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Restaurant table

12 places to tantalise your tastebuds in Waltham Forest

Published: 25 November 2021
Filed under: Choose Local

Based on what you told us, we have rounded up the best places to eat out in Waltham Forest, as voted by you! Whether you want something fancy, some street food, or to try something new, listen to what your neighbours are saying and make your way to one of these 12 mouth-watering restaurants. You won’t regret it! 

1. CRATE, St James Street, E17 7FY

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Crate St James

Okay, so we might be cheating a bit with this one, as Crate St James has more than one place to eat. Bursting on the Waltham Forest scene in 2017, it’s grown in popularity and pizazz. It’s an exciting business community for over 30 creatives, retailers, food outlets and service businesses, right next to St James Street station on the Overground so super easy to access. You could visit every night of the week and try different cuisine, and if you’re lucky enough to catch a drag show (we did one night recently), we would totally recommend – 10/10! Keep on top of what’s happening on their Instagram feed @cratesjs

2. Don Francisco Y la Luna, High Street, E17 7LD

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Don Francisco Y la Luna food

Not far behind CRATE St James Street in votes and literally just around the corner (the St James Street locals are revealing all these hidden gems – thank you) is Don Francisco Y la Luna, a delightful Spanish restaurant that prides themselves on offering a large selection of Spanish tapas and all home cooked from scratch with lot of care and love. Say no more, we will see you there! 

3. The Fillybrook, 392 Grove Green Road, E11 4AP

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The Fillybrook food

We must admit, we weren’t overly familiar with The Fillybrook, but the locals are, with it coming in third in places to eat and drink in Waltham Forest. A simple concept, good food, drink and accompanied by music, what’s not to like. The space itself doesn’t look like much from the street but get inside and its clean lines, functional with a cool vibe. Book ahead, as we heard it gets pretty full and the unique dining experiences sell out quick!

4. Mora, 487 High Road, E11 4PG

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Mora restaurant

This gorgeous Italian restaurant, Mora, couldn’t be more cosy, relaxed and welcoming if it tried. Serving hearty Italian food and specialising in fresh pasta, and partnered with an ever-changing selection of natural, organic, biodynamic wines from small Italian producers, it’s an absolute delight, and you think so too, coming in fourth in our best places to eat in Waltham Forest. Slightly off the beaten track in south Leytonstone, it’s also got a wonderful deli where you can take away the ingredients and try cooking at home. Buon appetito! 

5. Orford Saloon Tapas Bar, 32 Orford Road, E17 9NJ

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Orford Saloon Tapas Bar

From Italy to Spain, 'A little piece of Spain in the heart of Walthamstow' (a quote from Time Out London), the Orford Saloon Tapas Bar, is a popular local tapas bar in Walthamstow Village serving authentic Spanish dishes with a good selection of wines, beers and sherries. We recommend popping for some Spanish delights and then bar-hopping across to any of the wonderful places in the village, it’s a fun night out! Instagram feed @orfordsaloon.

6. Panda Dim Sum, 767 High Rd Leytonstone, London E11 4QS

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Panda Dim Sum

The tube, the crowds, the noise – no thanks! Why venture into Chinatown when you can have some of the best dumplings in London right here in the borough at Panda Dim Sum. This unassuming restaurant in Leytonstone has all the ingredients for a tasty meal that will satisfy any tastebuds. Fresh ingredients with some of the best dumplings and Chinese cuisine, this was a popular vote from local people. 

7. Bread and Oregano, Leyton High Road, E10 6RT

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Bread and Oregano

Bread and Oregano is fresh, fun and colourful, just like its Instagram feed @breadandoregano. The menu presents all the staples for a good brunch, a good date spot, or a fun little pit stop before you head into the high street. We love their motto, serving coffee, but not a typical coffee shop, they’ve consciously decided to slow down the daily rhythms. Life is hectic so we are totally down for this. Find them on Leyton High Road. 

8. Melting Point Bistro, 16A Winchester Road, E4 9LN

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Melting Point Bistro

Did anyone say fondue? Melting Point Bistro is a quirky bistro just minutes from Highams Park Overground Station is the perfect hangout for cheese and cured meat lovers. Locals recommend the smoked cheese fondue and aubergine with tomato, garlic and onion but looking at the rest of the menu we can’t help but have our mouths watering. Friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, a wide selection of tapas and great cocktails make this a local favourite in E4. 

9. Etles Uyghur Restaurant, 235 Hoe St, E17 9PP

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Etles Uyghur Restaurant

Etles Uyghur Restaurant comes highly recommended by locals all across Waltham Forest who love it for the fresh, tasty food at a reasonable price. Dishes are from the Uyghur tradition and include delicious-looking shredded beef, hand-made noodles with vegetables and spiced seabass, all served up in a friendly and relaxed environment. Also, did we mention all dishes are halal? Etles is perfect for everyone. 

10. Hokkaido Teppanyaki Restaurant, 160 Station Rd, E4 6AN

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Hokkaido Teppanyaki Restaurant

We’re absolutely not surprised that Hokkaido Teppanyaki Restaurant made the list of local favourites. It’s a relatively new place but has already stolen the hearts of our residents with fresh dishes and amazing entertainment. Head-chef Master Hua has over 30 years of experience in teppanyaki and sushi-making and will blow your mind with his awesome skills at the teppan (that’s the name of the grill used for teppanyaki, just putting it there so you can impress your friends by telling them when you go there). 

11. La Baita, 98 Station Rd, E4 7BA

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La Baita Restaurant

A baita in Italian defines a specific type of restaurant up in the mountains where you’re served comforting and yummy food in a friendly and cosy environment. La Baita in Chingford doesn’t disappoint and looking at our residents’ comments it’s clear to see that it has kept the spirit of its Italian counterparts. They haven’t got a website but find them on La-baita Facebook page or pay them a visit, it’ll become your local favourite too.

12. Masala India, 466 High Road, E10 6QA

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Masala India Resturant

When you’re in the mood for some authentic Indian home cooking, Masala India is the place to go. Locals love the friendly and homey atmosphere, the lovely garden and the fresh, yummy dishes. The owners, a husband-and-wife team, promise that you’ll find dishes that aren’t usually on Indian menus because they cook and serve what they eat at home, it’s not surprising that it’s such a well-loved restaurant.