Appealing to discerning foodies while staying cool enough for the East London crowd is no easy feat, but on first impression Rotorino, on Hackney's Kingsland Road, ticks both boxes. A first foray into hipster territory for Dock Kitchen owner Stevie Parle, the menu's full of Southern Italian sharing plates – highlights include buffalo mozzarella with broad beans (£6.50), pistachio casarecce (£7.50) and sasso chicken (£24.50 for two) – with an eclectic wine list from consultant Ruth Spivey (if you spot her, make sure you ask to see her 'secret' list). And if you're not eating, the bar at the front makes a great hideaway, serving a mean brandy negroni, and (naturally) a great selection of craft beers. It is East London, after all. – Krista Faist
432-434 Kingsland Road, E8 4AA; rotorino.com
