PEARLY QUEEN SHOREDITCH
Tuck yourself away at this hip and intimate spot for an evening of romance. Not only are oysters a natural aphrodisiac to put you in the mood for love, but they’re served in the most delicious ways at Pearly Queen. The crispy buffalo oyster is sure to woo anyone. Michelin starred head chef and owner Tom Brown’s inventive menu of fish and shellfish creations is pure genius, along with some of the finest cocktails, curated by Max Denning of Dalston’s Three Sheets. @pearlyqueenshoreditch
44 Commercial Street, London E1 6LT
ELINE
Nestled a moment’s walk from Hoxton station is neighbourhood restaurant Eline. Owners Alex and Maria have created a place that is welcoming and homely, with attention to detail. Eline exudes an airy warm glow as you enter, slowing down the world and transporting you to a place of calm. The interior is understated with a Scandi-come-Spanish swish. Each seasonal dish on the menu makes the most of every ingredient – beautiful, delicious and served on hand-thrown crockery hand-made in Italy. It’s clear there’s love and passion given to every plate of food. Being able to pair your food from the vast selection of natural wines makes it all the more perfect. @elinelondon
1C Rosewood Building, Cremer Street, London E2 8GX
ALL’S WELL
Hackney’s eco-friendly restaurant offers a hyper-seasonal menu that hasn’t failed to make its mark on the East London dining scene. Vegetables are made the star of the show in flavour-packed dishes such as roasted wonky carrots served with cashew cream, addictive deep-fried Brussels sprouts and roasted kuri squash tempura. The attention to sustainability goes beyond the dishes – there’s an imaginative cocktail menu, including our favourite, the Fig-leaf Martini. The bar also offers an array of organic wines including bottles from local wine heroes Renegade. @whereallswell
171 Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 3RH
JONES & SONS
Jones and Sons is rich in its food and charm. It’s not only nailed its cool and industrial aesthetic and re-crafted classic European dishes, but it’s the perfect spot to soak in the comings and goings of busy East London. @jones.and.sons
Stamford Works, 3 Gillett Street, London N16 8JH
TOWNSEND
A perfectly-formed dining room in Whitechapel’s historic gallery, this room has been occupied by the likes of Angela Hartnett, and the then team behind 10 Greek Street. The menu is seasonal, small-plates – perfect to share with your loved one. There’s a refined comfort theme that carries through all the courses. @townsend_restaurant
77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX
BARGE EAST
Really want to push the (love) boat out – on board and below deck of this 120 year old Dutch barge, you’ll find a cosy and intimate saloon with a fine dining menu that is faultless and has seasonality at its core. Service at Barge East is super warm and welcoming – the food is top notch without the stuffiness and the vibe is as cool as the crowd who come to dine. @bargeeast
River Lea, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, London E9 5EN
Given the thumbs up by The Guardian’s Jay Rayner, this Lebanese-inspired restaurant and wine bar hits all the spots, with a divine menu and a generous social heart. Just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street stations, its cool, laid-back and stylish interior makes for a casual and intimate dinner. @sohailarestaurant
232 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6PJ
A welcoming yet seriously cool space to enjoy sushi and cocktails. A contemporary Japanese, Izakaya-style menu (which means sharing) The fish is super-fresh and well-prepared – but even the ‘standard’ rolls are extra-special, with a sprinkle of culinary genius upon them. @isshoni_uk
185 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6AB
Small but perfectly formed. Framed with linen curtains and rows of wine bottles, Little Duck the Picklery invites you in to their fermented wonderland. An open kitchen, combined with a cosy corners by the window create a scene that is both intimate and inspiring. The menu is listed on a chalkboard, but everything looks so tempting. @littleduckthepicklery
68 Dalston Lane, London E8 3AH
This family-run East London restaurant woos both the foodie crowd and locals with its innovative Japanese-Italian fusion. The vibe is cool west village New York meets modern neighbourhood trattoria. The space is shallow and small, framed by vast windows and decorated simply with large fig trees and mellow, lanterned lighting. @angelina.dalston
56 Dalston Lane, London E8 3AH
Swoon with a view
Galvin La Chapelle
Immerse yourself in the epitome of fine dining at the acclaimed Galvin La Chapelle, Sptialfields. Enjoy an exquisite three-course meal from a Michelin-starred set menu, crafted by renowned chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin. Bask in the stunning ambiance of this Grade II listed building in East London while sipping on chilled bubbles. @galvinlachapelle
35 Spital Square, London E1 6DY
City Social Restaurant & Bar
Start off the evening with THE best ever dirty martini and be seduced by the incredible views of some of London’s most iconic and historic buildings at City Social. With its smart interior and inviting leather booths, it has all the old school charm you’d expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. Its modern British menu is equally compelling, created by chef Jason Atherton. @citysocial_london
Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1HQ
Pocket Square Bar & Terrace
Whisper sweet nothings while sipping on Pocket Square’s special ‘St. Valentine’ cloud of candy floss cocktail and take in the bar’s unbeatable views across East London. The generous and filling Sicilian small plates are ideal for sharing in this friendly and relaxed spot with your loved one this Valentine’s day. @pocketsquarelondon
9th Floor, Hyatt Place London City East, 45 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1DU
Searcys at The Gherkin
Indulge in three mouth-watering courses of traditional British cuisine, accompanied by delightful sides and celebratory cocktails, all while enjoying the breathtaking view from this iconic skyscraper. @searcysgherkin
The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF
READ THIS ISSUE OF BEAST MAGAZINE
Tag us with your copy of Beast magazine @beastmag_london on Instagram