Fish Island may not be a real island, but it’s currently feeling mighty isolated by its waterways. The whole summer will have flown past before the reopening of access via Roach Point Bridge, the direct route from Hackney Wick Overground.
But with waterfront terraces and spacious outdoor piazzas, it’s well worth the extra effort for al fresco sundowners and dining under the stars, let alone a decent coffee or superior sandwich, surrounded by art at every turn.
Getting there: The best routes for destination dining on Fish Island on foot are by walking along the River Lea towpath (past Barge East) to the Monier Road footbridge, or, for the nimble-footed, you can also cross the Hereford Union Canal opposite the Wickside develop-ment by waking on top of the Bottom Lock. By road, use Wansbeck Rd from the north or Wick Lane from the south.
As good for a tip top big breakfast as it is for a romantic date night, this canalside corner has fast become the area’s most celebrated restaurant.
With minimalist but warm interior and a suntrap canal-meets-river aspect out front, it’s bright, airy, swish and seductive all at once.
A seasonal menu of British and Irish dishes changes weekly, but look out for staples like ‘the notorious’ chicken fillet roll and juicy sharing steaks, all complimented by a well-curated wine list and expert cocktails.
Artisanal pizzas made with satisfyingly imaginative toppings such as pumpkin puree or white beef ragu, plus a partnership with the team at Luna’s for special pizza tacos with fillings such as spicy mango.
Possibly the best waterfront dining, with large windows and outdoor tables right next to the canal lock (hence the name).
They are also home to regular art shows, guest chef partnerships, fashion collaborations and DJ nights.
Large, airy and meticulously well-designed pizza restaurant with a sweeping central bar mezzanine levels and massive outdoor terrace overlooking the main Fish Island Village square.
Great selection of local beers, cocktails and natural wines to drink.
There’s also an on-site deli offering posh panty items and a bottleshop, alongside serving hot and cold sandwiches and salads to take out in the daytimes.
From its enviable position on the canal just opposite Victoria Park, this bar-restaurant offers an imaginative menu of Italian-influences dishes from a punchy horseradish-meddled beef tartare, through stretchy sourdough pizzas and on to gelato-stuffed sweet calzone.
The bar offers a monster 4pm-7pm happy hour from Tues-Fri, weekend brunches with free coffee and is dog-friendly, too.
Fresh pasta is the name of the game here (alongside regular pasta-making classes too), at this beautiful restaurant waiting to be discovered by the curious who venture deep into the industrial sprawl of Bloc Riverside’s studio yard.
Your host is pasta influencer Egle Loit, who has poured a lot of love into the food and the design here. The menu changes regularly, with delicate starters and desserts complementing the main event.
Oh, and there’s a well curated wine list too. Perfect for those looking to find their new favorite (truly) hidden gem.
The newish bar to take on this large canalside spot is all about live music and comedy, but is well worth a visit for the food, too, which comes from Hackney’s beloved The Taco House.
They’re famed for Mexican tacos dipped in a signature Birria stew, and French tacos with their special Algerian sauce, alongside pimped-up burgers, wings and more, all of which are Halal.
Enjoy on the waterfront terrace with enviable views out across the Olympic Park.
Legendary all-day venue, with coworking coffee vibes from breakfast, rambunctious after-school family gatherings and full-on club events into the evening, surrounded by regularly rotating art shows on the walls.
Superior burgers come courtesy of Lucky Chip, washed down with hazy IPAs, cocktails and more from the well-stocked bar.
Try and bag a seat on the terrace, which floats directly over the water out the back, then watch the narrowboats glide past the looming backdrop of the London Stadium as the sun goes down.
Classic East End boozer that’s as popular with the West Ham matchday faithful as it is with the Caribbean and African crowds drawn by the ‘The Tropics’ kitchen.
You’ll find authentic jerk chicken, honey lamb chops, oxtail or callaloo and saltfish, and big box meals with rice & peas and coleslaw for the full Caribbean culinary experience alongside your pint.
Charismatic owner Gigi’s imaginatively decked-out sandwich bar and micro party space serves proper Italian produce bursting out of fabulous, freshly-baked paninis.
It’s tiny inside, but ideal to grab a sarni and a drink and go to sit on the nearby canal banks.
The porchetta and spicy mushroom panini is the juicy and very filling classic here, the pork joint roast daily on the premises.
Classy new multi roast speciality coffee joint on the ground floor of the gleaming Lockside Studios workspace.
You’ll find unexpected fruity brews from guest roasteries, tasty pastries and very decent beans to take home or gift to your coffee-loving mates.
Creative community hub and cafe set in the basement of the historic Algha Works spectacle factory. Coffee and sweet things are by Camden’s THINK Cafe, who are known to mix their caffeinated beverages with tattoos and haircuts.
The basement is also home to in-house artists from dance companies to filmmakers and photographers, so you’ll find an ongoing a series of creative workshops, barista trainings, baking, studio sessions and live events too.
Hole in the wall joint that’s celebrated locally for its eminently affordable Indian fusion menu.
We’re big fans of the brightly coloured rice boxes, with samosas and onion bhajis on the side for a substantial takeaway lunch, but the spiced-up burgers, wings and meals keep the home delivery punters happy.
Another good one to take to the nearby towpath to enjoy by the water.
Brilliant friendly little backstreet cafe doing vegan fayre, from full English plant-based breakfasts to wraps, burgers, bagels, and open toasts, salads plus award-winning pastries.
Their signature coffee bean blend, Anaiya, is crafted from ethically-sourced organic Arabica beans from Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Sumatra.
A cosy interior full of books, games and community notices to while away the hours, plus upcycled tables and chairs out front if the weather is nice.
As much about the regular line-up of flavorsome global food pop-ups and supperclubs as the phenomenal freshly baked loaves, pastries and pies.
Grab a lunchtime toastie or a bottle of natural wine for dinner at one of the long sharing tables at one of their Friday evening late sessions.
This wildly popular neighbourhood store comprises a well-stocked grocery, butcher’s counter and bottleshop all rolled into one community-friendly space.
Their in-house bar/cafe serves up hangover-busting bacon baps and deep filled sandwiches plus seriously good coffees by day, and transforms to host beer and wine tastings and supper clubs as darkness falls.
Cheese is celebrated in its many guises at the neighbourhood’s new fromagerie, which also boasts all the other ingredients for a perfect canalside picnic.
From chutneys and saucisson to pates and olives, there’s plenty to accompany the cows, goats, ewes and other cheeses.
Look out for regular cheese and wine evenings too.
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