Bright, relaxed Mediterranean-leaning cafe for generous brunch and healthy-feeling plates near Dalston Junction, with mostly friendly service and good value at lunch.
Route Dalston delivers reliable, well-executed Mediterranean-leaning brunch and cafe dining with strong food quality anchored by generous portions and fresh, herb-forward cooking. Friendly, efficient service and a bright, work-friendly setting near Dalston Junction make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants. Occasional consistency dips and lack of culinary distinction prevent a higher grade, but solid execution across dimensions supports confident recommendation for local diners and travelers seeking quality brunch.
Just off Dalston Junction, the room feels bright and calm, with sunlit tables where people linger over laptops and late brunch. Staff are generally friendly and efficient, and plates land fast enough to catch a train; one diner summed it up as, "fresh, balanced food in a relaxed spot." The cooking leans Mediterranean with a comfort tilt, not flashy but well judged—think parmesan chicken skewers, chilled baked salmon with dill mayo, shakshouka, and a vegan kofte burger. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional: fresh produce, herb-forward salads, and satisfying portions rather than theatrics. Sweet items like pancakes skew indulgent, while salads and aubergine dishes keep things light. Families will find it approachable: pancakes, omelettes, burgers, chips, and the English breakfast make ordering easy, and there is space for buggies. The menu clearly flags vegetarian and vegan options, plus several gluten-free items, though very adventurous eaters can go for shakshouka or cilbir-style eggs while picky eaters stick to the classics.
Area vibe: Lively East London hub with creative energy, mixed residential squares and indie cafes around a modern plaza.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked near the station; typical urban vigilance advised.
What's nearby: Steps from Dalston Junction Overground; sits on a car-free square with outdoor seating and cowork-friendly cafes.
Parmesan chicken, baked salmon and shakshouka are reliable picks, with the vegan kofte burger and aubergine steak strong for plant-based eaters.
It’s a casual, laptop-friendly spot near Dalston Junction where walk-ins usually work but weekend brunch can mean a short wait.
Portions punch above the price, with mains typically £12–16 and full meals landing in the low £30s with drinks.