Here is my curated list of where to eat in Shoreditch. If you stumble upon Shoreditch, you will not regret any of these places.
Dishoom
For lunch you can just walk in; if anything it will be a short wait. The crowds don’t come until dinner – still worth the wait. They serve you homemade chai tea while you wait in line. This is the Indian restaurant you’ve probably been told to go to a million times. It’s worth it.
Get the ruby chicken curry, the lamb biryani, the black daal (hot lentil dish), the sautéed shrimp appetizer. Always a side of cucumber yogurt. I am salivating as I write this.
Leroy
This is my favorite child. Come for wine and appetizers, or stay for a whole damn meal – it’s our favorite spot. Hidden in an alley way. New, minimalist ambiance, nicest staff, shared plates, seasonal menu (literally changes every week), great wine list.
They are a sister restaurant to Michelin star Ellory, but they love Leroy so much they closed Ellory to fully devote their time to making Leroy great. If you walk in the wait won’t be too bad, but make a reservation if you can. For food I love the Leroy salad (crunchy, fresh, shaved goat cheese, simple), the quail skewers, smoked trout plate, the whole sole.. If they have a pasta dish on the menu when you go, do not pass that up. You can’t go wrong, it’s all good and thoughtfully made.
Smokestack
Incredible BBQ right off Brick Lane. I know, random for London. Trust me though. The wait can be up to two hours, so make a reservation or walk in for lunch. The jacket potato alone will knock you off your feet. The meat melts, in your mouth. The veggies are charred. They also melt in your mouth.
Rosa’s Thai
A tiny, TINY Thai spot right in a bright red little building off Brick Lane. It’s literally the best Thai food I’ve ever had in my life and they keep it spicy, just like the locals do. My go-to for two people: papaya salad, Rosa’s green curry (beef), drunken noodles (chicken), sticky coconut rice.
Old Spitalfields Market
An outdoor shopping area with countless street food stands and trucks. You can find anything from vegan Ethiopian to latkes and salt brisket bagels. A popular spot for lunch with tons of options. Perfect for a drink and people watching too.
Smoking Goat
Out-of-this-world, twisted, local Bangkok dishes. You must get the fish sauce chicken wings. Make a reservation.
BRAT
Incredible seasonal, simple, and honest food cooked to perfection. The ambiance is cool and collected. Luxury without the snobs. Dress nice but put your own twist on it. It’s Shoreditch, after all.