Dalston, London, a place that's bursting at the seams with energy. This lively neighbourhood might take you aback on the first visit as it's certainly one of the more chaotic places to visit in East London. Some people liken Dalston to Peckham. Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction are particularly rowdy, but as with all neighbourhoods, once you venture off the beaten track you can find some unexpected peace and quiet, and hidden gems. From secret gardens to arguably the world's best bread, this guide covers some of our favourite places to explore in Dalston in 2023.

As with the last article, I’ve provided an interactive map so you can easily navigate to the places mentioned in the Dalston neighbourhood guide.

In this article:

• Part 1: Dalston food and coffee

• Part 2: Dalston drinks and nightlife

• Part 3: Dalston cultural hotspots

Dalston has a smorgasbord of cuisines to suit a range of budgets and preferences. From fancy Dalston restaurants to cheap late night eats, discover our A-Z of faves. 

Allpress London Roastery and Cafe ☕

Revered roaster Allpress keep hundreds of independent cafes caffeinated across the UK. At their very own site housed in the most stunning building (formally a joiners factory), you can enjoy their coffee, and maybe something sweet to eat too. The natural light and spacious building make this such a pleasant spot to pause for a moment and enjoy that first sip. Worth mentioning though there's no WiFi (probably to keep us laptop loafers out) so go with a mate or do some old fashioned reading while you're there. You're never alone with a phone etc.

Location

55 Dalston Lane, Dalston, London E8 2NG

Brunswick East ☕🍳

Named after Melbourne neighbourhood, Brunswick (Hackney on steroids, btw!) this is a tiny brunch, coffee and pastry spot tucked away off from main Dalston Kingsland. It's the kind of place you're unlikely to trundle past unless you know about it, but that's why these guides exist. Australian food is fresh, colourful and delicious, and Brunswick East does a top job of all three.

Location

Unit 3D Stamford Works, Gillett Street, Dalston, N16 8JH.

Dusty Knuckle Bakery ☕🍞

Insane bread. Unreal pastries. Doorstop sandwiches so tasty you'll be salivating over them all week. An institution. Can't say enough good things about Dusty. It's a reason to go to Dalston all in itself. This is another one of those spots that is down a seemingly dead-end road, but compared to Brunswick, it has plenty of space. On a sunny day it's a great spot to enjoy a breakfast or lunch alfresco and though I'm yet to try it, the popular Acme Fire Cult is right next door.

Can’t make it to Dalston? Dusty also have a charming travelling milk float which travels around adjacent neighbourhoods delivering all the usual fare. Check the schedule on their website (linked above.)

Location

Abbot Street Car Park, E8 3DP

Del74 🌮

Noisey. Sardine-packed. Date-y. Go for a good time, stay for the margaritas and snacktastic tacos. This place is also featured in the Cost of Living Guide as on Tuesdays they have £2.50 tacos and £3.50 beers. Run, don't walk.

Location

129 Kingsland High Street, London, E8 2PB

Ginette ☕🥐

The type of coffee shop that many try to imitate but most get wrong. This place exudes class and sophistication, without the snobbery. The aesthetic, the space, the music, the light, the staff, the cute Ginette biscuits that come with each brew. Another hidden gem, but one I'm hesitant to share because it feels like a chic secret sanctuary. Also, as it's located in The Factory, there's usually something fun going on at weekends.

Location

21-31 Shacklewell Lane, London E8 2DA

Gordo’s Pizzeria 🍕

Laidback eat-in and takeaway pizzeria which also specialises in ironic t-shirts and merch. Gordo's gives off the same lackadaisical, Mid 90s energy as Dom's Subs (Impeccable sandwiches) - confident that their pizzas are so good, they can just have fun and the people will follow. 

Location

533 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AR

House of Momo 🥟

Momos are Himalayan dumplings, steamed and filled with delicious meats or veggies with a range of mild to spicy sauces to accompany them and the usual rice and noodle sides. This is a go-to takeaway and delivery spot, although they do have a small selection of seating available if you fancy eating in.

Location

52 Boleyn Road Dalston, London N16 8JP

Mangal 2 🍖🍷

Mangal two describes itself as an ocakbasi restaurant, which essentially means Turkish food that has been cooked on charcoal. Run by two brothers, the family legacy that underpins this restaurant spans back to the 80s when their father opened London's first ocakbasi restaurant in Dalston. Mangal two is the second iteration of this restaurant, one that has achieved cult status in London through its ritzy menu and attention to detail. Backstreet kebab shop, this ain't.

Location

4 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7XN

Mildreds Dalston 🌿

Sometimes it can be hard to convince meat eaters to try vegan food but if there was ever a place to test the waters it'd be Mildreds. Technically a chain (there are a few locations dotted around London) the nice thing about this 100% plant based restaurant is it offers vegan food for every type of eater. If you want a healthy nourish bowl filled with legumes and rainbow vegetables, you can. If you want burgers and chips, you can. All freshly made and nothing ultra processed. Frankly, a vibe.

Location

1, Thomas Tower, Dalston Square, London E8 3GU

Papos Bagels 🥯

Is there anything better than bagels?! Run by a couple from New York in pursuit of decent London bagels, Papos make theirs completely from scratch on the premises, and you can buy them on their own, or stuffed with toppings such as your classic cream cheese and smoked salmon to cold cuts. According to their Instagram, they even deliver across London and nationwide so if you can't get to their store you can still get your fix.

Location

73-75 Shacklewell lane, Dalston, E8 2EB

Pizza Union 🍕

You've got to love any pizza place in London that offers margheritas and frozen mojitos for less than a fiver. Thin and crispy is the variety here and although this isn't London's best pizza, it's pretty decent and a top location if you're going to a gig or event nearby and want fuss free scran.

Location

14 Kingsland High Street, Dalston, E8 2JP

Supa Ya Ramen 🍜

Noodle ice-cream, cumberland sausage and fried cabbage and cheese ramen are all on the menu at this hip restaurant towards the bottom of Kingsland Road. This place gets busy, so make a booking if you don't wanna join a hella long queue.

Location

499 Kingsland Road, Dalston, E8 4AU

Dalston pubs, bars and clubs. Discover where to go for a pint, a cocktail and / or a dance.

Ridley Road Market Bar 🍹

Good vibes flow at this tropical-ish themed bar which always seems to turn into a dancefloor by 10pm on weekends. The drinks are affordable and the music is on point. Go on a date or as part of a pub / bar crawl with mates.

Location

49 Ridley Rd, London E8 2NP

Dalston Superstore 🏳️‍🌈

Institutional queer bar / club that's down to party almost every night of the week. See also: their sister basement karaoke and drag bar.

Location

117 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PB

Red Hand 🍺

The kind of place you'll walk past a hundred times without going in, not realising the unassuming front is hiding one of the best bars in East London. There's a huge craft beer selection and the lighting makes everyone look fabulous.

Location

36-38 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7XJ

Bar Doña 🍸

Technically in Stokey, but if you keep walking up Kingsland Road you'll get there, and supporting a new, independent, female-owned business is always a good idea. Taqueria upstairs, mezcal bar downstairs, events every week. From DJ nights to cabaret and speed dating, multi-purpose is the name of the game at this red vampire style venue. Goths and secret goths will adore it.

Location

92 Stoke Newington High St,  London, N16 7NY

Brilliant Corners 🇯🇵🎵

Laid back, low lit bar with a focus on electronic music - DJs and producers play at the venue daily. Japanese set menu offered. Reservations recommended.

Location

470 – 472 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE

Silk Stockings 🍸

An intimate cocktail bar that epitomises the term 'date night'. Reasonably priced compared to some of the other cocktail spots in Dalston.

Location

80 Dalston Lane, London, E8 3AH

The Victoria Dalston 🍺

Part of the Jaguar Shoes Collective, The Victoria has been part of the community for over 100 years. With an emphasis on showcasing live music from indie bands and sweaty Saturday nights at 'Scared to Dance' - the venues music room - this is a proper good time pub.

Location

451 Queensbridge Road, Dalston, London, E8 3AS

From gigs to comedy and open mic, you have pick of the cultural bunch in Dalston.

Draughts 🎲

Grab your most competitive friends and roll the dice on over 1,000 board games. There's even a secret rooftop bar.

Location

41 Kingsland High Street, London, E8 2JS

Earth Hackney 🎭🎤

Easily one of the best medium-sized venues in London. From northern soul to comedy, live music, creative talks and community flea markets, they've got it all. There's also a kitchen and theatre / events space for hire.

Location

11-17 Stoke Newington Rd, Dalston, London, N16 8BH

Burley Fisher Books 📚

Well appointed indie bookshop offering a genre-spanning selection of fiction and non-fiction books. Second hand gems also available.

Location

400 Dalston Kingsland Road, London E8 2PB

Dalston Jazz Bar 🎷

Disclaimer: I've not actually been here - but, it came highly recommended from friends as an amazing place to go, so here it is. Definitely feels like a 'if you know you know' type place as its tucked away on a side street and they keep information about the place hush hush on socials. Experience it for yourself in real life. Booking essential.

Location

4 Bradbury Street London, N16 8JN

Rio Cinema 🎥

Brilliant independent cinema showing everything from blockbusters to low budget shorts and world film. The cinema dates back 112 years - let's keep it alive and kicking.

Location

107 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB

Dalston Roof Park 🏙️

Covered and heated rooftop bar tucked away on a Dalston backstreet. Come the summer, plenty of music events and screenings amongst other things. Playing Six Nations and sporting events with an incentive of £5 drinks all through February.

Location

18 – 22 Ashwin Street. Dalston. London, E8 3DL

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden 🌱

Community garden oasis tucked away behind main road traffic chaos. Open to the public and serving alcohol, food and soft drinks. Gorgeous retreat in summer, wrap up and brave it in winter.

Location

 13 Dalston Lane, E8 3DF

Cafe OTO 🎭🎤

Multi-purpose creative venue specialising in non-mainstream cinema and music in all its forms with a shop, bar and cafe. Membership is offered for regulars.

Location

18-22 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL

Ridley Road Social Club 🎤💻💿

Blink and you'll miss it, Ridley Road Social Club is on the same street as the market, and is a community-led kitchen, work space, events space and record shop. From chess club to open mics, there's a rotating roster of fun stuff to check out.

Location

First Floor, 89 Ridley Rd, London E8 2PD

Thanks for reading ✌️

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