Bistrotheque

Bistrotheque has been a Bethnal Green staple for years, and it still delivers. The space itself is a delight—up a flight of stairs in an old factory, you'll find a white-walled dining room with a baby grand piano and just the right amount of neon glow. It's not as wild as it used to be (no more queer cabaret downstairs), but that's probably for the best; this is now a place where you can actually have a conversation while enjoying seriously good food.

The menu is French-inspired but not stuffy. The roast chicken is a must-order—simple but sublime, served with confit garlic and a peppery tangle of rocket. The steak tartare is equally reliable, finely chopped with a yolk on top that breaks beautifully into the meat. For drinks, the quince-infused bourbon julep is a heady twist that's become a signature, and the Bloody Mary at brunch is punchy enough to cure a hangover.

Service is sharp, with young staff in crisp white aprons who seem to know exactly when you need a refill. The prix-fixe menu is a steal if you're willing to eat early or late. It's not perfect—the upstairs location can feel a bit hidden, and weekend brunch can get loud—but that's part of the charm. Come for the chicken, stay for the vibe.