Things To Do In Dalston: The Ultimate Local Guide
Dalston has long been one of East London’s most dynamic and unapologetically energetic neighbourhoods. Unlike the polished streets of the West End or the now heavily commercialised stretches of Shoreditch, Dalston retains a gritty, creative, and fiercely independent edge. It is a neighbourhood defined by its contrasts: historic street markets operate alongside critically acclaimed modern and fine-dining restaurants, while subterranean jazz clubs, massive multi-arts spaces, and iconic queer venues sit shoulder-to-shoulder with legendary Turkish ocakbasi grills.
Whether you are here to sift through vintage vinyl, catch a groundbreaking play at the Arcola Theatre, eat Michelin-starred food in an intimate neighbourhood setting, or dance until the early hours at The Divine, Dalston delivers. Flanked by Hackney, Stoke Newington, London Fields, and Shoreditch, it also serves as the perfect launchpad for a wider East London weekend. This isn’t a place for generic chains or predictable nights out—Dalston is about discovering the pulse of East London culture, art, music, and community.
Quick Answer: What Are The Best Things To Do In Dalston?
The best things to do in Dalston include exploring Ridley Road Market, catching a gig in the breathtaking amphitheatre at EartH, eating at standout independent and fine-dining restaurants, visiting Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, experiencing live music, discovering cocktail bars and late-night queer venues, browsing local galleries, and using Dalston as a launch point for Hackney, London Fields, and Stoke Newington.
If you’re short on time, here are the absolute must-dos:
• Catch a gig at EartH: Watch live music or comedy in a stunning, resurrected Art Deco cinema space.
• See a show at the Arcola Theatre: Experience world-class, off-West End theatre in a converted factory.
• Eat along Kingsland Road: Try the legendary Turkish grills like Mangal 1 or modern tasting menus at Angelina.
• Experience Queer Nightlife at The Divine: Embrace the inclusive, high-energy heart of East London’s LGBTQ+ scene at this cabaret and nightclub.
• Party at Ridley Road Market Bar: Enjoy tropical kitsch, cheap drinks, and great DJs at this beloved local institution.
• Relax at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden: Find peace in this community-built green oasis hidden off the main road.
• Catch a gig at Cafe OTO: Experience world-class experimental and avant-garde live music.
• Dine at Corrochio’s: Savour authentic Mexican food before heading down to their late-night Cantina for margaritas.
• Grab a pastry at The Dusty Knuckle: Queue up for some of the best bread and sandwiches in the city.
Why Visit Dalston?
Dalston is worth visiting because it captures the true creative energy of modern London. While it has gentrified over the last decade, it hasn’t lost its soul. The area is defined by a fiercely independent food scene—ranging from laid-back pasta spots to Michelin-starred fine dining—world-renowned nightlife, and a multicultural character that shines brightest along Kingsland Road and Ridley Road Market.
With two Overground stations making it incredibly easy to access, Dalston’s strong East London identity offers a mix of raw, street-level culture and high-quality hospitality. You visit Dalston not just to consume, but to participate—to sit elbow-to-elbow with locals in a packed cafe, to discover an underground band or contemporary art gallery, and to experience a neighbourhood that is constantly evolving.
Best Things To Do In Dalston During The Day
Daytime in Dalston is a mix of bustling commerce, art, and laid-back café culture. It’s a neighbourhood built for wandering.
• Ridley Road Market: Operating since the late 1880s, this market is the beating heart of Dalston. Expect a riot of noise, vibrant fabrics, fresh exotic produce, and a real slice of the area’s Afro-Caribbean heritage.
• Dalston Eastern Curve Garden: Built on an old railway line, this lush, community-run garden is a hidden sanctuary of trees, plants, and relaxed seating. They serve great coffee, local beers, and often host community events.
• Independent Art Galleries: Dalston and nearby Hackney are dotted with creative spaces. Look out for rotating exhibitions at independent spots like the Hundred Years Gallery or the pop-up spaces around Bootstrap Company.
• Independent Cafés & Brunch Spots: The side streets are packed with incredible coffee shops. Finding a sunny spot outside a local bakery is an essential weekend ritual.
• Local Shopping: Browse the vintage shops, independent bookstores, and record stores tucked away off the main drag.
• Canal Walks & Nearby Green Spaces: While Dalston itself is urban, a short walk south takes you to the Regent’s Canal in Haggerston, perfect for a waterside stroll towards Victoria Park or Islington.
Best Things To Do In Dalston At Night
Dalston’s nightlife is legendary, drawing people from all over London. Whether you want a quiet cocktail, world-class theatre, or a sweat-drenched dancefloor, the options are vast.
• Epic Live Music at EartH: Short for Evolutionary Arts Hackney, this massive multi-arts space on Stoke Newington Road features a jaw-dropping restored Art Deco amphitheatre, a club space, and a kitchen. It’s a cultural heavyweight for gigs, comedy, and club nights.
• Theatre & Culture: The Arcola Theatre is a powerhouse of London’s fringe theatre scene. Located just off the main road, it consistently produces thought-provoking, politically engaged, and high-quality plays in an industrial-chic setting.
• Late-Night Queer Nightlife: The Divine on Stoke Newington Road is the spiritual successor to the beloved venue The Glory. Run by London drag royalty Jonny Woo and John Sizzle, it is a spectacular mix of cabaret, drag hothouse, and late-night clubbing. Just down the road, Dalston Superstore remains an inclusive, vibrant institution.
• Cult Local Bars: Ridley Road Market Bar (affectionately known as RRMB) is the ultimate unpretentious party spot. Expect a tropical-kitsch interior, affordable drinks, and a guaranteed great time dancing to retro tunes.
• Intimate Gigs & Jazz: The Shacklewell Arms is the place to discover the next big indie or punk band. Cafe OTO is globally recognised for free jazz and experimental sounds. The Jago offers incredible reggae, dub, and global beats.
• Late-Night Latin Vibes: Want to dance? Head to Escudo de Cuba for authentic Cuban cocktails and mid-week salsa classes, or dive into the subterranean Corrochio’s Cantina where DJs spin until the early hours alongside incredible tequila and mezcal selections.
Best Restaurants In Dalston
Dalston’s dining scene is a glorious mix of long-standing community staples, casual neighbourhood heroes, and cutting-edge culinary innovators.
Fine Dining & Elevated Tasting Menus
• Casa Fofò (Sandringham Road): Tucked away on a quiet residential street, this intimate Michelin-starred restaurant offers a phenomenal, seasonal tasting menu. It perfectly balances high-end culinary technique with the relaxed, unpretentious vibe of East London.
• Angelina: An inventive, thrilling restaurant fusing Japanese and Italian cuisines. They offer a brilliant value set tasting menu (Kondate) in a sleek, minimalist dining room. Best for a memorable date night.
• Pidgin (Nearby in Hackney): A short walk away, Pidgin serves a weekly-changing tasting menu in a tiny, stylish room. No dish is ever repeated, making every visit entirely unique.
The Best Casual & Independent Spots
• Tom’s Pasta (Hackney Downs Studios): Located just over the border in the creative hub of Hackney Downs, this laid-back neighbourhood gem serves some of the most honest, delicious handmade pasta in London. It’s bare-bones, cool, and the pappardelle with beef ragu is outstanding.
• Corrochio’s: A spectacular, authentic Mexican restaurant on Stoke Newington Road. Founded by Guadalajara-born Daniel Carrillo, it serves regional Mexican dishes—think rich beef birria and Gobernador tacos—without any shortcuts.
• Escudo de Cuba: East London’s only authentic Cuban restaurant. Having moved from Islington to Dalston, they serve up fantastic tapas, traditional Cuban dishes, and brilliant Sunday roasts with a Caribbean twist.
• Little Duck The Picklery: A charming, intimate dining room focused on fermentation, natural wines, and seasonal European small plates. Sitting at the large central counter feels like dining in a friend’s (very stylish) kitchen.
The Turkish Grills
• Mangal 1 (Arcola Street): The original, no-frills, bring-your-own-booze (BYOB) legend. The smoky ocakbasi grill churns out unbelievable adana and chicken shish.
• Mangal 2: What was once a traditional grill has been taken over by the founder’s sons and transformed into a critically acclaimed modern restaurant. Expect a contemporary, elevated twist on Turkish flavours using sustainable British ingredients.
Best Cafés And Brunch Spots In Dalston
Dalston runs on good coffee and incredible baked goods.
• The Dusty Knuckle: Hidden in a courtyard just off the main road, this bakery and social enterprise is legendary. Their potato sourdough and massive, messy focaccia sandwiches are worth the inevitable weekend queue.
• Brunswick East: Located in the Stamford Works courtyard, this Aussie-style café serves some of the most inventive and high-quality brunch dishes in the area.
• Wilton Way Deli: A lovely, neighbourhood-feel spot perfect for grabbing a coffee, a posh sausage roll, and watching the world go by on a quiet, leafy street.
Best Bars And Pubs In Dalston
From proper local boozers to high-end mixology and late-night dives, Dalston’s drinking culture is vast.
• Three Sheets: Regularly listed among the best bars in the world. The menu is short, the space is small, but the pre-batched, minimalist cocktails are absolute perfection.
• High Water: A phenomenal, slightly under-the-radar neighbourhood cocktail bar with incredibly knowledgeable staff and a relaxed vibe.
• Ridley Road Market Bar: As mentioned, this is the ultimate cool, casual, and wildly fun Dalston staple. Grab a slice of pizza from the pop-up out front and a pint of frozen margarita.
• Escudo de Cuba: Beyond the food, the upstairs bar is a fantastic spot to meet friends for a classic Mojito or Daiquiri in a warm, lively environment.
• Corrochio’s Cinco Bar: Their dedicated agave and Mexican spirit-focused cocktail bar is a must-visit for mezcal enthusiasts.
• The Duke of Wellington: A fantastic, bustling corner pub on Balls Pond Road with a great beer selection, good food, and a very loyal local crowd.
• Brilliant Corners: As much a bar as it is a restaurant; come for the natural wine, stay for the vinyl DJs playing on an audiophile sound system.
Dalston Nightlife Guide
When we talk about Dalston nightlife, we are talking about a scene that has shaped London’s after-dark culture for a decade. Dalston is one of East London’s strongest nightlife areas because it caters to subcultures rather than the mainstream.
It is a haven for queer nightlife, heavily anchored by The Divine and Dalston Superstore, ensuring the LGBTQ+ community always has a vibrant, safe, and wildly entertaining home in East London. The live music circuit is unparalleled—whether you are swaying in the massive amphitheatre at EartH, catching gritty indie rock at The Shacklewell Arms, or absorbing heavy bass at The Jago. Dalston also excels at the “DJ bar” concept, where venues like Corrochio’s Cantina and Ridley Road Market Bar blur the line between a relaxed drink and a full-blown dancefloor. If you want a night out that feels authentic, raw, and musically forward, this is the neighbourhood.
Culture, Music And Creative Spaces In Dalston
Dalston’s cultural footprint is massive and deeply rooted in the community.
• EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney): A resurrected ruined cinema that now serves as one of East London’s most vital venues for concerts, arts, spoken word, and club nights.
• Arcola Theatre: One of the most important cultural assets in Dalston. It champions emerging talent and progressive storytelling, making world-class theatre accessible right on your doorstep.
• Rio Cinema: This Grade II-listed independent Art Deco cinema is a beloved local landmark. It showcases a mix of blockbusters, arthouse films, and local film festivals.
• Cafe OTO: A genuinely world-class venue for experimental music, free jazz, and avant-garde sound art.
• Dalston Eastern Curve Garden: Beyond being a green space, the garden hosts pumpkin carving at Halloween, light festivals in winter, and community music events in summer.
Markets And Shopping In Dalston
While not a polished retail destination, Dalston offers characterful shopping.
• Ridley Road Market: The soul of Dalston. It operates Monday to Saturday, offering everything from plantains and scotch bonnets to cheap fabrics, household goods, and vintage clothes. It is loud, colourful, and an essential London experience.
• Independent Shops: Dalston Lane and Kingsland High Street have a smattering of great independent stores. Look out for local record shops catering to DJs and vinyl enthusiasts.
Hidden Gems In Dalston
To truly appreciate Dalston, you need to step off the A10 (Kingsland Road). Here are some local secrets:
1. Tom’s Pasta: Hidden away in Hackney Downs Studios, it’s easy to miss but serves some of the most comforting Italian food in the borough.
2. Corrochio’s Cantina: The subterranean bar underneath the main restaurant is a brilliant, hidden late-night escape.
3. Wilton Way: A quiet, leafy street curving away from the chaos. It’s lined with lovely independent businesses, a great pub (The Spurstowe Arms), and beautiful houses.
4. Servant Jazz Quarters: Tucked down a narrow alleyway, this Art Deco-styled basement bar is incredibly easy to walk past, making it the perfect hidden date spot.
5. Fassett Square: The real-life inspiration for the set of EastEnders. A gorgeous, quiet Victorian square.
6. Gillet Square: A unique urban square that acts as a community hub, home to NTS Radio (broadcasting from a shipping container) and various small food vendors.
7. The Dusty Knuckle Courtyard: You have to walk through what looks like an industrial car park to find it, which makes the reward of their pastries even sweeter.
8. Vortex Jazz Club: Just off Gillet Square, it’s one of the UK’s premier venues for jazz, often overshadowed by Dalston’s noisier clubs, but an absolute treasure.
Things To Do Near Dalston
Dalston’s geography makes it a perfect hub. Here is how it connects to the rest of East London:
• Stoke Newington: A 15-minute walk north up the A10 (Stoke Newington Road). It offers a slightly more village-like feel, excellent pubs, and the boutique shops of Church Street.
• Hackney Central & Hackney Downs: Heading east takes you deeper into Hackney’s core, home to great creative studios, the Hackney Empire, and incredible local food spots like Tom’s Pasta.
• London Fields & Broadway Market: Just a 15-minute walk east. Pair a morning in Dalston with an afternoon lounging in the park or browsing the Saturday food market.
• Haggerston: A short walk south. It acts as a bridge to Shoreditch and offers lovely walks along the Regent’s Canal, lined with cafes and bars.
• Islington & Highbury: Heading west via Balls Pond Road brings you into Islington, offering a more polished dining scene and easy connections into Central London.
Best Dalston Itineraries
A Few Hours In Dalston
Grab a coffee and a pastry at The Dusty Knuckle, then take a 10-minute stroll to Ridley Road Market to soak up the atmosphere. Escape the noise by grabbing a seat among the trees at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, before ending with a quick early-evening cocktail at Three Sheets.
A Day In Dalston
Start with brunch at Brunswick East. Spend the late morning browsing the side streets and local art galleries. In the afternoon, catch a matinee at the Arcola Theatre or an independent film at the Rio Cinema. For dinner, head over to Tom’s Pasta for a laid-back feast, and finish with drinks and music at Brilliant Corners.
Date Night In Dalston
Keep it intimate and impressive: start with the Michelin-starred tasting menu at Casa Fofò or modern fusion at Angelina. Follow it up with a walk to the hidden alleyway of Servant Jazz Quarters for expertly mixed cocktails and some moody live music.
Cheap Things To Do In Dalston
Dalston doesn’t have to be expensive. Browse Ridley Road Market for a cheap, fresh lunch. Relax in the Eastern Curve Garden. For dinner, head to Mangal 1 with your own beers from a local off-licence and split a massive, affordable mezze and grill platter, before dancing for free at Ridley Road Market Bar.
The Big Night Out
Start with hearty authentic dishes and agave cocktails at Corrochio’s. Wander down to Escudo de Cuba for a lively pre-drink, then head up the road to catch an incredible drag show and dance until the early hours at The Divine or catch a massive late-night DJ set at EartH.
Where To Eat, Drink And Go Out Near Dalston Junction
Dalston Junction is the southern anchor of the neighbourhood. It is highly useful for accessing Dalston Eastern Curve Garden and the cultural hub of Gillet Square. If you are looking for restaurants near Dalston Junction, you are perfectly placed for Angelina, the upscale drinks at Three Sheets, and the lively atmosphere of the Duke of Wellington pub. Nightlife here leans slightly more towards the cocktail and restaurant scene.
Where To Eat, Drink And Go Out Near Dalston Kingsland
Dalston Kingsland is the bustling northern hub, right in the thick of the action. It places you directly on the Kingsland Road strip. If you are looking for things to do near Dalston Kingsland, you are steps away from Ridley Road Market and the Arcola Theatre. Restaurants near Dalston Kingsland include the legendary Mangal 1 and Mangal 2. For bars and nightlife near Dalston Kingsland, you are right next to EartH, Corrochio’s, Dalston Superstore, The Divine, The Shacklewell Arms, and the legendary Rio Cinema.
Is Dalston Good For A Night Out?
Absolutely. Dalston is one of London’s premier destinations for a night out, especially if you value live music at massive venues like EartH, exceptional cocktails, queer-friendly spaces like The Divine, and late, DJ-led bars like Ridley Road Market Bar. It hums with a casual, raw East London energy. It is not the place for polished, VIP, West End-style clubbing. Instead, it is characterful, independent, slightly gritty, and undeniably fun.
Is Dalston Good For Food?
Dalston is fantastic for food. Historically famous for its dense concentration of incredible Turkish and Kurdish ocakbasi restaurants, the area has evolved into a powerhouse of dining. Whether you want the Michelin-starred elegance of Casa Fofò, the comforting perfection of Tom’s Pasta, the authentic heat of Corrochio’s, or world-class bakeries, Dalston caters to food lovers who want high quality without the stuffiness of traditional fine dining.
Is Dalston Worth Visiting?
Yes. Dalston is absolutely worth visiting, particularly if you are drawn to independent restaurants, vibrant nightlife, historic street markets, incredible local theatre, and creative spaces. It offers a genuine slice of East London life. While it may lack the monumental tourist sights of Central London, it more than makes up for it in character, culture, and community.
Practical Information
• Nearest Stations: The area is served by two London Overground stations: Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland.
• Buses: Dalston is incredibly well-connected by bus, with the 149, 243, 67, 76, and 242 running straight down Kingsland Road into the City and West End, many operating 24 hours.
• Walking Distances: Hackney Central (15-20 mins), Stoke Newington (15 mins), London Fields (15 mins), Haggerston (10 mins).
• Best Time To Visit: Saturdays are brilliant for market energy and daytime buzz; evenings from Thursday to Saturday are best for theatre and nightlife.
• Nightlife Safety Note: Dalston gets very busy on weekends. As with any major nightlife hub, stick to well-lit main roads when leaving clubs late at night.
• Accessibility: Many of Dalston’s older venues, basement bars (like Corrochio’s Cantina), and theatres have varying levels of access. EartH has dedicated accessible seating but check ahead for their different spaces. Always check individual venue websites for current accessibility info. The Overground stations have lift access.
• Always check venue opening times before travelling, as independent businesses occasionally change hours or close for private events.
FAQs
1. What is Dalston best known for?
Dalston is best known for its vibrant nightlife, incredible Turkish restaurants, independent music venues like EartH and Cafe OTO, off-West End theatre, and the historic Ridley Road Market. It’s a major hub for East London’s creative and LGBTQ+ communities.
2. What are the best things to do in Dalston?
Highlights include eating at fine-dining spots like Casa Fofò, browsing Ridley Road Market, seeing a play at the Arcola Theatre, visiting Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, and experiencing the late-night DJ bars and queer clubs like The Divine.
3. Is Dalston good for nightlife?
Yes, it is one of London’s top nightlife destinations. It features everything from late-night queer venues and tropical party bars to massive multi-arts spaces like EartH, audiophile bars, and basement jazz clubs.
4. Is Dalston good for restaurants?
Dalston is excellent for food. It blends traditional, affordable Turkish grills with a wave of modern, critically acclaimed independent restaurants, brilliant pasta spots, and Michelin-starred fine dining.
5. What are the best bars in Dalston?
Top choices include Three Sheets for world-class cocktails, Escudo de Cuba for Latin vibes, Ridley Road Market Bar for a party atmosphere, and Brilliant Corners for natural wine and music.
6. What are the best cafés in Dalston?
The Dusty Knuckle is an absolute must-visit bakery. Other great spots include Brunswick East for brunch, and Wilton Way Deli for a quiet neighbourhood coffee.
7. What can I do near Dalston Junction?
Near Dalston Junction, you can visit the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, dine at Angelina, drink at Three Sheets, or catch community events at Gillet Square.
8. What can I do near Dalston Kingsland?
Near Dalston Kingsland, you are steps away from Ridley Road Market, the Arcola Theatre, EartH, the Rio Cinema, and the bustling northern stretch of Kingsland Road packed with restaurants and nightlife.
9. Is Dalston worth visiting?
Yes. If you enjoy authentic, slightly gritty, and culturally rich neighbourhoods with excellent independent food and music, Dalston is a must-visit.
10. Is Dalston good for a date night?
Very much so. You can book a fantastic fine-dining dinner at Casa Fofò or casual plates at Tom’s Pasta, followed by atmospheric cocktails at High Water or catching a late-night show at The Divine.
11. What are some hidden gems in Dalston?
Hidden gems include Corrochio’s underground Cantina, the evening atmosphere in the Eastern Curve Garden, the beautiful architecture of Fassett Square, and the independent galleries around the Bootstrap Company.
12. What areas are near Dalston?
Dalston is bordered by Stoke Newington to the north, Hackney Central and London Fields to the east, Haggerston and Shoreditch to the south, and Islington and Highbury to the west.
About This Guide
This guide is curated by Islington Local Guide, a North and East London discovery platform covering restaurants, bars, cafés, culture, nightlife, hidden gems and things to do across Islington, Hackney, Dalston, Shoreditch, King’s Cross and nearby neighbourhoods.
Last updated: April 2026
Written/curated by: Islington Local Guide
Area covered: Dalston, Hackney, Haggerston, Stoke Newington, London Fields and nearby East London
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