Five Places to Eat and Drink
There are plenty of chain restaurants around Westfield Stratford, including The Real Greek, Wahaca and Big Easy. Here are a few different suggestions.
1. Riverside East (Queen Elizabeth Park) The park's own food and drink destination sits right by the waterfront, making it a natural stop before or after the exhibition. The menu was designed by Lulu Cox, previously of Rochelle Canteen, Bocca di Lupo and St. John, with chef Jamie Duvale from Gordon Ramsay's restaurants, so there is culinary pedigree here, alongside a generous terrace and rooftop with views across east London. Walk-in friendly and open all day.
2. The Cow (Westfield Stratford) Bustling pub with good pub food and excellent steaksin the restaurant upstairs.
3. Barge East (Hackney Wick, £££) A twelve-minute walk from V&A East, along the canal into Hackney Wick, brings you to this exceptional restaurant aboard a beautifully restored 125-year-old Dutch barge. The menu is rooted in sustainability and shaped by what is growing in their riverside gardens and sourced from local farmers and fishmongers who share their values.
4. HERA (Stratford, ££) A newer arrival in the neighbourhood, HERA brings elevated Greek cooking to Stratford — think carefully composed mezze, strong Greek wine list, and a room that feels considered rather than corporate. A good choice if you want something quieter and more intimate after the immersion of the exhibition.
5. Tonkotsu (Endeavour Square) A good chain restaurant for quality ramen noodles, Katsu curry and gyoza.
