12 Best Restaurants in Shoreditch and Hackney
Looking for the best places to eat in Shoreditch and Hackney? Here’s a quick guide to 12 standout restaurants offering everything from Burmese cuisine to Italian trattorias, smoky barbecue, and modern British dining. Whether you’re craving pasta, steak, or bold Asian flavors, this list has you covered.
Highlights:
- Blacklock Shoreditch: Grass-fed chops and Sunday roasts in a retro-industrial setting.
- Flat Iron Shoreditch: Affordable high-quality steaks with a focus on sustainability.
- Smoking Goat: Thai BBQ dishes like Chilli Fish Sauce Wings and Smoked Brisket Massaman.
- Lahpet: Modern Burmese dishes like Mohinga and Lahpet Thoke.
- Sanjugo: Japanese izakaya with standout sushi and crispy Karaage.
- SMOKESTAK: Brisket buns and dry-aged beef ribs in a smokehouse-style venue.
- Gloria: Vibrant Italian trattoria serving indulgent pasta and desserts.
- Nobu Shoreditch: Japanese-Peruvian fusion with omakase menus and weekend brunch.
- Padella: Handmade pasta dishes like Pici Cacio e Pepe at budget-friendly prices.
- Dishoom Shoreditch: Bombay-inspired dishes like House Black Daal and Chicken Ruby.
- manteca: Italian nose-to-tail cooking with fresh pasta and cured meats.
- KoKoDoo: Korean fried chicken with sauces like Soy Garlic and Fiery Chilli.
Quick Overview:
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type | Signature Dish/Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacklock | British Chophouse | Grass-fed chops, Sunday Roasts | £10–£20 |
| Flat Iron | Steakhouse | Affordable steaks, Wagyu specials | £10–£25 |
| Smoking Goat | Thai BBQ | Barbecue Goat Shoulder, Massaman | £5–£24 |
| Lahpet | Burmese | Lahpet Thoke, Mohinga | £6–£16.50 |
| Sanjugo | Japanese | Sanjugo Roll, Karaage | £8–£20 |
| SMOKESTAK | Barbecue | Brisket Bun, Dry-Aged Beef Rib | £12.50–£23.50 |
| Gloria | Italian | Monthly pasta specials, desserts | £9–£26 |
| Nobu | Japanese-Peruvian | Omakase, Black Cod Miso | £25–£110 |
| Padella | Italian Pasta | Pici Cacio e Pepe, Beef Shin Ragu | £4.50–£9.80 |
| Dishoom | Indian | House Black Daal, Chicken Ruby | £9.70–£18.90 |
| manteca | Italian Nose-to-Tail | Brown Crab Cacio e Pepe, Pig Skin Ragù | £8–£20 |
| KoKoDoo | Korean Fried Chicken | Sweet & Spicy Chicken, KFC Burger | £8–£20 |
From high-end dining at Nobu to casual eats at Padella, Shoreditch and Hackney’s restaurants cater to all tastes and budgets. Dive into this vibrant food scene and discover your next favorite spot!
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Hackney, London
1. Blacklock Shoreditch
Housed in a former 1940s–50s East End furniture factory, Blacklock Shoreditch gives the classic chophouse a modern twist. The space combines retro charm with industrial touches - think exposed brick, large windows, polished concrete floors, dark leather seating, and mid-century furniture. It's the perfect backdrop for their meat-focused menu.
Blacklock is all about top-tier quality, featuring grass-fed meat sourced from Phillip Warren in Cornwall. The meat is expertly grilled over charcoal, bringing out rich, smoky flavors. Their menu offers a variety of chops, from skinny cuts to hearty off-the-bone options.
"As always, we serve the best quality grass-fed meat from Phillip Warren in Cornwall, cooked simply over our charcoal grill and dished-up for incredible value and always a lot of fun." - Blacklock
The restaurant’s charm extends to the finer details, like vintage plates and a gilded drinks trolley serving up old fashioneds. Time Out rates Blacklock Shoreditch 4 out of 5 stars , applauding its cozy vibe and standout meat dishes.
They also offer some crowd-pleasing weekly specials:
- Butcher Price Mondays: Enjoy big chops at wholesale butcher prices.
- Sunday Roasts: A classic British roast served every week.
You’ll find Blacklock at 28-30 Rivington Street, just a five-minute walk from Old Street Station. Reservations are recommended, especially for Sunday Roasts, though walk-ins are welcome. The venue accommodates groups of up to six, making it ideal for both date nights and small gatherings.
"Blacklock champions the chophouse and all its traditions, unpretentious and familiar and above else, open to all." - Blacklock
Blacklock Shoreditch perfectly captures the area’s mix of heritage and modern flair.
2. Flat Iron Shoreditch
Flat Iron Shoreditch, found at 77 Curtain Road, offers a welcoming steak dining experience. The restaurant's design blends industrial elements with cozy touches, featuring exposed brick walls, vintage decor, and hanging plants. A central light well adds a bright, open feel to the space.
Flat Iron takes pride in its ingredient quality. They work with small, family-run farms in the UK and Ireland, focusing on traditional cattle breeds raised in extensive or regenerative systems. The restaurant even manages its own Yorkshire herd, experimenting with breeding techniques to enhance marbling, flavor, and juiciness.
In January 2024, the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) awarded Flat Iron a three-star rating for its efforts in sustainability and ethical practices .
The menu reflects this dedication to quality, offering creative takes on steak classics. Favorites like beef dripping chips and bone marrow garlic mash remain popular, while daily blackboard specials, including a rotating Wagyu steak, keep things exciting.
Just a short walk from Old Street (5 minutes) and Liverpool Street (10 minutes), the venue is perfect for group dining, with large communal tables creating a lively atmosphere. By evening, the energy picks up, making it a great spot for any occasion.
Flat Iron makes steak dining approachable and enjoyable. Whether you're a steak enthusiast or just looking for a fantastic meal in Shoreditch, this spot delivers every time.
3. Smoking Goat Shoreditch
Smoking Goat Shoreditch, nestled on Redchurch Street, brings the vibe of Bangkok's late-night canteens to East London. The gritty interior, with bare brick walls, exposed girders, and cracked plaster, sets the tone for its bold and unapologetic flavors. The open kitchen, visible behind part of the bar, adds an interactive touch, letting diners watch the chefs in action.
The menu is all about punchy Thai drinking food, paired with a carefully curated drink list. Here are some of the standout dishes:
| Dish | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chilli Fish Sauce Wings | £7.50 | A crowd favorite |
| Barbecue Goat Shoulder | £24.00 | Perfect for sharing |
| Smoked Brisket Massaman | £14.50 | Includes bone marrow |
| Lardo Fried Rice | £5.50 | A must-try side |
To complement the food, they offer beers, inventive cocktails, and soft drinks like Thai pink milk and fermented pineapple soda.
Time Out London raves about the "seriously spicy Thai BBQ" , while Marina O'Loughlin praises its bold combination of "heat, fat, spice, salt, and smoke" . The restaurant's dedication to its craft is evident in its research trips to Thailand and collaborations with local chefs .
For starters, the Northern-style duck larb (£6.80) and D'Tom Yam (£9.50) are great entry points into the menu's vibrant flavors.
4. Lahpet Shoreditch
Lahpet Shoreditch has been bringing the flavors of modern Burmese cuisine to London since 2018. Led by chefs Dan Anton and Zaw Mahesh, who draw inspiration from their Burmese roots, it’s one of the city’s rare spots for authentic Burmese food.
The restaurant’s bright and open space provides a contemporary backdrop for exploring the rich and diverse tastes of Myanmar. The menu strikes a balance between traditional flavor profiles - sweet, sour, salty, and spicy - and modern presentation, making Burmese cuisine approachable while staying true to its roots. This approach fits perfectly with Shoreditch and Hackney's reputation for culinary creativity.
| Category | Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Plates | Lahpet Thoke | £6–8 | Tea leaf salad with layers of texture |
| Fritters | Shan Tofu | £8 | A house favorite |
| Large Plates | Mohinga | £12.50 | Traditional catfish and lemongrass chowder |
| Mains | Burmese Pork Curry | £14–16.50 | Rich, aromatic, and deeply flavorful |
One standout is the Lahpet Thoke, described by food critic Jay Rayner as "a salad with a lengthy CV and killer references" . Other highlights include Shan tofu fritters, which introduce diners to unique Burmese flavors, and Mohinga, a classic dish that’s central to Myanmar’s culinary identity. The use of balachaung, a dried shrimp relish, adds an unmistakable Burmese touch to many dishes.
Lahpet Shoreditch has carved out a niche in London’s dining scene by confidently showcasing the depth of Burmese cuisine, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit spot in Shoreditch.
5. Sanjugo Shoreditch
Located on Scrutton Street, Sanjugo Shoreditch brings Japanese izakaya-style dining to East London. With a stellar 4.8 rating from 2,956 reviews , this spot offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for casual meals or celebrating special moments. The diverse menu reflects their dedication to quality.
Here are some highlights from Sanjugo's menu:
| Category | Signature Dish | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Specialties | Karaage | Crispy Japanese-style fried chicken, a favorite |
| Seafood | Ebi Fry | Lightly battered, crispy tempura prawns |
| Signature Rolls | Sanjugo Roll | A tempura-covered roll with a unique twist |
| Sushi Selection | Various | Fresh, expertly prepared traditional sushi |
While the sushi earns consistent praise, the Karaage and the Sanjugo Roll are crowd favorites, thanks to their bold flavors and textures.
One customer raved, "Sanjugo never disappoints. Great food and great variety", highlighting the restaurant's inviting and authentic vibe.
With attentive service and thoughtfully crafted dishes, Sanjugo Shoreditch is a must-visit for Japanese food lovers.
6. SMOKESTAK
SMOKESTAK, located on Sclater Street, is a barbecue haven that has cemented its place as one of East London's standout smokehouses. Its fame largely stems from the iconic brisket bun - a dish that not only helped fund the restaurant's opening but continues to be a customer favorite.
The menu revolves around expertly smoked meats, with beef brisket taking center stage. Each brisket bun is packed with 100–120g of slow-smoked beef, paired with a flavorful house-made barbecue sauce. This sauce is a blend of onion, garlic, cider vinegar, apple juice, sugar, cumin, chili, pepper, and ketchup.
| Signature Dishes | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brisket Bun | £12.50 | Slow-smoked beef with pickled red chili |
| 30-Day Dry Aged Beef Rib | £23.50 | Expertly aged premium cut |
| Whole Beef Brisket | £195.00 | Perfect for sharing (pre-order required) |
| Charred Pork Belly Rib | £16.50 | Served with pickled cucumber |
For groups, SMOKESTAK offers curated sharing menus:
- Sharing Menu: £45 per person
- Feasting Menu: £55 per person
Vegetarians aren’t left out either. Options like coal-roasted aubergine with red miso, feta, and toasted cashews (£12.50) or salt-baked beetroot with goat cheese and hazelnut (£9.50) are available. There's even a dedicated vegetarian menu priced at £45 per person.
To round out the meal, sides such as charred greens with tahini, pomegranate, and dry roasted peanuts (£7.50) provide a perfect complement to the mains. For dessert, the sticky toffee pudding with clotted ice cream (£8.00) is a must-try.
The restaurant’s industrial-chic design, featuring thoughtful lighting and a welcoming atmosphere, sets the stage for a memorable meal. Whether you're stopping by for a casual lunch or celebrating a special occasion, SMOKESTAK balances laid-back vibes with sophistication. This approach adds to Shoreditch and Hackney’s reputation as hotspots for dynamic, flavor-packed dining experiences.
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7. Gloria
Gloria transports you straight to 1970s Capri, bringing bold Italian flair to Shoreditch. This 160-seat trattoria, part of the Big Mamma Group, has quickly become a favorite spot in East London. Its lively vibe perfectly matches the eye-catching interiors.
The decor screams Italian extravagance. Upstairs, you'll find crisp white tablecloths, striped upholstery in blue and pink, and shimmering mosaic countertops. A massive plant cascades from the ceiling, adding a dramatic touch. Downstairs, the golden velour booths create a cozy, underground escape. The setting is as vibrant as the food it serves.
| Dining Experience | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Starters | £9–£11.50 |
| Main Courses | £15–£26 |
| Desserts | £8–£11 |
| Wine (bottle) | £27 |
| Cocktails | £13–£14 |
The menu changes monthly, staying true to its Italian roots. Victor Lugger, co-founder of Big Mamma Group, describes it best:
"Gloria feels like Capri in the seventies – warm and ultra-colourful with a little Big Mamma thrown in."
Harden's survey rates Gloria highly for food, atmosphere, and service, reflecting the group's strong reputation . Even during busy hours, the staff maintain their friendly and efficient service . Its bright yellow exterior is impossible to miss, while the interior offers what Simon Rawlings, creative director at David Collins Studio, calls "escapism" .
True to its motto, Gloria embraces indulgence: "If it's not too much, it's not enough."
8. Nobu Restaurant London Shoreditch
Nobu Shoreditch brings together Japanese and Peruvian flavors under the creative direction of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. After a two-year closure, it reopened in summer 2022, offering a fresh take on fine dining with a sleek, modern design.
The interior features high ceilings, cozy booths, and wooden accents, creating a welcoming yet sophisticated vibe. Guests can choose their dining experience - whether it's the main dining room, the intimate sushi counter, or a private outdoor terrace connected to the lively NAMI bar.
| Dining Options | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Omakase Menu | £110 per person |
| Weekend Brunch | £90 (includes buffet + main) |
| Continental Buffet | £25 |
| Sake Selection | £10–£15 per glass |
| Average Dinner for Two | Under £300 |
The menu features standout dishes like Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeño. Another highlight is the Beef Toban Yaki, where premium beef is marinated with Japanese and Peruvian spices and cooked on a ceramic 'toban' plate.
"Innovation through Peruvian influence: Chef Nobu San's primary vision is a culinary one, to innovate and present unique dishes that infuse Japanese and Peruvian flavors, providing an exciting new palate of tastes for his guests."
Nobu's service embodies Omotenashi - the Japanese philosophy of wholehearted hospitality. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, the staff ensures a memorable experience. For something extra, try the weekend brunch with unlimited sushi, sashimi, and crispy rice. The adjacent Nobu Bar, decorated with bold street art, offers inventive cocktails and small plates, perfect for rounding out your visit.
9. Padella Shoreditch
Padella Shoreditch serves up handmade pasta in a stylish, industrial setting, complete with maroon decor and gold accents. It's earned recognition like Best Cheap Eat 2016 and a spot in The Sunday Times' 2017 UK Top 100 Restaurant list.
The standout dish here is the Pici Cacio e Pepe (£8.50), which snagged the title of Best Dish 2016. Chef-Owner Tim Siadatan attributes its success to its simple yet satisfying flavors that resonate with diners.
Other popular menu items include:
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Pappardelle with 8-hour Dexter beef shin ragu | £9.80 |
| Ricotta ravioli with sage butter | £8.20 |
| Burrata | £4.50 |
| Dexter beef carpaccio | £7.00 |
Padella offers table bookings up to four weeks in advance for groups of up to 18 people. For walk-ins, they use a virtual queue system to manage the crowd.
Grace Dent from the London Evening Standard describes Padella as "a fine little find for proper but casual sustenance" in a bustling tourist area.
With mains starting at just £4 and cocktails from £6, the evenings come alive as guests enjoy pasta and negronis under outdoor parasols. The efficient service adds to the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
10. Dishoom Shoreditch
Dishoom Shoreditch has been bringing a touch of Bombay to the heart of Shoreditch since 2012. With over 33,000 Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike . The restaurant captures the charm of Bombay's Irani cafés, complete with vintage photos and swirling ceiling fans that transport diners to another time .
The menu is packed with Bombay-inspired dishes, from street food to comforting classics. Executive Chef Arun has gone to great lengths to ensure authenticity, sampling more than 100 dishes during research trips to Bombay .
Some of the standout dishes include:
| Dish | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| House Black Daal | £10.50 | Slow-cooked to perfection |
| Chicken Ruby | £17.20 | A rich and flavorful curry |
| Goan Monkfish Curry | £18.90 | A bold creation by Chef Arun |
| Dishoom House Chaat | £9.70 | A vibrant street food starter |
The restaurant caters to diverse dietary needs, offering Halal-certified meats and a range of vegetarian options. Vegetarian highlights include the Mattar Paneer (£16.50) and the Awadhi Jackfruit Biryani (£17.50) .
"At Dishoom, you'll find the food of all Bombay – its cafés, grills, street stalls, homes and everything delicious in between. Come, eat your way through the city with us, for breakfast, lunch, afternoon chai, dinner or late-night tipples. Much awaits you."
Dishoom’s unique atmosphere is part of the appeal. The "Verandah" offers a relaxed outdoor space, while the interior, described by one critic as "film set-like", adds to the immersive experience .
Reservations are flexible: daytime bookings are open to all group sizes, while evening reservations are available for groups of six or more. Online bookings can be made up to four months in advance for parties of up to 26, with larger groups handled directly.
11. manteca
Located at 49-51 Curtain Road, manteca is a standout Italian restaurant in Shoreditch, celebrated for its hand-rolled pasta and nose-to-tail cooking approach. Recognized with a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide for its quality and value , manteca brings a communal dining experience to the forefront of Shoreditch's food scene.
The restaurant operates an in-house pasta workshop and salumeria, crafting fresh pasta daily and curing their own meats . The sharing-style menu features an array of memorable dishes:
| Signature Dish | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Crab Cacio e Pepe | A signature pasta dish that's not to be missed | |
| Pig Skin Ragù | Served with parmesan, destined to become a London classic | Predicted London classic |
| Fazzoletti | Duck ragù with hearts and gizzards braised in red wine | |
| Pink Fir Potatoes | Crispy and golden, topped with salumi brown butter |
Manteca’s commitment to sustainability is evident in dishes like their chocolate tart made with ricotta whey . This focus on resourceful cooking is a key part of their identity.
"The elevator pitch would be that Manteca is a blend of Trullo/Padella's eye for 'proper', hand-rolled fresh pasta and St John's cleaver-happy commitment to nose-to-tail minimal waste."
"This is powerful, flavourful food but it's not dumb."
Dessert lovers should save room for the pistachio cake - a standout example of manteca's ability to deliver beyond its pasta and meat dishes.
12. KoKoDoo - Korean Fried Chicken
Tucked away on Paul Street, KoKoDoo started as a food truck in 2016 and has grown into a go-to spot for Korean fried chicken. Their secret? Sauces brewed for 24 hours, including crowd favorites like Sweet & Spicy, Soy Garlic, Honey Glazed, and the fiery Fiery Chilli flavors.
Here’s a quick breakdown of their top sauces:
| Sauce Type | Description | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet & Spicy | Gochujang-based glaze with a mild kick | First-time visitors |
| Soy Garlic | A soy and garlic blend, brewed for 24 hours | Fans of classic flavors |
| Honey Glazed | Honey-forward with a hint of smokiness | Those avoiding spice |
| Fiery Chilli | A spicier twist on the Sweet & Spicy glaze | Heat lovers |
For those looking for plant-based options, KoKoDoo offers Korean Fried Cauliflower, made with the same attention to flavor as their chicken. The menu also includes larger portions like the Sweet & Spicy Whole Fried Chicken, perfect for sharing, and a KFC Burger for a quick, satisfying bite on the go.
Conclusion
Shoreditch and Hackney are shaping London's food scene with a mix of classic British dishes and global influences. Whether it's Blacklock's contemporary take on a chophouse, Lahpet's Burmese flavors, Gloria's Italian charm, or KoKoDoo's Korean dishes, the area offers a rich variety of dining experiences.
The neighborhood's restaurants reflect its energetic vibe, focusing on practices like seasonal menus and emerging food trends . From manteca's nose-to-tail approach to Dishoom's Bombay café-inspired menu, these spots highlight the area's evolving culinary landscape.
With options ranging from upscale dining at Nobu to relaxed meals at Padella, Shoreditch and Hackney continue to be must-visit destinations for food lovers. Dive into this vibrant food scene – your next unforgettable meal is waiting here.