Dining
The 5 Best Restaurants in Spitalfields
Market history and modern cooking: where to eat well around Spitalfields and Brick Lane.
In short: our top picks are Galvin La Chapelle, St. John Bread and Wine and Gunpowder. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Spitalfields sits where the City meets the East End, and it eats with the energy of both: the old market, the curry houses of Brick Lane and a wave of confident newcomers. These are the tables worth knowing in one of London’s most characterful corners.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Galvin La Chapelle | Spitalfields | ££££ |
| St. John Bread and Wine | Spitalfields | £££ |
| Gunpowder | Spitalfields | £££ |
| Som Saa | Spitalfields | £££ |
| The English Restaurant | Spitalfields | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
Galvin La Chapelle
Why we pick itGrand French cooking in a spectacular former chapel; a real special-occasion room.
-
St. John Bread and Wine
Why we pick itThe nose-to-tail lighter sibling; bread, wine and seasonal British cooking.
-
Gunpowder
Why we pick itPunchy small-plate Indian home cooking; tiny, brilliant and always busy.
-
Som Saa
Why we pick itFiery regional northern Thai; the deep-fried sea bass is one of London's great dishes.
-
The English Restaurant
Why we pick itA historic spot by the market doing British classics and bread pudding.
Before you book
The market is for grazing and browsing; for a proper meal, book one of the surrounding rooms. Brick Lane is best approached with local guidance, not just the loudest touts. And go on a Sunday for the markets, then settle in somewhere for a long lunch.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Galvin La Chapelle is our editor's choice: Grand French cooking in a spectacular former chapel; a real special-occasion room. Galvin La Chapelle, St. John Bread and Wine and Gunpowder lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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