The most important factor for a customer or business when eating out is knowing your food is handled and cooked in a clean and safe environment.

According to a list of eateries in Walthamstow provided on the Food Standards Agency, there are 40 listed restaurants and cafes in the E17 area with 5 star ratings for food hygiene in their latest inspection.  

In no particualr order, the list is as follows:

La Cafeteria, in Forest Road, Walthamstow, serves mediterranean food and is decribed by one customer on webiste Tripadvisor as a 'hidden gem'.

On the topic of food standards, owner Ugur Cekirge said: "It is very important.

"I always say to my staff if you’re not happy with something, throw it away and start afresh. We carry out regular checks and I always make sure the cleanliness of our premises is of the highest possible standard."

Orford Saloon Tapas Bar, in Orford Road, Walthamstow is a Spanish restaurant and was awarded a certificate of excellence in 2013 by Tripadvisor.

The Guardian was unable to contact the owners.

Peppe’s Pizza,  is based outside of the Ye Olde Rose & Crown pub in Hoe Street, Walthamstow. It serves street food on Wednesday to Friday after 7pm.

Director Sue Barrett said: "Having a good hygiene rating goes without saying. Whoever is eating and drinking in an establishment should be safe and plus by having good practice, you are less likely to cause illness or poor health."

Gina Patisserie, in Hoe Street, Walthamstow was last inspected in May 2013. The five-star rated eatery was ranked good in food hygiene and safety, structural compliance and confidence in management. 

The Guardian was unable to contact the owner.  

Jerk Hut, in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, serves traditional Caribbean cuisine and was last inspected in January 2013.

Manager Martin Rigg said the restaurant has been highl rated bacuse of good "food and safety practices and record keeping".

Eat 17, in Orford Road, Walthamstow, offers modern gastro pub food. The five-star rated restaurant, famous for its home-grown bacon jam recipe, was last inspected in March 2013.

The owners were unavailable to comment, but employee Tom Docruz said managers are “always on top of things”.

"They take food safety and hygiene very seriously,” he said.

Windmill Restaurant, in High Street, Walthamstow, is a Portuguese tapas restaurant given 9 out of 10 for food, service, atmosphere and value for money on London-Eating, a good food guide website.  

Peking Chef, in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, is a Chinese restaurant and takeaway. It was given a five-star hygiene rating at its last inspection in June 2013. The owner has been contacted for a comment.  

Trattoria La Ruga in Orford Road, Walthamstow, was last inspected in October 2013.

The Italian restaurant in Walthamstow village is open week nights and serves lunch and dinner at weekends. The restaurant has been contacted for a comment.

Picnic Sandwich Bar in Forest Rd, Walthamstow, is a cafe in Upper Walthamstow.

Last inspected in October 2012, it serves light lunches, hot meals and offers a takeaway service.

The Guardian was unable to contact the owner. 

Other restaurants and cafes with 'very good' food hygiene standards in Walthamstow include:

Burger King and KFC in Selborne Walk, Cafe Amore in Forest Road, Cafe Deja in High Street, Cafe in The Park in Lloyd Park, both cafes in Waltham Forest College, Central Cafe in Station Approach, Copperfield Cafe in High Street, Costa Coffee in Selbourne Walk, Delight Kebab Cafe in St James Street, Demo Cafe in Blackhourse Lane, Enjoy Cafe, in Forest Road, Golden Cake in High Street, Jesse's Cafe in High Street, Kyber Cafe in Hoe Street, Living Raw in Wood Street Market, Waltham Forest College Mallinson Restaurant in Forest Road, McDonalds in Hoe Street, Monoux Coffee Shop in Chingford Road, Ricco's in High Street, Sunset Cafe in Hoe Street, The 800 Club in Lea Bridge Road, The Pavilion in Hoe Street, Tommy's Tun Inn in Forest Road, Wadham Cafe in Wadham Road, Xamar Weyne Internet Cafe in Markhouse Road and YMCA restaurant in Forest Road.