. Less bustle, more charm... with plenty of great restaurants, bars etc.
Local Pubs
This is probably our all-time favourite pub. The food is fantastic... lovingly made by a French chef, with everything being prepared from scratch from her open kitchen. Not to miss are the excellent weekday lunch specials, which always feature 1 meat, 1 fish, and 1 veg option per day. At £6.50 they're not only a steal... they're not to miss! You could literally eat here once a day and not go wanting. There is also a full menu that changes every couple of weeks to ensure ingredients remain seasonal. Sunday lunch is quite popular as well, so if you're looking for a bustling pub roast experience, it is advisable to arrive early. We tend to prefer it during the week when it's a little more quiet.
29 locals recommend
Lady Mildmay London
92 Mildmay ParkThis is probably our all-time favourite pub. The food is fantastic... lovingly made by a French chef, with everything being prepared from scratch from her open kitchen. Not to miss are the excellent weekday lunch specials, which always feature 1 meat, 1 fish, and 1 veg option per day. At £6.50 they're not only a steal... they're not to miss! You could literally eat here once a day and not go wanting. There is also a full menu that changes every couple of weeks to ensure ingredients remain seasonal. Sunday lunch is quite popular as well, so if you're looking for a bustling pub roast experience, it is advisable to arrive early. We tend to prefer it during the week when it's a little more quiet.
When we first moved to this neighbourhood, we were told by many a local that The Shakespeare is the best pub in all of Stoke Newington. And it doesn't disappoint. They don't do food however. For a good local experience, you should definitely check it out. It's also extremely kid-friendly... so unlike bars in America, for example, definitely bring them along. If it's a nice day, snag a seat outside to relax and catch some sun!
58 locals recommend
The Shakespeare
57 Allen RdWhen we first moved to this neighbourhood, we were told by many a local that The Shakespeare is the best pub in all of Stoke Newington. And it doesn't disappoint. They don't do food however. For a good local experience, you should definitely check it out. It's also extremely kid-friendly... so unlike bars in America, for example, definitely bring them along. If it's a nice day, snag a seat outside to relax and catch some sun!
It couldn't get more local than this. Just up the road on the corner is the charming Londesborough pub. We truthfully haven't spent enough time here to be able to give it an honest review. But our neighbours say they do a "bangin' Sunday roast." (By the way, anything described as bangin' is probably worth checking out. For those that don't know , check below for the meaning of the word...)
53 locals recommend
The Londesborough
36 Barbauld RdIt couldn't get more local than this. Just up the road on the corner is the charming Londesborough pub. We truthfully haven't spent enough time here to be able to give it an honest review. But our neighbours say they do a "bangin' Sunday roast." (By the way, anything described as bangin' is probably worth checking out. For those that don't know , check below for the meaning of the word...)
Local Cafés
Basically if you're looking for a good cuppa'...
coffee, tea, etc.
Bodega 50 is a café for the community. Inside there's a relaxed atmosphere and they serve Climpson & Sons coffee. There are books to be thumbed through, a few groceries to purchase, and there's a café dog called Bruce. The owner Jason is extremely friendly, welcoming and can tell you about anything that's going on in the neighbourhood. Just be aware that they close around 3 - 4 pm so he can pick up his kids from school.
27 locals recommend
Bodega 50
50 Allen RdBodega 50 is a café for the community. Inside there's a relaxed atmosphere and they serve Climpson & Sons coffee. There are books to be thumbed through, a few groceries to purchase, and there's a café dog called Bruce. The owner Jason is extremely friendly, welcoming and can tell you about anything that's going on in the neighbourhood. Just be aware that they close around 3 - 4 pm so he can pick up his kids from school.
Just around the corner on Allen Road is the bakery famous for making Meghan Markle's birthday cake. It is a cute little cafe and a great place for a quiet stop off.
Not to mention, the Luminary Bakery is a social enterprise, providing training, community & employment opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged women.
10 locals recommend
Luminary Bakery
71-73 Allen RdJust around the corner on Allen Road is the bakery famous for making Meghan Markle's birthday cake. It is a cute little cafe and a great place for a quiet stop off.
Not to mention, the Luminary Bakery is a social enterprise, providing training, community & employment opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged women.
We can't recommend this place more. Which is why it's listed both here and in our Foodie Galore section. The manager Will is a lovely guy and has become a good friend of ours... so if you want a little extra service, politely ask if he's around and tell him Bethany sent you! Great coffee, excellent pastries, amazing location/decor... what's not to love!
PS -- they've taken the step to ban single-use cups, so if you're in a hurry or on the go, do yourself (and the planet) a favour by asking for one of their pretty eco-friendly and reusable mugs!
44 locals recommend
Jolene
21 Newington GrnWe can't recommend this place more. Which is why it's listed both here and in our Foodie Galore section. The manager Will is a lovely guy and has become a good friend of ours... so if you want a little extra service, politely ask if he's around and tell him Bethany sent you! Great coffee, excellent pastries, amazing location/decor... what's not to love!
PS -- they've taken the step to ban single-use cups, so if you're in a hurry or on the go, do yourself (and the planet) a favour by asking for one of their pretty eco-friendly and reusable mugs!
Natural Wine and Specialty Shops
These are some of our go-to shops for everything from amazing wine and artisinal cheese to fine gourmet products for food lovers like ourselves. Eat (and drink) your heart out.
Excellent Natural Wine shop... and bar! Located right on Newington Green. Take home a bottle or stay and enjoy a wine with their excellent cheese, charcuterie and small plates. They also stock fresh bread from E5, which is one of the best bakeries in London (see bakeries list for more details).
PS -- If you want to be really nice, tell them you're buying for Bethany when you check-out, as they have a loyalty program. I promise to return the favour next time you're in town!
21 locals recommend
Yield N16
45 Newington GrnExcellent Natural Wine shop... and bar! Located right on Newington Green. Take home a bottle or stay and enjoy a wine with their excellent cheese, charcuterie and small plates. They also stock fresh bread from E5, which is one of the best bakeries in London (see bakeries list for more details).
PS -- If you want to be really nice, tell them you're buying for Bethany when you check-out, as they have a loyalty program. I promise to return the favour next time you're in town!
Furanxo is a shop and wine bar in Dalston specialising in artisan charcuterie, unpasteurised cheeses, and more.
11 locals recommend
Furanxo
85 Dalston LnFuranxo is a shop and wine bar in Dalston specialising in artisan charcuterie, unpasteurised cheeses, and more.
Monte's Italian Delicatessen is a family run purveyor of fine Italian food, drink and gifts located in the heart of Islington, London.
7 locals recommend
Monte's Delicatessen
23 Canonbury LnMonte's Italian Delicatessen is a family run purveyor of fine Italian food, drink and gifts located in the heart of Islington, London.
Taproom and deli specialising in natural wine in sustainably packaging. Wine sold by the refill and bulk to go, or sampled in house by the glass and carafe.
7 locals recommend
Weino BIB
39 Balls Pond RdTaproom and deli specialising in natural wine in sustainably packaging. Wine sold by the refill and bulk to go, or sampled in house by the glass and carafe.
A small deli for gourmet ready meals, cheeses and preserves as well as coffee and sandwiches.
144 locals recommend
De Beauvoir Deli Co
98 Southgate RdA small deli for gourmet ready meals, cheeses and preserves as well as coffee and sandwiches.
Rustic French fare in quick pit stop cafe-deli with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus pavement tables. Great mixed nuts and olives from the deli.
96 locals recommend
L’eau à La Bouche
35-37 Broadway MarketRustic French fare in quick pit stop cafe-deli with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus pavement tables. Great mixed nuts and olives from the deli.
La Fromagerie
30 Highbury ParkLa Fromagerie is an award-winning cheese shop in Highbury.
Daily Bread
Who knew that London was making so much great bread!? Yes, it's now very much a thing... and so you shouldn't settle for some stale old rolls that are as pale as the sun. Time-tested sourdough is back in fashion, and these places do it the right way. Simply flour, water, salt... and a whole lot of love! But oh how good it can be!
Dusty Knuckle may very well be the best bakery in all of London. Situated down an unassuming alley and in the back lot of an office building (full of Dalston's creatives) is the mecca of all things bread. They also serve food during the day... with hands-down some of the best sandwiches of all time! They're only open until 4pm, so go early and be prepared to get in line. It's well worth it!
47 locals recommend
The Dusty Knuckle Bakery
Abbot StreetDusty Knuckle may very well be the best bakery in all of London. Situated down an unassuming alley and in the back lot of an office building (full of Dalston's creatives) is the mecca of all things bread. They also serve food during the day... with hands-down some of the best sandwiches of all time! They're only open until 4pm, so go early and be prepared to get in line. It's well worth it!
The E5 Bakehouse is an East London artisan bakery, coffee shop and café. They are passionate about sourdough and the lost traditions of our baking ancestors. Situated under the railway arches, steps from the London Fields station, there is the bakery on one side and their shop/cafe next door.
Tip: try the Stockholm or Hackney Wild. If hungry, stop in for a Haloumi Bun -- they're delicious!
PS: Yield N16 also stocks bread from E5. So if you're hankering for a loaf, you can pick some up on the way home.
272 locals recommend
E5 Bakehouse
396 Mentmore TerraceThe E5 Bakehouse is an East London artisan bakery, coffee shop and café. They are passionate about sourdough and the lost traditions of our baking ancestors. Situated under the railway arches, steps from the London Fields station, there is the bakery on one side and their shop/cafe next door.
Tip: try the Stockholm or Hackney Wild. If hungry, stop in for a Haloumi Bun -- they're delicious!
PS: Yield N16 also stocks bread from E5. So if you're hankering for a loaf, you can pick some up on the way home.
As listed (twice) above, this is clearly one of our favourites. At Jolene, they mill their own flour on site and bake everything daily with sourdough fermentation. Meaning that the flour never sits on the shelf, which they believe to be the secret to delicious and healthy bread!
44 locals recommend
Jolene
21 Newington GrnAs listed (twice) above, this is clearly one of our favourites. At Jolene, they mill their own flour on site and bake everything daily with sourdough fermentation. Meaning that the flour never sits on the shelf, which they believe to be the secret to delicious and healthy bread!