Ryan Chetiyawardana

First, diners have to find the door– the only clue is the word “canteen” on a set of buzzers south of Arnold Circus. Margot Henderson’s restaurant began as a simple spot, dishing up lunch to the creatives working in the converted Victorian-school hub next door. And while the plates are still elegant in their simplicity (anchovy toast, ham with celeriac remoulade), there’s something so magical about the atmosphere on a summer’s evening that it feels as if you’re the only one in on Shoreditch’s worst-kept secret.

Upstairs through a blink-and-miss-it doorway on Redchurch Street is one of the most exciting restaurants in London. The name comes from an old English term for turbot, so it’s fitting that the flatfish is the star of the show. Inspired by the Basque Country, everything is cooked over a charcoal grill – the smoked potatoes are particularly good, but there aren’t really any misses on the Michelin-starred menu. The London Fields outpost feels marginally cooler. Either way, order the burnt cheesecake for pudding.

There are lots of great options for supper on Redchurch Street: see Brat, but also fiery Thai flavours at Smoking Goat beneath it, or Bao’s Taiwanese noodle shop across the road. For something that feels more refined, step inside Blue Mountain School – a mash-up of a boutique design store, gallery space, listening room and restaurant. Michelin-starred Cycene, old English for kitchen, serves a very contemporary nine courses paired with minimal intervention wines or kombuchas. The most laidback tasting menu in town.

The canteen-style younger sibling of Trullo in Islington, Padella was a long-held dream of owners Tim Siadatan and Jordan Frieda. The Borough Market joint is almost impossible to get into without a wait but this Shoreditch space has a much lower footfall, which means drop-ins are welcome. The plates of lemony tagliarini with Dorset crab and homemade worm-like pici cacio e pepe are such good value it’s reasonable to order more than one. Keep an eye out for kids-eat-free offers plus £2 Negronis (for the adults).

The Museum of the Home is an off-the-beaten-track establishment in the middle of Dalston. As an erstwhile alms-house, it maintains its historic integrity with free admission. Its collections explore notions of “home” and what it means to different people, whilst temporary installations are equally thought-provoking. 

This historic East End boozer is our fave local spot. Their motto, "brewing beer full of flavours and creating places full of life", couldn't be more true. If you're in the mood for a wild night out, we always recommend The Ten Bells. Pint anyone?