Canning Town is rapidly evolving from an industrial dockland junction into one of East London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Between the sleek riverside architecture of London City Island, the historic bustle of Rathbone Market, and the busy stretch along Silvertown Way, finding comforting, well-made pasta in E16 has never been easier. Whether you want an intimate evening serenaded by a live pianist, an old-school neighbourhood trattoria serving heaps of seafood pasta, or a laid-back meal after exploring the local markets, this pocket of Newham has distinct options to satisfy your cravings.
Here is where to find the best pasta in Canning Town.
1. Beringers (London City Island)
Perched just across the eye-catching red pedestrian footbridge connecting Canning Town station to London City Island, Beringers operates as a stylish all-day brasserie and evening piano bar. Inspired by Guy Beringer—the writer who famously coined the concept of brunch in 1895—the venue shifts gears as the afternoon fades, dimming the lights and welcoming guests for cocktails, sharing plates, and comforting bowls of pasta accompanied by live piano music.
The kitchen takes evening comfort dining seriously, offering a focused selection of pasta dishes designed to pair with good wine and chilled jazz. Their standout pasta offering is a rich, satisfying beef ragu that feels right at home in the sleek yet cosy dining room. If you are looking for an elevated dining experience without leaving the Canning Town orbit, Beringers is tough to beat.
What to order: Beef Ragu Pappardelle. Wide, supple ribbons of pappardelle coated in slow-braised beef ragu with red wine, garlic, aromatic herbs, and generous shavings of parmesan.
2. Pepenero (Silvertown Way)
Situated along Silvertown Way on the southern approach toward Royal Victoria Dock, Pepenero is an enduring local treasure. While newer developments have sprouted rapidly around it, this family-run Italian restaurant has kept East Londoners happily fed for years with honest, unpretentious cooking and warm hospitality.
The interior is classic trattoria: rustic brickwork, Italian wine bottles lining the shelves, and a bustling open kitchen. While Pepenero turns out fantastic thin-crust pizzas, the pasta menu is the true heartbeat of the restaurant. Seafood lovers are especially well looked after here, with generous portions tossed in punchy garlic, chilli, and sweet Mediterranean tomatoes. It is the sort of welcoming neighbourhood haunt where locals return week after week.
What to order: Linguine Marinara. A generous, steaming plate of al dente linguine loaded with fresh mixed seafood, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a vibrant tomato sauce.
3. Zzetta (Rathbone Market)
Located in the historic Rathbone Market quarter along Barking Road, Zzetta is best known to locals for its slow-proved sourdough pizzas celebrating East End heritage. However, step inside this vibrant dining space and you will discover a dedicated, nine-dish pasta menu that rivals any casual Italian kitchen in the borough.
Zzetta prepares both baked regional dishes and classic sauced pastas cooked to order. From oven-baked lasagne layered with tender Bolognese to rich carbonara studded with crisp guanciale, the kitchen focuses on robust flavours and accessible pricing. The casual, welcoming vibe makes it an easy choice for families, weekday lunches, or group catch-ups right in the centre of Canning Town.
What to order: Sicilian Sausage Tagliatelle. Delicate ribbons of tagliatelle tossed with spiced Sicilian sausage meat in a creamy, wine-deglazed ‘Nduja sauce with a subtle kick of chilli and grated parmesan.
The Shortlist
- Best for date night and atmosphere: Beringers (London City Island) — ideal for candlelit cocktails, slow-braised ragu, and live piano sets.
- Best for hearty seafood and classic trattoria warmth: Pepenero (Silvertown Way) — perfect for lingering over generous bowls of linguine marinara with family and friends.
- Best for casual comfort and value: Zzetta (Rathbone Market) — the top pick for stone-baked comfort pasta and spicy ‘Nduja flavours near Barking Road.