London Spitalfields Restaurant Guide

The “most enchanting setting” – “an out-of-this-world conversion of an old church” (to be precise, the chapel of a Victorian school) – makes the Galvin Bros’ Spitalfields HQ one of London’s most “beautiful” restaurants. It provides a “special” backdrop “for keen business deals, or to impress your new love-interest” (and is “a particular attraction for guests from overseas”). There are “high standards across the board”, including “fantastic” modern French cuisine; a “classy wine list”; and “smart, swift, discreet service”.

Opened almost 15 years to the day after their first London venture (Bistrot de Luxe, which also inspires it), this new Galvin Brothers restaurant next to La Chapelle serves familiar, traditional French bistrot dishes and wines.

“A little bit of proper, authentic Italy near the City” – this audaciously named trattoria tucked away down a little lane near Spitalfields has won a steady following for its “original” approach. Importing specialist ingredients directly from Italy means it’s “not cheap”, although fans reckon it “offers very good value for money”.

“Massive flavours, great vibe” and the “best chicken wings tasted in a long time” (#nextlevel) add up to “heaven in a chintzy, porcelain bowl”, say fans of this “great value” concept based in Haggerston, now with branches in Covent Garden and Islington. “It’s not just about the chicken – yes, it’s mega-crispy and yes, it’s super-juicy, but what sets Chick ‘n’ Sours apart are the garnishes, sides and sauces” – many of them Asian-inspired, such as “the yummy, smashed, spicy, peanuty, cucumber side”.

2017 Review: “Undeniably the best burger in London, if not the UK and/or world!” – so claim devotees of former New York corporate lawyer Zan Kaufman’s “basic” pop-up-gone-permanent in Spitalfields (and still also trading at various market locations). Their “simple, juicy beef patty in a bun doesn’t try to be fancy or different, but ticks all the burger boxes”.

The Satay Street team have secured a permanent home after experience with pop-ups and street food stalls all over London.