15 Best Restaurants in Bethnal Green: Where To Eat [2024]
The East London neighbourhood of Bethnal Green is known for its Victorian architecture, vibrant art scene, and eclectic mix of restaurants. From Italian cuisine to Venezuelan specialities, this guide will take you through some of the best lunch in Bethnal Green and the best restaurants in Bethnal Green, London.
Best Bethnal Green Restaurants – Best Lunch Bethnal Green
So, grab your appetite and get ready to explore the best of what this area has to offer.
1. Da Terra Town Hall Hotel
Da Terra is the place to go if you’re looking for an elevated eating experience in an upscale yet casual atmosphere. It’s one of the top places to experience fine dining in Bethnal Green.
With a modern twist on European cuisine that blends the flavours of the owner’s Brazilian and Italian origins, this restaurant will have your taste buds singing in no time.
Located in the recently renovated Town Hall Hotel, which is also home to the Corner Room restaurant. This modern Italian restaurant serves up seasonal dishes with an emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Dinners are offered a choice between two blind-tasting menus guided by the chefs, who will walk you through each course with expertise.
Plus, explore a range of exceptional wines and drinks that pair perfectly to ensure you get the full Da Terra experience. Da Terra is one of the few Michelin-starred restaurants in London and one of the top restaurants in Bethnal Green.
⭐ RATING: 4:9 out of 5 Stars (212 Google Reviews)| 📍8 Patriot Square, London E2 9NF
2. Arepa & Co – Bethnal Green – Venezuelan Restaurant
Arepa & Co is the perfect place to visit if you want a unique brunch in Bethnal Green. It offers a variety of Venezuelan dishes made with traditional yet innovative ingredients.
Diners can choose from a variety of arepas (cornbread filled with shredded beef or chicken, black beans, ripe plantains, cheese and other fillings) and cachapas (sweet corn pancakes topped with savoury fillings).
For an authentic taste of Venezuela, try the Pabellon dishes – shredded beef served over white rice and black beans topped with plantains and salsa. Arepa & Co also offers vegan food options for their classic dishes.
⭐ RATING: 4:6 out of 5 Stars (202 Google Reviews)| 📍 254 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE | 🍽️ website
3. Italina
You’ll find the ideal cosy spot for a comforting evening out at this delightful Italian restaurant in Bethnal Green. The walls are adorned with framed pictures, and the lighting is subtle yet inviting.
Lasagne fans should definitely tuck into their classic version featuring sheet pasta, minced beef and tomato sauce, bechamel sauce, mozzarella and parmesan.
Alternatively, fill up on the risotto di frutti di mare, a delicious blend of arborio rice cooked with prawns, squid and clams in a tomato sauce. Another popular dish is spaghetti Pomodoro; it features fresh basil, cherry tomatoes and garlic in a rich tomato sauce. This is an excellent place to visit if you are looking for cheap eats in Bethnal Green.
⭐ RATING: 4:5 out of 5 Stars (394 Google Reviews)| 📍385 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9RA
4. E Pellicci
For diners who want to experience a piece of history along with their meal, E Pellicci is one of the best Bethnal Green restaurants to visit. This iconic café has been serving customers since 1900, making it one of the oldest eateries in London.
The menu features classic British dishes like fry-up with sausage, egg rashers of bacon, black pudding, burgers and steak pie, and some Italian favourites such as lasagna and cannelloni. There’s also a full bar available should you fancy something stronger than tea or coffee in Bethnal Green.
⭐ RATING: 4:8 out of 5 Stars (1631 Google Reviews)| 📍 332 Bethnal Green Road, London, UK, E2 0AG | 🍽️ website
5. Chiringuito
Step into the world of Chiringuito, a vibrant and colourful bar and restaurant with a rooftop terrace perched next to the Grade I listed St John’s church in Bethnal Green’s Museum Gardens. Ignite your taste buds with an array of Latin American and Spanish-inspired dishes Cocas (Catalan flatbreads), fish tacos, South American ceviche and small sharing plates, such as tapas and pinchos.
So if you are looking for good vibes, a rooftop terrace with it’s beachy atmosphere is an excellent place for cocktails in Bethnal Green.
⭐ RATING: 4:0 out of 5 Stars (661 Google Reviews)| 📍Museum Gardens, Chiringuito, London E2 9PA | 🍽️ website
6. Sager + Wilde Restaurant
This neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar is located beneath a railway arch and features simple yet delicious dishes that are wallet-friendly.
Try their cold smoked swordfish with tomato sauce and mozzarella, 12oz pork chop with potatoes, 24 months Comte with membrillo or spaghetti with Brussels sprouts, leek and parmesan.
The restaurant offers two distinct al fresco sections for those who prefer to dine outdoors with wine in Bethnal Green. One formal and one with ever-evolving fare focused on the beverages served at their bar.
⭐ RATING: 4:4 out of 5 Stars (812 Google Reviews)| 📍193 Hackney Road London E2 8JL | 🍽️ website
7. Brawn
Brawn Restaurant on Columbia Road is the ideal spot for a Mediterranean culinary adventure.
With a menu that changes with the season and carefully selected local produce, each dish is sure to be a delight. Craving something with a kick of bold flavours? Try the burrata, puntarelle, anchovy and peperoncino or purple sprouting broccoli with the brown shrimp and Amalfi lemon and pangrattato.
If you’re looking for something more hearty, dig into the delicate pumpkin agnolotti and sage paired with tasty appetizers.
You could get creative with your main course and opt for something like pork shoulder ragu, spaghetti and cavolo nero if you’re feeling daring.
Finally, complete this delicious feast by indulging in skate wing and pomme purée spinach and sauce grenobloise – yum!
⭐ RATING: 4:7 out of 5 Stars (707 Google Reviews)| 📍49 Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
8. The Corner Room
Visiting the Corner Room Restaurant on the first floor of the Town Hall Hotel is truly a unique experience. Step into this modern and stylish industrial space with white tiled walls and plants, and get ready to start your day with something truly delicious.
You’ll be hard-pressed to make a decision since the breakfast menu here changes daily, offering locals and visitors homemade pastries, poached eggs or avocado on toast and berry compotes.
So why not treat yourself to a scrumptious breakfast at Corner Room in Bethnal Green? You’ll find it hard to forget.
⭐ RATING: 4:5 out of 5 Stars (235 Google Reviews)| 📍Town Hall Hotel, Patriot Square, E2 9NF, England London | 🍽️ website
9. Bistrotheque
Bistrotheque restaurant in East London is the perfect aperitif for a night out. From its converted white-painted converted warehouse to a newly opened dinner theatre, every detail makes for a special occasion.
Experience the most exquisite dishes from around the globe at this contemporary European restaurant. Savour starters such as grilled beetroot and cured sea trout followed by tantalizing mains like half-Peruvian spiced chicken or confit duck, culminating with a delectable fillet steak. Each course on our menu is lovingly crafted to celebrate fresh produce and global cuisine!
If those don’t tantalize your taste buds, then try out their extraordinary cocktails like the Bona Beet, Dolly Eek or Pear whiskey smash!
Bistrotheque is one of the top Bethnal Green restaurants and is second to none when it comes to fine dining.
⭐ RATING: 4:5 out of 5 Stars (838 Google Reviews)| 📍23-27 Wadeson St, London E2 9DR | 🍽️ website
10. Palmers London
Satisfy your culinary cravings with a meal at Palmers London! Experience their modern European dishes crafted by a father-and-son duo in a sunny and spacious restaurant. Their menu is always changing to feature sustainably sourced ingredients from the UK’s finest farmers, anglers, and butchers.
Start off your mouthwatering journey with Bouillabaisse soup alongside crouton, saffron rouille, or seared scallops served with Iberico ham and celeriac purée. For the main course, indulge in Cornish cod with fennel, anchovy chilli and tarragon; Margret duck and sweet potato, albeit grilled polenta ratatouille served with parsley and almond pesto.
As for desserts – you can’t miss out on the Vanilla Crème brûlée featuring grilled baby leeks as well as tarragon crème fraîche together with toasted hazelnuts or their white choc and matcha green tea mousse complete with almond nugatine mille fueille topped off with fresh strawberry.
⭐ RATING: 4:6 out of 5 Stars (284 Google Reviews)| 📍 238 Roman Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 0RY| 🍽️ website
11. La Forchetta Restaurant and Cocktail Bar
This cosy yet modern restaurant is a true Bethnal Green gem, delighting locals for over 23 years. Has perfected the art of Italian cooking, from its fresh pizzas to their starters like dough balls served with garlic butter, bruschetta made with tomatoes, garlic and parmesan shavings, or Linguine Gamberoni with the shell on King prawns in fragrant herbs and white sauce.
If you’re looking for something special, try the Calzone Italia, which includes pepperoni sausage, ham, Jalapeno and tomatoes. La Forchetta also offers a cocktail bar.
⭐ RATING: 4:6 out of 5 Stars (284 Google Reviews)| 📍464 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 0EA| 🍽️ website
12. Love Shack – Vegan Restaurant in Bethnal Green
This vegan paradise is located between Cambridge Heath and Bethnal Green. This vegan restaurant and cocktail bar offers a unique dining experience with three large railway arches and an outdoor, beautiful decked garden complete with a Love hut.
Their 100% plant base menu offers an array of small sharing plates, craft beers, and cocktails, all served with a signature plant-based twist. One of the top vegan options in Bethnal Green.
Such as beetroot hummus with garlic bread, oyster mushroom buffalo wings, or try out coconut laksa – Malaysian coconut rice noodles with pak choi or buffalo chick’n burger, should not be missed. Love Shack is truly a vegan paradise for vegans or people opting for a healthy option.
The Love Shack is also a dog-friendly vegan restaurant in Bethnal Green.
⭐ RATING: 4:6 out of 5 Stars (284 Google Reviews)| 📍Arch 298, 299 Cambridge Heath Rd, Cambridge Heath, London E2 9HA| 🍽️ website
13. Café 338
If you’re looking to treat yourself to an East London breakfast like no other, then Cafe 338 is definitely the place to be.
With a clever approach to brunch that fuses classic ingredients with their own unique twists, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to creating your perfect plate. It’s always bustling, especially on weekends.
But it’s worth the short wait time for such delicious food and a fun atmosphere.
⭐ RATING: 4:2 out of 5 Stars (856 Google Reviews)| 📍338 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 0AG
14. The Gallery Cafe
If you’re vegan and on the hunt for tasty, affordable breakfast or brunch in Bethnal Green, the Gallery Café is your go-to spot. With locally ground coffees, vegan sweet treats and fresh juices on rotation.
But it doesn’t stop there, the kitchen offers a fantastic brunch menu with a range of options that will make vegans salivate!
Plus, thanks to Galeta Bakery providing their resident vegan pastries daily, you won’t have to compromise on your favourite treats.
So drop by for an indulgent breakfast, brunch or coffee in East London anytime. Just remember cash isn’t accepted here, and no advanced bookings are taken.
The Gallery Cafe knows that dogs rule, so you can take yours along – this is a super pet-friendly cafe in Bethnal Green.
⭐ RATING: 4:2 out of 5 Stars (856 Google Reviews)| 📍St. Margarets House Settlement, 21 Old Ford Rd., Bethnal Green, London E2 9PL | 🍽️ website
15. The Full Monty
If you’re a fan of all-day breakfast in Bethnal Green, then you must check out The Full Monty. Located on Victoria Road, this cosy cafe is perfect for that morning munch, and they don’t disappoint with their Mega Monty Breakfast.
This English breakfast classic consists of crispy bacon, sausages, eggs, fried bread and tomatoes and lashings of ketchup. But if you want something entirely vegetarian options in Bethnal Green, then these breakfast gods also have you covered too.
⭐ RATING: 4:6 out of 5 Stars (202 Google Reviews)| 📍254 Globe Road, London E2 0JD England
16. The Sun Tavern
The Sun Tavern is a cocktail bar that has been an East London staple since 1851 and it shows no signs of slowing down. With classic cocktails and a massive selection of Irish Whiskey, why would you want to go elsewhere? The 2014 renovations put this bar firmly in the ‘cocktail bar-meets-boozer’ camp.
You can still enjoy your favourite ales from a selection of nearby microbreweries within 10 miles along with punch bowls and mouthwatering charcuterie boards. But that’s not all; they house the world’s largest (legal) collection of Poitín – a traditional moonshine spirit with a dramatic past. Plus their signature cocktails blend modern techniques with historic narratives.
⭐ RATING: 4:6 out of 5 Stars (884 Google Reviews)| 📍441 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 0AN| 🍽️ website
17. Shop Cuvee
Shop Cuvée is your go-to destination when you’re in need of something special! On the main ground floor, you’ll find a fantastic selection of natural wines – perfect for a romantic evening or a summer vacation. If you make your way downstairs, on the ground floor you’ll discover Cave Cuvée: an elegant wine bar that looks and feels like you’ve been transported to Paris.
Boosting drinks from Three Sheets along with small plates, this underground hideaway is an ideal spot to unwind with friends in style. And if that wasn’t enough, Shop Cuvee even has well-curated deli items so you can create some delicious restaurant-quality dishes at home.
⭐ RATING: 4:4 out of 5 Stars (33 Google Reviews)| 📍250A Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 0AA| 🍽️ website
Best Restaurants in Bethnal Green
Whether you’re looking for fine dining or traditional food in Bethnal Green. With its diverse selection of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, there’s something delicious waiting for you in this vibrant East London neighbourhood.