Rasa

This is a well known vegetarian restaurant. It’s famous for South Indian dishes. The restaurant owner has published books on curry so expect nothing less than absolutely fabulous. It’s on Stoke Newington Church street which means taking a bus, it’s also competing with Brick Lane during Frieze and Sunday, but if you’re a vegetarian this could be worth a try.

Green Papaya

The restaurant was awarded ’2009 Best Vietnamese Restaurant’ by The Hackney Gazette. Have you ever tried banana flowers? Banana flower salad is on the menu so if you’ve never seen one or eaten one before it’s a good excuse to visit. It’s on Mare street not that far from Shoreditch.

Mangal Ocakbasi (have also been recommended by Jasper Joffe)

A very well known Turkish restaurant. It seems everyone in the art world knows of Mangal Ocakbasi. If you like meat try visiting this place. Rumor has it, it’s the best Turkish in Dalston. If you’re lucky, on your way there you might be able to spot Gilbert and George walking to their restaurant. They eat in the same area frequently.

Thank you to Time Out and all the restaurants for images