10 Arcola St, London E8 2DN

The OG of the many Mangal spin-offs in Dalston, this ocakbasi started life as a teeny spot with a handful of tables and a charcoal grill. It's now expanded but the classic offering remains the same. Owner Ercan Cuce and his team serve up amazing kebabs and the best bread in an unassuming dining room that to this day doesn't have a booze licence, so bring your own.

70-74 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7XB

Former basement dive turned fully fledged restaurant and bar, Corrochio's is named after Guadalajara-born chef Daniel Corrochio who serves up an authentic day into night menu channelling Mexico's city's best taquerias. They also do a very popular Mexican take on brunch at the weekends and if you're just popping in for a drink, there's a separate CINCO agave bar downstairs.

374 Helmsley Pl, London E8 3SB

This is the second space for Tomos Parry's hit restaurant Brat, taking over the (covered) courtyard of the Climpson's Arch roastery. Expect a similar menu to the Shoreditch original - plenty of Galician steaks, grilled fish and lots of Basque influence throughout.

254 Hackney Road, London, E2 7SJ

This pub from two St John veterans, Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram is both one of Hackney's best pubs and best restaurants. Downstairs in the pub, make sure to get one of their excellent beef and barley buns, while upstairs it's an actual crime to leave without trying their brown butter & honey tart, one of London's best desserts. Their Sunday roasts are exceptional too.

13 Water Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5GX

Dishoom is based on Bombay cafe culture and their restaurants are always incredibly popular (so be prepared to queue at busy times). Their Canary Wharf restaurant has a standalone bar if you're popping in for a drink and a terrace overlooking the water too. As for the menu, all the hits are in place, including their amazing bacon naans.