I've been living in Brick Lane in London for over 40 years, and after all the mediocrity, here are the best places to eat

1.) City Spice, Shoreditch, Brick Lane https://www.cityspice.co

If you are looking for a curryhouse on Brick Lane, then City Spice is by far the best Indian restaurant on Brick Lane.

Getting a curry on east London’s Brick Lane is quite the experience. Almost every curry house will claim to be “the best” in London, citing a number of probably-fake awards — but the standard of food is certainly high. City Spice is the best spot and contends with the best curry for a London restaurant. The staff are friendly, the prices are good, and the food is even better. Take a crowd and make a night of it. And with City Spice winning bona-fide awards such as Opentable Diners Choice 2022 and being featured on TV, its certainly a hotspot.

2.) Dark Sugars, Shoreditch, Brick Lane https://www.darksugars.co.uk/

If you are like me and fancy a lovely cup of cocoa at just about any occasion (after a curry for example) than luckily towards the north end of Brick Lane, you can find the best cup of hot chocolate.

Dark Sugars has racked up millions of views on Youtube for its freshly made, chocolate-shaven in front of you hot chocolate. Priced as cheap as a Starbucks coffee — this drink is a no-brainer.

3.) The Brick Lane Beigel Shop, Brick Lane,

There’s much debate over which of the Brick Lane bagel shops is better: The Yellow One (this one) or The White One two stores down.

The Yellow One has been here longer (over a century longer, in fact), The truth is, they’re both as good as each other, especially when those hunger pangs surface in the early hours and can only be satiated by a salt beef bagel. We suggest simply joining the shorter queue. But if you are a bacon lover like me — stick to the yellow one as it serves lovely streaks of Bacon.

DF Tacos has been in the area for almost a decade. There are tacos, lots of tacos, with all the favourite fillings. But the Wahaca crew have done a clever thing here: mixed their expertise in Mexican fast food with London’s fetish for burgers, finger food and US-style grills. The result is a smorgasboard of amazing Mexican cooking. With a bottle of beer, this makes it the perfect evening out.

5.) Chez Elles, Whitechapel, Brick Lane https://www.chezellesbistroquet.co.uk/

This little French bistro has a big heart and some good french food. The menu is a short list of tried-and-tested classics, including frogs’ legs and moules marinières. If you are in the mood for a cosy date night with wine, this is the bistro to go to.

6.) The Monsoon, Whitechapel, Brick Lane

In addition to City Spice, another notable BYO (yes BYO) mention is The Monsoon.

Boasting indian favourites and beer since the 1980’s, Monsoon is one of the older restaurants on Brick Lane’s everlasting list of Indian eatieries, and I can see why. Good for a ruby murray with friends, and when a restaurant lets you bring your own — it can certainly lead to a raucous night out.

7.) Efes, Whitechapel Brick Lane/Leman Street

Want a big plate of seasoned grill meat in an ebullient atmosphere? Efes is the Brick Lane go to.

Part of a chain, this local Turkish hotspot is known for large portions, great service and a fun environment to dine in. Service is quick and while it is at the very top of Brick Lane, it is worth the walk.

8.) The Buxton, Whitechapel Brick Lane, https://www.thebuxton.co.uk/

Its a British pub, but it feels nice and… American. With soothing jazz music, intimate sepia lighting, and all sorts of arty-looking Brick Lane people, this gourmet pub offers up a seasonal menu of regional British eats. It’s great for an after-work pint too.

9.) Alcotraz, Shoreditch, Brick Lane https://www.alcotraz.co.uk/locations/london/

A definite experience. Alcotraz is an American penitentiary style Bar. A worthy bar not just for Brick Lane, but for London — this BYO bar is an amazing experience for any budding cocktail-lover.

Get four cocktails, a ‘criminal record’ and a warden inspection — and you’ll leave Alcotraz feeling fun… and funny.

10.) Kahaila, Shoreditch, Brick Lane https://kahaila.com/

If you do want to sit down in Brick Lane for a cup of coffee, then Kahaila is the place to go. A Charity-run cafe for ethically-sourced coffee, sandwiches and cakes in an art-filled urban setting, you’ll definitely feel like a local in this hotspot for coffee.