About This Pub
Oh, let me tell you about Darkhorse Restaurant Bar – it's tucked away in East Village, Stratford, and it's one of those places that just hits the spot for a proper meal out. I love how they've nailed the Modern European cuisine with a Northern Italian flair; the dishes are fresh, sustainably sourced, and packed with flavour, like that black pig pork chop everyone's raving about. The wines and cocktails are spot on too, with plenty of organic and biodynamic options that pair beautifully with the food. It's got this relaxed, friendly vibe that makes it ideal for everything from a quick weekday bite with their summer special – three dishes for £20 – to celebrating something big, like a wedding, as one reviewer did. The team there are genuinely warm and helpful, which really adds to the experience. But, to be fair, it's not without its downsides; it's on the expensive side, so you might want to check your budget first, and occasionally the service can be a tad slow, especially if it's not too busy. Still, with a solid 4.5 rating from heaps of folks, it's clear this place does a lot right, and I'd say it's well worth a visit if you're in the area and fancy treating yourself to something a bit special.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food is absolutely delicious, with a fantastic Northern Italian twist that makes every meal feel special and satisfying.
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They've got an outstanding selection of wines and cocktails that are dangerously good – perfect for unwinding after a long day.
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The service is friendly and attentive without being over the top, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
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It's got a relaxed and welcoming vibe, with sustainable sourcing that adds a nice touch for those who care about where their food comes from.
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Great for groups or private events, with plenty of space and options to make any gathering memorable.
Cons
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It can be a bit pricey, so it's worth saving for a special occasion rather than a casual night out.
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Service might drag a little at times, which can put a damper on things if you're in a hurry.
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They're closed on Mondays, which is a shame if you're planning a mid-week visit.
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Some menus might offer a bit too much, like three courses that leave you feeling stuffed, and extras like sides can add up quickly.
Contact Information
16-19 Victory Parade, East Village, London E20 1FS
+442085344579
Modern European
Open Now
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 16:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 16:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday (Today) | 16:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 22:30 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 18:00 |
Recent Reviews
We had our wedding celebration at Dark Horse, and it truly exceeded all expectations. This isn’t just another restaurant in London – it feels like home. From the moment we started planning, the team treated us like old friends, offering a truly personal and individual approach that made everything feel so special.
The venue itself is stunning – stylish interior, big windows, and so much natural light. It’s a bright, welcoming space that felt both elegant and relaxed. The outdoor terrace was a huge bonus – our guests loved having a spot to step outside, chill between dancing, and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s tucked away from busy roads, which made it feel really private and intimate – perfect for a special occasion.
We chose the shared menu, and it was absolutely perfect. There was more than enough food, and every dish was delicious – our guests couldn’t stop raving about it and many said they’d come back just for dinner!
A huge thank you to Matt, who managed the evening seamlessly – thanks to him, we were able to relax and just enjoy our party. Nicole and the rest of the staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and polite – it felt like they were genuinely happy to celebrate with us. And a special thanks to Ian for his excellent communication and flexibility throughout the planning process.
We couldn’t recommend Dark Horse more. It’s now our family spot – whether for special occasions, a great dinner, or a cozy Sunday roast, we’ll definitely be back.
Great food cocktails and service. A nice selection of wines. The black pig pork chop is great and the menu changes relatively regularly always something nice to choose. It's our most visited local restaurant.
Visiting the area for 2 night weekend and left our hotel rooftop restaurant as the atmosphere was not relaxed or intimate. The Darkhorse was a far superior choice for our dining. I love Mediterranean cuisine, so very pleased with the choice of menu. The service was attentive and friendly. Food was excellent, just the right portion size, excellent flavours with very nice presentation. Thank you for a lovely dining experience that was intimate and relaxing.
Lovely dinner on a Friday evening. The food was all good, but three course was a bit much. We got the set menu for £29 (3 courses), but sides were extra. Would happily come back again.
Great Sunday Roast the lamb was so soft and pink. Everything seasoned wonderfully. It wasn't very busy and we were able to be sat 40 minutes early for our table, but the service was slow. Food came out quickly and hot, but the service was slow.
Great friendly staff and cocktails were delicious.
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