Where to dine in Clapton, East London

East London has long been a hotspot for global cuisine, and Clapton has quietly become one of its most exciting foodie neighbourhoods. From a seriously good Malaysian restaurant, a cosy Italian trattoria, an authentic Chinese dumpling house, a Japanese sushi spot, to a modern European bistro with a natural wine selection, Clapton is packed with spots that make eating out in London genuinely exciting, and it’s the kind of area where you can discover something new every time you go.

Leo’s Restaurant & Bar

Image courtesy of Leo’s Restaurant & Bar, Clapton, East London

#FLODown: Leo’s is a Clapton favourite on Chatsworth Road, known for its blend of relaxed café vibes and intimate evening dining. The retro-modern décor, terrazzo floors, and skylit back dining room create a stylish, welcoming atmosphere. The menu shifts from coffee, pastries, and frittata during the day to Sardinian-inspired dishes in the evening, like grilled turbot, buffalo mozzarella with peperonata, and spaghetti with lemon and bottarga. Sundays feature a reasonably priced set menu, while bar snacks make it easy to drop in for a casual drink.

Location: 59 Chatsworth Road, E5 0LH. Website: leosrestaurant.bar; Instagram: @leos.london

Mambow

Image courtesy of  Mambow, Clapton, East London 

#FLODown: Mambow is a family-run Malaysian restaurant that has evolved from a street stall to a food hall pop-up, and now a permanent Clapton gem. The menu celebrates Malaysian and Singaporean flavours, with dishes such as Sarawak black pepper chicken curry, five-spice pork and prawn bean curd rolls, and fiery otak-otak prawn toast. The space is small and lively, with upbeat music and an atmosphere that reflects the food. Dishes draw on founder Abby Lee’s heritage and family recipes, while a monthly changing menu gives regular visitors something new to try.

Location: 78 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0RN. Website: mambow.co.uk; Instagram: @mambowlondon

My Neighbours The Dumplings 

 Image courtesy of My Neighbours The Dumplings

#FLODown: My Neighbours the Dumplings is Clapton’s pioneering dumpling spot, serving classic har gau and shu mai alongside fresh, spicy salads and vegetarian options. The scruffy-chic interior features hanging lanterns, neon signs, and a downstairs bar. Since opening in 2016, it has become a local institution, blending Asian street-food authenticity with East London casual charm. The food is comforting, the service friendly, and the atmosphere lively yet approachable, making it a perfect spot for both midweek dinners and weekend outings.

Location: 165 Lower Clapton Road, E5 8EQ. Website: myneighboursthedumplings.com; Instagram: @myneighboursdumplings

Uchi

Image courtesy of Uchi Hackney

#FLODown: Uchi delivers contemporary Japanese cuisine with a menu of melt-in-the-mouth sashimi, crispy karaage, charred pork skewers, and inventive sushi rolls. The industrial-chic interiors feature brushed gold counters, natural wood stools, delicate foliage, and curtained-off sunken seating. The space feels both lively and intimate, reflecting a modern izakaya vibe, and the focus on fresh ingredients and creative presentation ensures each dish is both stunning and full of flavour.

Location: 144 Clarence Road, E5 8EA. Website: uchihackney.com; Instagram: @uchihackney

 Lucky & Joy

Image courtesy of Lucky & Joy, Clapton, East London

#FLODown: Lucky & Joy serves Chinese-inspired dishes influenced by the Silk Road and the founders’ travels. The menu includes cumin lamb chops, hand-pulled biang biang noodles, smoked eel skewers, and sesame noodles, along with a small selection of cocktails, local beers, and natural wines. Located on Lower Clapton Road, the neon-lit interior is bright and welcoming, and its shareable dishes make it ideal for cosy group gatherings.

Location: 95 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0NP. Website: luckyandjoy.co.uk.Instagram: @luckyandjoy

107 Wine Shop & Bar

Image courtesy of 107 Wine Shop & Bar 

#FLODown: 107 Wine Shop & Bar offers an ever-changing menu of small plates with generous portions designed to satisfy. From roast pigeon with celeriac to squash, radicchio, and hazelnut salad, the dishes are thoughtfully prepared by rotating resident chefs. The natural wine selection is curated to complement the menu, and the intimate, relaxed feel make for the perfect place to linger over a glass or two without feeling rushed.

Location: 107 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0NP. Website: 107wine.co.uk; Instagram: @107_e5

Bake Street

Image courtesy of Bake Street 

#FLODown: Bake Street is a Lower Clapton café loved for its take on comfort food. Think Nashville hot chicken buns, smash burgers, seasonal soft-serve, and treats like crème brûlée cookies, with weekend specials such as birria tacos. The coffee and baked goods are just as good, and the informal, lively setting makes it a great spot for brunch, catching up with friends, or sharing dishes. It’s well worth a visit to see why it has become such a local favourite.

Location: 58 Evering Road, N16 7SR. Instagram: @bakestreetldn

Tom’s Pasta 

Image courtesy of  Tom’s Pasta, East London 

#FLODown: Tom’s Pasta started as a pandemic-era project, with chef-owner Tom Haydon delivering slow-cooked lasagne around Hackney by bike. Generous portions and delicious, handmade Italian dishes, like beef shin lasagne, pumpkin ricotta ravioli, and seasonal vegetarian options, have landed it a local favourite and a go-to for casual dinners, weeknight meals, or catching up with friends over seriously good pasta.

Location: Tom’s Pasta, Hackney Downs Studios, 17 Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT. Website: tomspasta.co.uk; Instagram: @tomspasta

Hai Cafe

Image courtesy of Hai Café

#FLODown: Hai Café is a family-run Vietnamese spot on Lower Clapton Road, opened in 2018 by Mama Hai to bring her take on northern Vietnamese dishes to London. The menu includes pho, curries, bún bowls, and bánh mì, with small touches like black sesame in sandwiches or pineapple in vermicelli bowls. The café’s walk-in-only approach keeps things informal, and its consistent quality and distinctive flavours have made it a favourite with locals.

Location: 120b Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0QR. Website: hai-cafe.com; Instagram: @haicafelondon