The Ultimate Guide to the Best Brunch in East London
Looking for the best brunch in East London? Bakeries, food stalls, cocktail bars, small plates, big plates – London’s most vibrant and multicultural area is rich with choice.
Hipster Brunch
London is HUMONGOUS. London is home to many of the world’s greatest restaurants. London also has an abundance of brunch restaurants. Which means a “best brunch in London” list could potentially go on forever. More restaurants would open whilst writing said list. Which is why we’ve focused ours on the best brunch in East London (and even that was challenging).
We aren’t complaining about London’s incomprehensible size. After all, it houses the millions of diverse people who, overtime, have made it one of the BEST food cities in the world (no arguments please). If you want great food, huge variety, top quality – London is where it’s at. And East London is the beating hipster heart of this city.
Food markets, ramshackle bakeries, craft breweries – you’ll find them all here. Each with their own individual stamp as they try to outdo their constant and fierce competition.
It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon browsing independent shops and sitting down to a meal with friends.
Plan Ahead
If you live in London or you’ve been to London, you know that she is not for the faint of heart. Busy streets, busy tubes, busy restaurants. We recommend arriving prepared and with a solid idea of the places you want to visit – including the restaurants.
We don’t say this too scare you off, it is after all one of the greatest cities in the world – you should visit! But there are many people living and travelling here – to experience the best of it you need to do your research and plan ahead. Book tables at restaurants or be willing to queue for the popular ones that don’t allow it. They are nearly always worth the wait – Londoners have exceptional taste.
There are such magnificent brunch options to eat in this city and potential new-found favourite dishes that choosing a hotel breakfast that will carry you through to an early dinner would be more than a mistake – but a tragic and total missed opportunity. You’re bound to have new brunch experiences as the top spots in East London transcend the frequently boring (sorry) first meal of the day to deliver something special.
Our list explores the best brunch East London has to offer. None are normal or expected. All have their own twist on brunch. Some will suit your mood better one day than the next. But every single one of them are downright delicious.
REMEMBER:
Vegan options
Your carnivorous friends will also find options here
The Good Egg 🌱 🍗
The excellent and continually popular The Good Egg is located in the village-esque Stoke Newington. They are loved for their unqiue Middle Eastern and New York style dishes – two renowned food meccas.
Their menu is excellent, not too crowded, but with enough choice to please everyone. Including veggies. We especially love their Jerusalem breakfast which is a selection of delicious items from their menu. The flavours will blow your mind if you’ve never had this style of food before. The Stoke Newington branch bagels are some of the absolute best bagels in all of London.
215 Hackney 🌱🍗
The perfect brunch spot if you love a little taste of lots of things. They serve some platter style plates with lots of different menu items to try. Very popular with locals but they do take bookings – if you plan ahead, you’ll be able to nab a coveted table.
The menu is balanced for veggies, vegans, and carnivores – nobody will feel left out or undervalued here. The portions are robust, we dare you to try and go home hungry. Their quality selection of sides means you don’t have to miss out on anything no matter what you choose. Special shout out to their sweet tahini and mulberry dip which tastes like the nectar of the Gods.
Esters 🍗
A Stoke Newington gem, and like most gems, tiny. You will likely have to queue if you turn up on a Saturday, but it is worth the wait, we promise. They create beautiful dishes inspired by local produce, sometimes from East London (you can’t get more local than that) and the food is vividly fresh.
The menu changes along with the produce which means you never know what daily inspired greatness you’ll get, but the dishes are always filled with delicate flavours and beautiful veg. It’s a small place with a small kitchen which means the menu is limited but they always have at least one option for vegetarians. The food it consistently good meaning you don’t need to worry what the specfic dish is. Just know you’ll leave happy.
Dishoom - Shoreditch 🌱 🍗
Indian food for breakfast might be a first for you but after a Dishoom brunch, we’re sure it won’t be the last. Their brunches are legendary in the city and they take bookings (unlike their dinner service).
We’re not exaggerating when we say everything vegetarian on the menu is incredible – even the humble baked beans go stratospheric as spiced masala beans. Undoubtedly the most impressive and unmissable breakfast item is the egg nan roll – preferably with a veggie sausage squished in. And, of course, you can’t go without trying their (refillable) house chai. A real treat.
Pophams - London Fields 🌱 🍗
A perfect way to spend any weekend afternoon in London is by popping down to Pophams artisanal bakery. You can expect pastries, toasties, and lunch special plates to perfectly accompany their excellent coffee.
The menu changes constantly but they usually have vegetarian options for their toasties and small plates. Mainstays on the pastry counter include their deeply savoury marmite, schlossberger & spring onion spiral which we highly recommend. The East London location has outdoor seating which is perfect for sun worshipping and sipping iced lattes in the summer.
The Dusty Knuckle - Dalston 🌱 🍗
A Dalston favourite. You will always find this popular, cosy bakery bustling with locals desperate to get their sourdough and pastry fix before everything sells out. We recommend going earlier and preparing to wait for a table if you don’t want to take out.
Known for producing some of the best bread in all of London, naturally, they sell some of the best sandwiches too. On the weekends their chilli eggs on perfect focaccia will make a glorious mess in your hands but be worth it. Everything is perfection especially followed by a sweet pastry chaser.
Victory Mansion 🍗
If you want a boozey brunch, a great one that won’t just ply you off with some cheap prosecco but well-crafted fizzy cocktails, then Victory Mansion is the perfect place.
A cocktail bar mainly which also serves unbelievably tasty food. A welcome change from the usual brunch fare their interesting and flavoursome tacos are bottomless along with the booze. A surprising standout is the battered, deep-fried, and perfectly crisp nori potatoes which might just blow your mind.
Broadway Market 🌱 🍗
If you prefer lunch with a stroll, Broadway market is spilling over with choices. Literally – a tiny market called Netil Market a few steps away is also worth a trip. Here you really will be spoilt for choice.
We recommend long-standing stall Deenys who serve haggis (no thanks) and vegetarian friendly haggis (yes please) sandwiches. Falafel, burgers, and London’s favourite donut Crosstown Donuts are at your fingertips. We also suggest slipping across to aforementioned Netil Market for the unbelievable falafel pita at Pockets.
