1. Brawn – Shoreditch
Brawn is a popular restaurant in the heart of Shoreditch that’s been receiving accolades from locals and tourists alike for its delectable Franco-Italian cuisine. The restaurant has a laid-back vibe with white-tiled walls and wooden tables. With a short and ever-changing menu featuring classic dishes like confit rabbit and duck rillettes, Brawn’s dedication to seasonal ingredients will have you coming back for more.
2. The Good Egg – Stoke Newington
The Good Egg is a warm, inviting eatery serving Middle Eastern-inspired dishes with a twist. The restaurant has a strong commitment to sustainability and uses local ingredients to create globally inspired dishes. Some crowd favourites include the shakshuka, which is baked with feta cheese and topped with harissa and chopped herbs, and the smoked short rib pastrami served with pickles, mustard, and rye bread. The Good Egg also offers great vegetarian options in amongst its unique menu choices.
3. Bistrotheque – Bethnal Green
Bistrotheque is a sleek and chic eatery located in Bethnal Green that combines fantastic food with entertainment. Bistrotheque hosts live music performances and drag shows on some evenings, making it an exciting dining experience for visitors. The restaurant is renowned for serving classic French bistro food that features show-stopping dishes like the steak tartare with capers, anchovies, and a quail egg on top.
4. Smokestak – Shoreditch
Smokestak is a hole-in-the-wall BBQ place located in Shoreditch that’s been turning heads with its mouth-watering barbecued meats. The ribs are expertly smoked and tender, and the pulled pork and brisket are bursting with flavour. Smokestak is popular among meat-lovers and their hunger-inducing sides such as jalapeño cornbread and the crispy sweet potato fries are simply irresistible.
5. Ottolenghi – Islington
Ottolenghi’s reputation as the king of vegetarian cuisine is well-deserved, and the Islington restaurant is it all began. Established in 2002, Ottolenghi serves innovative Mediterranean-inspired dishes that fresh, seasonal ingredients. The dishes are bursting with bold flavours and colours, highlighting the creative food combinations executed in each dish. The sharing plates like roasted cauliflower with tahini and za’atar, and their green bean and baby plum tomato salad are worth a visit alone.
Conclusion
North London is a foodie’s paradise with many of the best restaurants hiding off the beaten path. Whether you’re looking for classic French cuisine, traditional Middle Eastern dishes, or funky veggie creation, there is something for everyone. These five restaurants, among many others, are some of the best places to eat in North London with their innovative menus and unforgettable flavour combinations. So why not give them a try? Your tastebuds will thank you.