Eat The Tube: 14 Best Restaurants Near Old Street Station
Strategically placed between Clerkenwell and Shoreditch, Old Street is a haven for great and diverse restaurants. From Peruvian rooftops and Irish basements to hand-rolled pasta and the UK’s only vegan Michelin star, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best spots to dine less than a ten-minute walk from the tube stop. Scroll down to see these spots mapped out.
Mitsu
Mitsu elevates traditional Japanese fare in a buzzy underground location. Nobu’s previous site is certainly a heavy crown to inherit, but as you descend the stairs to a dimly-lit, red-washed slice of Tokyo, you have no choice but to be on board. This is a spot where the staff truly know their stuff – from premium cuts of sushi to their Japanese whiskey spritzes on tap. Despite the upscale food, wagyu sando is a pretty strong tell here – this is a spot that maintains the buzz of East’s best late-night establishments.
Where: 10-50 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH
Website: www.mitsurestaurant.com
This is a spot where the staff truly know their stuff – from premium cuts of sushi, to their Japanese whiskey spritzes on tap.
Flora, Senior Brand Partnerships Executive
Plates
With its 2025 Michelin-star, Plates broke new ground – it became the first ever fully vegan restaurant in London to receive the accolade. The restaurant delivers seasonal menus of nature-inspired creativity, a tasting experience that can only be had by six people at any given time.
Chef Kirk Haworth married his experience working in Michelin-star kitchens and his own personal journey in plant-based food to create something truly unique.
Where: 320 Old St, London EC1V 9DR
Website: www.plates-london.co.uk
Manteca
A so-called “nose-to-tail” Italian restaurant, Manteca focuses on whole-animal butchery and hand-rolled pasta to give you dishes that feature quality game and produce.
Try the bluefin tuna bolognese if you’re looking to try something new, or stick with the classics (with a twist) like the brown crab cacio e pepe.
Manteca focuses on whole-animal butchery and hand-rolled pasta
Where: 49-51 curtain road, ec2a 3pt
Website: www.mantecarestaurant.co.uk
Lagana
You’ve likely seen Lagana on your Instagram feed, with vibey interiors and tablecloths you’re invited to doodle on throughout the meal. Specialising in small plates, this is a great spot for lively drinks and grazing with friends. We strongly recommend ordering the tarama with grilled pitta, along with the cheese flatbread and, to finish, the decadent caramel cheesecake. As for drinks, the cocktail menu is strong with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to choose from. Read our full review here.
If you’re looking for a fun, buzzy spot to book with friends, Lagana ticks all the right boxes.
Natasha, Digital Editor
where: 19 Willow St, London EC2A 3HU
website: www.lagana.london
Counter 71
Counter 71 opened last year, serving up a unique concept from Joe Laker, previously Head Chef at the renowned but unfortunately closed Fenn.
Located on Nile Street in Shoreditch, there are no waiters, and every night, a maximum of 16 guests sit at a green marble counter to watch as a trio of chefs and one sommelier prepare a 15-course tribute to the very best produce across the British Isles.
where: 71 NILE ST, LONDON N1 7RD
website: COUNTER 71
Llama Inn
As we approach the warmer months, the rooftop of Llama Inn is a must, ideally with a pisco sour. This Brooklyn hotspot made its transatlantic debut in 2023 and was an immediate hit. The vibe is New York meets Peru, inspired by Chef Erik Ramirez’s background. Think stonebass ceviche, chargrilled cod with aji amarillo curry and sudado, a seafood stew with hucatay and fennel.
where: 1 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH
Website: www.llamainnlondon.com
Bistro Freddie
Part of a new French Bistro revival, Bistro Freddie quickly became a must-visit spot after opening in late 2023. British produce and French wine meet to create this chic spot that balances cool and seriousness.
Get stuck into classics like steak tartare, confit port with black pudding and green apple, and desserts like sticky toffee pudding.
where: 74 Luke St, Greater, London EC2A 4PY
website: www.bistrofreddie.co.uk
Padella
This gem is founded on a simple premise. In-house, freshly made pasta – passers-by can even watch it being rolled out by hand in the window of the restaurant
Brought to you by the same duo behind Islington’s much-lauded Trullo, Padella offers a simple menu of eight seasonal pasta dishes. Bookings aren’t accepted, and space is limited, but you can queue virtually by scanning their QR codes or give their Shoreditch site a go, which will take a limited number of advance bookings.
Where: Borough Market and Shoreditch
website: www.padella.co
Clove Club
This relaxed fine dining restaurant is set in the historic rooms of the Grade II-listed Shoreditch Town Hall, London, and holds two Michelin stars.
Set within the historic rooms of the Grade II-listed Shoreditch Town Hall
Led by Chef-Patron Isaac McHale, they serve a seasonal tasting menu featuring modern, elegant dishes rooted in technique but stripped back to their essential elements, placing an emphasis on sourcing the best produce the British Isles has to offer.
where: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT
Website: www.thecloveclub.com
Officina 00
At Officina 00, all the pasta is made with the finest grade double-zero flour, hence the name. Every item on the seasonally changing menus is both authentic and creative, with tradition in every bite.
Pumpkin gnocchi with brown butter and sage is the perfect cosy dish, or savour the lasagna with rabbit and smoked provola for some hearty comfort food.
Where: Fitzrovia & Old Street
Website: www.officina00.co.uk
Daffodil Mulligan
Matching its buzzy Old Street vibe, the best way to experience Daffodil Mulligans is to sample their frozen margaritas and one-of-a-kind wood-fired grill sharing menu consisting of irresistible small plates. Owned by Richard Corrigan, it has the added bonus of a downstairs bar in Gibney’s, where you can find some great post-meal Irish hospitality, some of the best Guinness in London and live music.
where: 70-74 City Rd, London EC1Y 2BJ
Website: daffodilmulligans.com
Pachamama
You might not know it, but that protein-packed superfood everyone’s grown to love, quinoa, originates from Peru, and you’ll find it here on Pachamama’s menu – from the miso-cured carrot with quinoa and Peruvian kimchi to Peruvian chocolate quinoa ice cream.
The Peruvian-inspired bar and restaurant is nestled away in Marylebone and Shoreditch, serving tasting menus for a South American-style feast. Peruvian food has stolen our hearts and thrown away the key with Pachamama’s delicious offering.
Where: Marylebone / Shoreditch
Website: www.pachamamalondon.com
Edo Izakaya
EDO Izakaya is based on embodying the traditional Japanese izakaya and the communal joy of tapas-style dining. Featuring a blend of authentic techniques and modern interpretations, the menu is curated into six sections, encouraging guests to share and savour the diverse flavours of Japan.
Take a journey through sashimi and Nigiri, small plates, signature rolls, bao buns, and hearty Izakaya large plates.
Featuring a blend of authentic techniques and modern interpretations
where: 154 Old St, London
website: edo-izakaya.co.uk
Tatar Bunar
One of the most exciting new spots in London is Tatar Bunar, from Ukrainian restaurateurs Alex Cooper and Anna Andriienko. Located on Curtain Road in Shoreditch, it’s not exactly the kind of address you’d expect to find an elegant and quite glam restaurant. But once you step inside, it feels like you’ve been whisked away from the busy London streets. Named after Alex’s hometown of Tatarbunary in southern Ukraine, the food at Tatar Bunar reflects decades-old family traditions with a menu led by Alex’s mother’s recipes. The menu is Ukrainian-inspired and makes use of traditional recipes and the food is divided into starters, middle plates, grills and desserts – with highlights like the Bessarabian wagyu and crème brulee varenyk.
Where: 152 Curtain Rd, London, England, EC2A 3AT
Website: www.sevenrooms.com
Gloria
From the Parisian bar and restaurant group, Big Mamma Group’s Gloria is home to granny chic interiors and stunning food. Pro tip: make sure you try the pasta dipped in a melted cheese wheel at the table – you will not regret it.
For the most extra dessert in London, try the lemon meringue pie. The twist is; that they’ve heaped an absolute mountain of meringue, enough to make you concerned about a London-wide meringue shortage.
where: 54-56 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3QR
Website: www.bigmammagroup.co
