Spitalfields – the home of haggling, hats and houseplants. With markets, street vendors and quirky shops galore, it has long been regarded as the beating heart of London’s East End. Spitalfields is an ever-popular spot, drawing in local London residents and tourists alike to bag a bargain or just ogle at the oddities on offer.
Over recent years, the area has also gained quite the foodie reputation with a plethora of restaurants and street food vendors popping up left, right and centre. Creative restaurateurs are drawn to its eclectic buildings, laidback, arty vibe and happy-go-lucky community. Once known mainly as fashion-central, there is now an almost overwhelming choice of seriously good restaurants in Spitalfields.
Chefs love it too – Spitalfields brings so much fresh produce available on their doorstep and an appreciative clientele of down-to-earth foodies who care more about what’s on their plate than what’s underneath it. You won’t find many white tablecloths here – distressed wooden tables, unruly foliage and mismatched furnishings are far more à la mode. Whatever the day of the week or the time of day there’s always a buzz in this part of town. You’ll find some of the best food in the lively Spitalfields Market, where there’s always a bustling crowd ready to shop and eat the hours away.
Spitalfields is also a mixing pot of cultures, giving rise to a diverse assortment of international cuisines to choose from. Thanks to its thriving Bangladeshi community, Brick Lane has become as renowned for its curry houses as it is for its market; but a few streets down and there’s everything from Chinese and Thai, to Indian and Middle Eastern to choose from. Not to mention some fantastic British institutions, showcasing the best local and seasonal ingredients the UK has to offer.
Whether you’re totally new to the area or a seasoned regular, we have made a list of the best places to eat in Spitalfields that you need to tick off your bucket list. Cameras at the ready, these places are made for your Instagram.