Latest on the blog

Tuesday 17 June 2014

Top 10 Restaurants Near Old Street


We're improving on our London Relocation Guide, and getting more in-depth with the neighborhoods in the Big Smoke. What better place to start than food options in Old Street? FlatClub HQ is on London's Old Street - and we're a hungry bunch. That makes us pretty much authorities on great places to eat within a 10 minute radius of Old Street tube station.

On the Bab - Korean culture is becoming big in London and with good reason. Fun music, cool fashion, and delicious food! On the Bab is Old Street’s best Korean restaurant. With an attractive design & reasonable prices, it’s crowded at lunchtimes with nearby workers and visiting tourists. Have an interesting Korean-inspired cocktail if you’re coming for dinner. Don’t be afraid if you don’t like spice, as On the Bab has lots of options that won’t leave you sweating.

Photo courtesy Luardos
Whitecross Street Market - Like a little variety & sunshine in your diet? Head on down to Whitecross Street Market, where you can find food representing so many different countries you’ll feel like you’re on tour. Turkish pizza, Italian paninis, Mexican burritos, Spanish chorizo, and French-inspired confit duck brioche! Lots of vegetarian options as well, including a very delicious vegan ‘buddha bowl’. Friendly vendors & a big crowd make this a fun place to go for lunch - open from Wednesday to Friday. Get there early though, things do sell out!

photo courtesy MeatMission

Meatmission - Like burgers? You’ll love Meatmission. Some of the best burgers in London, you can choose from a variety of different toppings & sides. The FlatClub team has gone here to celebrate and we can personally vouch for the chili burgers, fried pickles & big platters of fries. You definitely won’t leave hungry! Vegetarians shouldn’t feel left out either, as there are a couple of options - don’t be mistaken though, this is a burger restaurant above all else so health shouldn’t be your main concern.

L’anima - Italian food done in a classier manner than your usual high street eatery. Don’t expect all-you-can-eat spaghetti with red sauce, it’s high culture with delicate fish dishes paired with perfect wines. Bring a date here, or anyone you’re celebrating with and have a lovely time.

GRAB Thai Kitchen - This is a super popular spot for Old Street workers at lunch and with good reason. Nice sized portions at a great price, with a range of non-spicy to hot dishes. Standbys like green chicken curry & pad thai join up with less common meals like massaman curry & pad prik pork. Go around lunch time and you might even spot the FlatClub team chowing down!

photo courtesy Dishoom
Dishoom - A bit out of the way & more up to Shoreditch, Dishoom is still worth the less than 10 minute walk from Old Street Station! Absolutely famous in the area for their Bacon Naan Rolls, this is an old fashioned Bombay cafe in the heart of London. Even though their breakfasts are what gets talked about the most, they have an extensive & equally delicious lunch menu. If you fancy some Indian but are looking to try something a bit more esoteric than your classic curry - this is your place.

Tramshed - Tramshed is a restaurant from celebrity chef & restaurateur Mark Hix. Specializing in chicken & steak, it runs a bit pricey but is known for high quality cuts of beef & premium grade chicken. The starters are always seasonal & unique, with tasty versions of standard English puddings such as treacle tarts & fondue to end things.

photo courtesy Keu
Keu Banh Mi Deli - Vietnamese baguettes are easy to come by on this side of town, which is good news for fans of spicy meats & filling lunches. The best baguette in Old Street in our humble opinion is Keu, on Old Street and just about 5 minutes from FlatClub HQ. The classic crispy pork belly sandwich is an easy win, but adventurous types can opt for a spicy mackerel or roast duck baguette. Try the Vietnamese style ‘kopi’ as well, couldn’t get more authentic unless you were in Vietnam!

Floripa - A great choice for anyone with World Cup fever, this Brazilian restaurant has been provided the Latin American community in London with some tasty treats for awhile now! Lots of fine cocktails & some of Brazil's top national dishes such as Pao de queixo, delicious steaks, and more.

Jamie Oliver's Fifteen - The celebrity chef's premises on Old Street positions itself as an in-between cocktail bar & restaurant. Some English classics are present such as lamb shoulder & monkfish, alongside some rather more exotic fare like cod's roe. The menu changes daily but there should always be something to tempt everyone. Good place for a classic meal & a classic cocktail near Old Street.

We can personally vouch for all these tasty options - but we're always looking for more! Do you have any great recommendations around Old Street? Or even just a favorite dish from one of these places? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook.