Photo: A generous mound of slow-cooked Harissa Lamb rests on pillowy flatbread, its rich spices balanced by bright pickled vegetables and a cooling drizzle of sauce.

East Meets West on Broadway Market

East 2 West successfully blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions with contemporary London dining. The food is inventive without becoming gimmicky, service is warm and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere perfectly suits Broadway Market’s vibrant character. Signature dishes such as the Harissa Lamb, Black Hummus, Braised Chickpeas, and Hispi Cabbage showcase remarkable attention to flavour and technique. A highly recommended destination and one of the standout new openings of 2026.

T here is something magical about Broadway Market in early summer. As the evening light stretches across Hackney’s historic streets, London seems to slow down just enough for diners to reclaim its pavements. Tables spill onto the sidewalks, glasses catch the golden sun, and conversations drift through the warm air. On a recent June evening, among the market’s familiar bustle and creative energy, a new arrival was quietly establishing itself as one of the area’s most intriguing dining destinations.

East 2 West, which opened only weeks ago, is the latest venture from Turkish entrepreneur and restaurateur Tolga Onur, who already operates four successful cafés and brasseries in Bursa, Turkey. Commuting between Bursa and London each week, Onur has brought together partners, experience, and an ambitious culinary vision to create a restaurant that seeks to bridge cultures through food.

*Tolga Onur combines entrepreneurial vision, cultural authenticity, and culinary creativity, creating dishes that feel both contemporary and deeply rooted.*

East 2 West delivers vibrant flavours, thoughtful hospitality, beautiful presentation, and exceptional value, making it one of Hackney’s standout new restaurants.

The concept is straightforward yet compelling: a menu where Eastern Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern influences meet Western techniques and presentation. During our visit, Onur encouraged us to explore the restaurant’s signature dishes representing both sides of the concept. Interestingly, we found ourselves gravitating almost entirely toward the “East” of East 2 West—a decision we did not regret for a moment. The schnitzels and seafood offerings will have to wait for another visit.

A Relaxed and Thoughtful Setting

The restaurant occupies an attractive Broadway Market space that feels immediately welcoming. The décor balances authenticity with contemporary comfort, creating an atmosphere that is stylish without becoming self-conscious.

Large windows at both the front and rear flood the dining room with natural light during the day, while evening service benefits from warm, comfortable lighting that encourages lingering conversations. Seating is thoughtfully arranged, allowing privacy without sacrificing energy. A lower-level dining area offers additional space, while outdoor tables provide an ideal setting for those eager to embrace London’s increasingly precious summer evenings.

• One of Hackney’s most exciting new restaurant openings of 2026.
• Creative interpretation of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean classics.
• Outstanding Harissa Lamb slow-cooked for four hours.
• Inventive Black Hummus that surprises visually and delights on the palate.
• Exceptional vegetarian dishes including Braised Chickpeas and Hispi Cabbage.
• Warm, knowledgeable service and welcoming atmosphere.
• Excellent value with mains ranging from £15–£25.
• Stylish Broadway Market location with indoor and outdoor seating.
• Founded by Turkish entrepreneur Tolga Onur.
• A successful fusion of Eastern tradition and modern London dining.

Given that the restaurant opened only recently, everything feels immaculate. The attention to detail extends throughout the space, contributing to a polished yet relaxed dining experience.

Hospitality with Confidence

The service team displays the confidence of a restaurant that already understands its identity. Staff members were knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to guide guests through the menu without becoming intrusive.

Reservations are highly recommended, particularly on Friday evenings and weekends. Word appears to be spreading quickly among Hackney diners. Despite a busy dining room, service remained efficient throughout our visit, with dishes arriving at a comfortable pace and requests handled promptly.

*A colourful spread of mezze sets the tone at East 2 West, where familiar Middle Eastern classics are reimagined with creativity, precision, and respect for tradition.*

The Mezze That Sets the Tone

East 2 West’s mezze selection immediately demonstrates the kitchen’s creative ambitions.

The standout is unquestionably the Black Hummus, a dish that captivates before the first bite. Its dramatic dark appearance sparks curiosity, but the flavour is what truly impresses. Rich, earthy, and exceptionally smooth, it manages to feel both familiar and entirely original. It is a clever reinterpretation of a classic that never sacrifices substance for spectacle.

Equally memorable is the Ezme, vibrant with freshness and layered with sweetness, acidity, and gentle warmth. Beautifully seasoned and full of character, it provides a bright counterpoint to the richer dishes on the table.

The Aubergine Mezze offers smoky depth and remarkable silkiness, showcasing the transformative power of careful cooking. It is proof that simple ingredients, when treated with respect, can produce extraordinary results.

Completing the selection, the Burrata Flatbread provides a satisfying centrepiece. Freshly baked with subtle char and excellent texture, it combines rustic comfort with modern presentation. The creamy burrata adds indulgence without overwhelming the balance of flavours.

Together, these dishes establish the restaurant’s philosophy perfectly: respectful of tradition yet unafraid to reinterpret familiar favourites.

*Tender, spice-marinated lamb layered over freshly baked flatbread showcases East 2 West’s thoughtful fusion of comfort, tradition, and contemporary presentation.*

A Signature Dish Worth Travelling For

The evening’s defining moment arrived in the form of the Harissa Lamb (£18).

Slow-cooked for four hours at a low temperature, the lamb achieves a level of tenderness that borders on luxurious. Each bite effortlessly separates, revealing layers of flavour developed through patient cooking and a carefully guarded spice blend.

What elevates the dish beyond excellent technique is the harissa-infused tomato preparation accompanying it. Rich and deeply flavoured, it delivers warmth rather than aggression, allowing the lamb’s natural character to remain centre stage.

Served atop warm flatbread and accompanied by vibrant pickled vegetables, the dish achieves a remarkable balance of richness, acidity, sweetness, and spice. A final flourish of creamy sauce and fresh garnishes adds further complexity.

Generous, comforting, and expertly executed, it is precisely the kind of dish that diners remember long after the meal ends.

*At East 2 West, tender braised chickpeas meet velvety sumac labneh in a dish that proves simplicity, when executed well, can be quietly extraordinary.*

Vegetables Steal the Spotlight

Remarkably, some of the most memorable dishes of the evening contained no meat at all.

The Braised Chickpeas (£12) exemplify the kitchen’s ability to elevate humble ingredients. Tender chickpeas form a warming base beneath cool dollops of sumac labneh, while excellent olive oil and bright sumac create a sophisticated interplay of richness and acidity. It is simple in concept but exceptional in execution.

Even more impressive is the Hispi Cabbage (£12.50).

In lesser hands, cabbage remains a side dish. Here, it becomes a headline act.

Expertly charred, the cabbage develops smoky caramelisation while retaining a sweet, tender centre. Resting on a velvety bed of ajo blanco, it gains creaminess and depth before toasted Marcona almonds and crispy chilli oil introduce texture and heat.

The result is a beautifully balanced composition of smoke, spice, crunch, and freshness. It is one of the finest vegetable dishes currently being served in East London.

The Story Behind the Restaurant

What makes East 2 West particularly compelling is the personal commitment behind it.

Tolga Onur’s regular journeys between Bursa and London reflect more than entrepreneurial ambition; they demonstrate a genuine belief in the restaurant’s vision. Rather than simply importing familiar concepts, he has created a dining experience that celebrates cultural exchange through food.

The restaurant’s name could easily feel like a marketing slogan. Instead, it accurately reflects what appears on the plate: dishes that borrow confidently from multiple traditions while maintaining a clear identity of their own.

Value

With mezze dishes and vegetable plates priced around £12 and main courses generally ranging between £15 and £25, East 2 West offers excellent value considering the quality of ingredients, thoughtful execution, generous portions, and overall dining experience.

In a London market where prices often outpace quality, this balance feels increasingly rare.

Verdict

Broadway Market has never lacked dining options, but East 2 West arrives with something genuinely distinctive. The restaurant combines warm hospitality, intelligent cooking, and a clear culinary vision into an experience that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.

While the menu promises an exploration of both Eastern and Western influences, our visit revealed that the Eastern side alone is reason enough to book a table. From the inventive black hummus to the outstanding harissa lamb and exceptional vegetable dishes, every plate demonstrated confidence, balance, and care.

This is not merely a promising new opening—it is already one of Hackney’s most exciting neighbourhood restaurants.

East 2 West
56 Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ
Visited: 4 June 2026 (Dinner)