Broadway Market and London Fields have quietly evolved into one of East London’s most reliable spots for eating well. Independent cafés sit alongside long-standing pubs, and you can move from a quick flat white to a full dinner without straying far from the park.
The mix feels local rather than flashy, with traders who focus on flavour and atmosphere instead of hype. It is the kind of neighbourhood where brunch rolls into late afternoon drinks, and dinner plans are often made on the walk home.
From bakery counters to lively grills and cosy wine bars, the choice is broad without feeling overwhelming. Below are some of the best places to eat and drink in the area – whether you are after something casual or a proper sit-down meal.
This article is provided for general information and entertainment purposes only. Opening hours, menus and availability may change.
It is always best to check directly with venues before visiting. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. El Ganso Cafe
Tucked away near the market, this little gem serves some of the area's finest flat whites alongside pastries that'll make you rethink your usual breakfast routine. The vibe is relaxed without being too hipster about it, making it ideal for a morning catch-up or solo laptop session.
Their seasonal menu rotates regularly, focusing on simple but beautifully executed dishes that let quality ingredients shine. Expect things like avocado on proper sourdough or shakshuka with a Hackney twist.
The coffee beans are roasted locally, and you can actually taste the difference in every sip.
2. Bella Vita - Broadway
Right on the main drag, Bella Vita brings proper Italian cooking to a neighbourhood that's seen its fair share of mediocre pizza joints. The pasta here is made fresh daily, and you can watch the kitchen team rolling and shaping dough through the open kitchen layout.
Their carbonara follows the traditional Roman recipe without any cream nonsense, whilst the ragù simmers for hours until it reaches that perfect consistency. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the tiramisu alone is worth the visit.
The atmosphere strikes that rare balance between lively and intimate, perfect for date night or a group feast.
3. Chakana London
Peruvian food might seem like an odd fit for East London, but Chakana makes it work brilliantly with dishes that honour tradition whilst embracing local ingredients. Their ceviche arrives at your table singing with citrus and chilli, the fish so fresh it practically melts on your tongue.
The Andean potato stew showcases ingredients you won't find anywhere else nearby, whilst the grilled octopus demonstrates serious kitchen skills. Each plate tells a story about Peru's diverse culinary landscape, from coastal seafood to mountain staples.
The staff genuinely know their stuff and can guide you through the menu without being pretentious about it.
4. Buen Ayre
If you're after steak that'll ruin all other steaks for you, Buen Ayre is where it's at. This Argentinian grill masters the art of cooking meat over wood flames, resulting in cuts with that perfect char and smoky depth that gas grills simply can't achieve.
The chimichurri sauce here is properly made, cutting through the richness of the beef with bright herbal notes and just enough garlic kick. Vegetarian options exist but let's be honest, you're coming here for the asado.
The atmosphere feels more Buenos Aires neighbourhood joint than fancy London restaurant, which means it's relaxed, noisy in the best way, and always buzzing with happy diners.
5. Mare Street Market Hackney
Part café, part restaurant, part workspace, Mare Street Market defies easy categorisation and that's exactly what makes it brilliant. Mornings see locals hunched over laptops with excellent coffee and breakfast sandwiches, whilst evenings transform the space into a proper dining destination with seasonal small plates.
The menu changes based on what's good and available, showing real commitment to working with British producers and sustainable ingredients. You might find roasted cauliflower with tahini one week, then pork belly with fermented cabbage the next.
The natural wine list is thoughtfully curated without being intimidating, and the staff can actually explain what you're drinking in plain English.
6. Behind Restaurant
Behind keeps things deliberately understated, letting the food do all the talking through a menu that changes with the seasons and the chef's mood. The cooking style leans modern European with occasional Asian influences, resulting in combinations that surprise without feeling gimmicky or forced.
Presentation is beautiful but not fussy, with each element on the plate earning its place through flavour rather than just looking pretty. The tasting menu offers brilliant value for the quality you're getting, whilst the à la carte lets you build your own journey through the kitchen's current obsessions.
Service strikes that perfect note between attentive and relaxed, making you feel looked after without hovering.
7. Elliot's - Hackney
The Hackney outpost of the Borough Market original brings the same commitment to British seasonal produce and unfussy cooking that made the first location such a hit. Vegetables get proper respect here, often stealing the show from meat and fish with preparations that highlight rather than hide their natural flavours.
The daily changing menu might feature heritage tomatoes with basil and sourdough one day, then switch to roasted squash with brown butter the next, depending entirely on what looked best at the market that morning. Prices remain surprisingly reasonable given the quality of ingredients and cooking skill on display.
The space feels relaxed and neighbourhood-y despite the serious food credentials behind it all.
8. Third Culture Deli
Mixing Korean flavours with New York deli culture sounds mad on paper, but Third Culture Deli pulls it off with sandwiches that'll change how you think about lunch. Their signatures involve things like gochujang-glazed chicken or kimchi cream cheese, all piled into milk bread that's baked fresh throughout the day.
The breakfast pastries deserve special mention, particularly the matcha croissants and mochi doughnuts that somehow manage to be both delicate and deeply satisfying. Everything here celebrates the experience of growing up between cultures, resulting in food that feels both familiar and completely new.
Queue times can get silly at weekends, but the wait genuinely pays off.
9. E5 Bakehouse
Long before sourdough became every cafe's default option, E5 Bakehouse was quietly perfecting the craft in their canal-side bakery. Their loaves have proper character, with crusts that shatter and interiors full of those irregular holes that signal real fermentation rather than commercial yeast shortcuts.
Beyond bread, the morning pastries and lunchtime pizzas showcase the same attention to ingredients and technique, using organic flour milled specifically for their recipes. The cafe space feels more community hub than trendy hotspot, with regulars chatting to staff and everyone united by appreciation for properly made baked goods.
Weekend brunch gets busy but turning up midweek rewards you with a more relaxed experience.
10. Route Broadway Market
Speciality coffee reaches near-obsessive levels at Route, where the team treats each brew with the kind of attention usually reserved for fine dining. The beans rotate regularly, sourced from roasters who share their commitment to quality and ethical sourcing practices throughout the supply chain.
Filter coffee here is revelatory if you've only ever known instant or basic espresso, revealing flavours and complexity you didn't know coffee could possess. The food menu stays simple with excellent pastries and sandwiches, recognising that sometimes you just want something tasty alongside your perfectly pulled flat white.
The space itself is small but never feels cramped, with a warm welcome that makes solo visitors feel comfortable settling in with a book.
