The original Chick ‘n’ Sours in Haggerston still holds a special place in our hearts, and still does what it says on the tin.

Snackbar is a café and workspace on Dalston Lane that serves a range of unusual and excellent Asian-inspired breakfast, lunch, and brunch plates.

Andu Café is a cash-only, vegan spot in Dalston serving excellent option-free Ethiopian food.

You can’t really go wrong when it comes to choosing a good Turkish spot in North London, but our favourite is Mangal Ocakbasi.

Pizza by the slice in Dalston doesn’t get any better than at Voodoo Rays.

The Haggerston branch of Chick ‘n’ Sours is the original, and still the best. Come here for cocktails and disco wings, and leave happy.

Pizza Union in Dalston does very cheap, very fast and very decent pizza.

Balcone Dalston is a very nice coffee shop inside The Factory on Shacklewell Lane.

Footnote is a spacious coffee spot on Wilton Way in Hackney that makes a great option for catching up with friends.

Allpress is an excellent two-storey coffee spot with a lovely patio are.

Ararat Bread is a tiny bakery on Ridley Road that makes delicious meat or cheese topped naan flatbreads for a couple of quid or less.

The Duke of Richmond is pub and restaurant in Dalston making burgers and bar snacks worth travelling for.

Hacha is Dalston bar that makes a dangerously delicious margarita, and other tequila and mezcal drinks, alongside a small menu of tacos and ceviche.

Newcomer Wines is an excellent wine shop and surprisingly spacious bar in Dalston, with a kind of secret back patio.

The Dusty Knuckle is a Dalston bakery and café making proper sandwiches and homely dishes.

The Eastern Curve Garden in Dalston is a beautiful slice of green space in the heart of Dalston. It’s the perfect spot for a big group hang.