A Sumptuous Shoreditch Feast

CN Traveller has published a list of the 50 best restaurants in London – and Shoreditch is the star of the show! It is rivalled only by the decorated Mayfair; the list features seven restaurants in each of these two locations. The hugely popular Soho limps behind with five of its restaurants mentioned.

So this year, Shoreditch is the place to tickle your tastebuds. Its eclectic dining scene means there’s something for everyone. Here are the top picks:

The Clove Club in Shoreditch Town Hall offers amazing cultural snacks and culinary delights such as its heritage pork, lobster and charcuterie. CN Traveller describes it as a ‘sensational destination with bags of charm’. Its vegetarian tasting menu has had rave reviews – try the delectable glazed salsify St Nectaire mushroom or the organic aubergine, green tomato and Blackmount.

Clove Club, 380 Old Street EC2

If you are a sucker for what CNT calls ‘unfussy and honest cooking,’ then head to Rochelle Canteen. Nestled in a converted bike shed, it boasts a seasonal daily changing ‘menu of sure-fire hits’ and has been thrilling diners since 2004. A firm favourite is the exquisite grilled onglet with cavolo nero.

Rochelle Canteen, 16 Playground Gardens, E2 7FA

Lyle’s, CNT claims, is ‘actually worth the hype’! Springing forth from an old Lipton Tea factory, opposite the iconic Boxpark, it is full of glorious white and light. It serves beautifully balanced British dishes full of contemporary verve.

Lyle’s, Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ

Smoking Goat is a Thai-spiced paradise! Foodies flock towards it, seduced by the succulent duck laab, and drunken noodles with charred beef brisket.

Smoking Goat, 64 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JJ

Leyroy’s head chef Simon Shand creates dishes that are the essence of simplicity, yet bursting with flavour. CNT praises the food, calling it ‘thoughtful but not showy’ – an achievement that only a select few eateries can be proud of. To die for is the Ossau-Iraty (an Occitan-Basque cheese made from sheep’s milk) with chicory and walnut. The beef shin raviolo is also top-notch!

Leyroy, 18 Phipp St, London EC2A 4NU

In addition to the Shoreditch restaurants mentioned above, Brat and Manteca have also been awarded pride of place on the CN Traveller list and are well worth a visit. All of which makes Shoreditch the number one place to kick back and tuck into some top-quality nosh!