London Hackney Restaurant Guide

“Moro’s little sister two doors down from Moro itself” nowadays also has a Hackney outpost, near Columbia Road Flower Market, and although the newer branch is “more roomy” and “less frenetic than the original”, “pressure on tables is fierce” at both of these “crowded, small eateries”. That said, they “run like clockwork” on the whole, and service is “incredibly helpful and knowledgeable”. The draw? – “scrumptious” Spanish/North African tapas with “imaginative modern twists” at prices that are “terrific value”.

Very positive all-round, if limited feedback this year on this vibey Broadway Market butchers, which transforms at night into a counter-style diner, selling grills, with a small number of sides, plus a small but high quality array of wines.

“What a fascinating dining experience – if it wasn’t so hyped, I would probably have enjoyed it even more!” This “tiny” Hackney yearling has instantly won gigantic acclaim for “heavenly, delicate and inventive” cuisine, bringing a “substantial Asian influence onto modern British ideas”. “Space is very tight” and though “you get to know your fellow diners intimately” the end result seems “so special, cosy and romantic” to most reporters – “it’s like eating in your friend’s front room, it just turns out your friend is a top chef!”. Founding chef Elizabeth Allen moved on in February 2017 to open Shibui (see also), but early reports say “nothing has been lost from the cooking here during the change”. See also Magpie.

“My inner caveman loves this place!” – “Chops, crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle” provide “amazing meat and amazing value” at this “laid back and very cool”, “no frills” Soho basement, which is “a case study of picking something you’re good at and sticking with it”. In Spring 2017 it opened its second branch – a larger City outlet off Eastcheap. Top Tip – “the amount of food on the ‘All In’ has to be seen to be believed!”

“This ideal local” – “a sort of bistro-pub hybrid” beside Victoria Park that was one of east London’s first dining destinations – still “never disappoints”. “There’s an interesting and always spot-on seasonal menu, good beer and a varied and lively crowd”.

“Authentic Spanish cooking” from a “very interesting menu” draws a steady crowd to this “rather cramped” and “slightly eccentric” Hispanic by Newington Green. Even fans can find it “a little too pricey” however.

“Ignore the hipster-beards!” – this “relaxed East End boozer serving top notch nosh” is “too good to be written-off as just-another-hangout-of-the-terminally-trendy!” “Impeccably cooked, thoroughly modern British dishes” are “cheerfully and efficiently served” and while “it’s always crowded”, “it’s got a good buzz, still feels like a pub (almost)” and “it’s great that its old character and charm still thrive”.

This hip yearling from Aussie chef Magnus Reid (founder of Shoreditch coffeehouse C.R.E.A.M.) “never disappoints”, with “great” modern dishes and a “relaxing” boho atmosphere. Diners perch facing the window looking across to the new Hackney Walk fashion hub, and there’s an interesting list of small producer wines (the name, ‘Legs’, is wine lingo).

“Top steaks (and a couple of vegetarian BBQ options too)” seal high satisfaction with this well-established and popular Argentinian ‘parilla’ in the heart of Hackney’s happening Broadway Market.