What’s the vibe? A vegetarian, Antipodean-style café in Walthamstow, serving a creative global menu and Climpson’s coffee in serene surroundings.

When to go It’s primarily a brunch spot (expect a plethora of well-dressed babies), but on weekdays there’s also a lunchtime counter selection.

What to eat Eggs every which way, gussied-up French toast, quinoa cakes with coconut-spiced butternut squash purée. Look out for weekend specials too.

How much? Things on toast from £7.50; hot specials £8.50, add £1 for a paratha.

What’s the vibe? Loud, low-lit fried chicken restaurant from former serial pop-up enthusiast Carl Clarke.

When to go The vibe is set to ‘party’ all week long, so it’s a great one for a school-night birthday meal. It livens up dates a treat, too.

What to eat Next-level Southern-style chicken, marinated in buttermilk, fried to crisp perfection and served alongside banging cocktails.

How much? A mere £9 for the ‘house fry’ of a drumstick, thigh, pickled watermelon and ‘seaweed crack’; a bargain £6 for sours.

What’s the vibe? Rainbow vegan food served in bowls made from recycled cardboard. Genuine, unpretentiously eco and easily affordable.

When to go Take the Shoreditch Boxpark trip and fuel up with some satisfyingly different vegan fare.

What to eat South-east Asian bowls of trendy vegan goodness, from mum’s green curry to a ‘yoga fire’ riff (chillies married to coconut) – all courtesy of Laotian chef King Cook.

How much? All bowls come in way under £10.

What’s the vibe? A hipped-up east London take on the Mexican diner by Wahaca’s Tommi Miers. Not a sombrero in sight.

When to go For that pre-emptive pit-stop ahead of a Brick Lane bar crawl.

What to eat The pork pibil torta, the boss of bocadillos and a side of chilli fries.

How much? A muy barato £8-£9 for tacos, a torta or a burrito with a side of fries, rice or slaw.

What’s the vibe? Wholesome veggie café, complete with a corporate social responsibility policy and a weekly crafts group.

When to go When you want to feel smug and comforted at the same time.

What to eat This place is all about the daily specials. Much of the veg is locally grown by Organiclea, but the flavours are international. Expect anything from curry to quiche.

How much? Around a fiver for main meals.

What’s the vibe? A suitably spartan place of pilgrimage for curry devotees who come for the Punjabi-style grills and vivid curries rather than the pampering.

When to go When you want East End curry without the street touts.

What to eat Nihari and dry lamb curry, all served in utilitarian karahi bowls with minimal fuss.

How much? You’ll eat well for a tenner, especially in a group – there’s an offie next door for BYO.

What’s the vibe? Kingsland Road branch of a long-established, family-run Vietnamese in Hackney.

When to go Any day but Monday for lunch and dinner.

What to eat Bowls of Xi’anese-style hand-rolled noodles, filled buns and grills based on marinated meats.

How much? Around £8.50 for noodles, from £8.95 for pho, £7.95 grills – knock off a couple of pounds for tofu and vegetable dishes.