Escape the typical tourist trail and take a short ride east. In recent years, Hackney has evolved into one of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods and is brimming with excellent restaurants, cafés, street markets and gastro pubs. For foodies in search of exceptional cooking and a cultural experience off of the beaten path, look no further than our list of the top picks in Hackney.
Bella Vita
Market, Restaurant, Italian, Pastries, $$$
Save Place
Just south of London Fields park and amongst the numerous food options that form the Broadway Market, Bella Vita is a bustling family-run trattoria that provides for a complete Italian experience, complete with a hanging Fiat on the wall. The authentic menu is lengthy with a wide ranging selection of antipasti, pasta dishes, fish and meat offerings and a seemingly never ending list of classic pizza options.The deserts are also worth a look with refreshing scoops of Italian gelato, soft profiteroles, traditional Sicilian pastries and old-time classics such as the tiramisu on offer. The traditional vibe of the restaurant is welcoming and child friendly and for those looking for good quality ‘no-fuss’ Italian cooking at reasonable prices, this is undoubtedly the place to go.
The Fish House is a trendy family run seafood restaurant that sources fresh fish daily, in line with regulations from the Marine Conservation Society. Needless to say, the eco friendly attitude also extends to the crispy chips, which come from local farmers, approved by the British Potato Council. Unlike many chippies, this joint offers table service and successfully provides for a high end, British fish and chips experience. Alongside the traditional offers of battered haddock, the special board of dishes such as apple and dill prawn cocktail, saffron-lemon seafood risotto and Colchester oysters with shallot vinegar signals the Fish House’s further move away from typical chip shop territory.
Among the mix of estates and industrial sprawl surrounding Hackney Wick, The Hackney Pearl is a very welcome surprise in what seems to be the middle of nowhere. Follow the dark alleyway to the small enclave to encounter a chic interior that is incredibly inviting. The yard also encompasses a vinyl shop, a bike shop and an antiques store to explore. Choose from a large selection of brunch specials on the weekend or sample creations such as the butter bean, pea and spinach Ragu or chicken mograbiah. In the summer months, the restaurant conveys an ‘open-air’ vibe with trendy twenty-something’s perching on picnic tables and benches right in the middle of the street.
Cramped and smoky, this hole-in-the-wall is far from glamorous. Yet what it lacks in aesthetic, Mangal most definitely makes up for in its legendary Turkish grills. The joint sports a quintessential Turkish ocakbasi, an open charcoal grill for the traditional preparation of the most succulent meats, simmering stews and lip-smacking kebabs, all to be enjoyed with a superb array of soups, mezze and vegetable dishes. More than 20 years since its opening, the surrounding area has long been transformed into a hip cultural hub, yet one thing at Mangal remains the same and that is the winding queue stretching out from its doors. Undoubtedly, this local establishment continues to impress and offers hefty portions that are always served with the softest warm bread. Bring a friend of two to sample the authentic grill platter.
Having opened in a former railway station, Oslo has already gained a reputation as one of the best small live music venues in London. With an extensive bar and a top quality restaurant to boot, this spot is proving to be very popular. Alongside the selection of small plates and burgers, the cuisine lives up to its Scandinavian name by also offering a range of smorgasbords. Further main options include the spatchcock chicken served with marinated herbed Jersey Royals and the mushroom medley with beetroot Carpaccio. For the adventurous, there is the opportunity to take part in the Oslo Challenge – if you can eat a triple Oslo burger with spicy wings, Padron peppers and fries in 20 minutes, your meal will be free.
This hip little joint lures hungry visitors to a run down street not far from Clapton Square. With its eclectic selection of wraps, sandwiches, pastries, cakes and fruit juices, Pacific Social Club makes for a perfect stop-off point when exploring the area. The Venezuelan empanadas, filled out with chorizo, black beans, avocado and cheese, won’t disappoint. The atmosphere is friendly and bohemian, with walls lined with retro album sleeves and beverages being served up in mismatched china. For those looking to while away a lazy afternoon, this delightful café offers a wide and interesting selection of books to flick through.
