The best restaurants and bars along Exmouth Market

Bridging the Strait of Gibraltar, Moro launched in the 1990s following its founders' culinary trek around the Mediterranean. The Exmouth Market restaurant quickly won over diners with its ground-breaking Moorish cooking, combining different culinary traditions in an assortment of tapas and heftier plates, accompanied by wines from around the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, the Morito tapas bar spin-off next door casts its culinary net across the Med, serving tapas with influences from Spain to Greece in a relaxed down-to-earth setting.

Macellaio RC is a much-loved steakhouse group with several branches around London, known for its passionate approach to serving premium cuts with a signature Italian touch. From sourcing ingredients, butchering the meat in-house, cooking the steaks, and bringing them to your table, the attention and care applied are felt every step of the way. The bustling Exmouth Market restaurant has outdoor seats and a rustic interior with red-and-white chequered tablecloths.

Gerry's Hot Subs is a cult sandwich shop in Exmouth Market, taking the American deli favourite and rebuilding it from the ground up – authentic ingredients, meticulous preparation, the works. Expect fully loaded subs, from classics such as the Philly cheesesteak and the Reuben to modern updates, slung in a simple spot with counter service, a few outdoor tables, and a permanent lunchtime queue.

Caravan, now a thriving coffee roasting and restaurant group, first started out in 2010, and the original Exmouth Market restaurant is still going strong all these years later. It's a relaxed place for everything from grabbing a morning cup of quality coffee to sitting down to a pre-show dinner, with the well-travelled menu drawing on global flavours to serve brunch classics, seasonal sharing plates, and more. Outdoor seating is available as well.

You'll find Pizza Pilgrims across London and even further afield, and with good reason. Few can rival their Neapolitan pizzas when it comes to authenticity, with their "in crust we trust" philosophy reflecting their dedication to the dough. And by sourcing premium ingredients directly from Italian producers, they ensure every topping meets their exacting standards as well. The Exmouth Market restaurant is a cosy, with pleasant streetside tables and a playful menu catering to all tastes and preferences.

One of the best places to eat at Exmouth Market is the local branch of Black Bear Burger. The award-winning group offers a selection of burgers crafted from premium dry-aged beef, alongside various chicken and plant-based alternatives. The chill Exmouth Market restaurant offers both indoor and alfresco seating options, as well as a basement bar.

Nécco is a cosy Japanese café with a friendly, kawaii-inspired aesthetic and a menu of traditional dishes. During the day, the kitchen focuses on expertly presented sushi and bento boxes, while the evening service transitions into a budget-friendly selection of Japanese-style tapas. Beautifully decorated homemade desserts, such as matcha cakes, are available from the counter.

At the western end of Exmouth Market, you'll find Josette. Bringing the charm of the French countryside to Clerkenwell, the intimate bistro has a quaint character with patterned wallpaper and floral carpeted floors, accented by vintage jugs and other decorative touches for a romantic atmosphere. The menu remains rooted in French tradition, with the all-you-can-eat raclette evenings a particular highlight.

Lucky's Hot Chicken is renowned for its signature preparation method that involves frying the chicken twice to achieve maximum crunch. Once perfectly crisp, the chicken is submerged in chilli oil and seasoned to provide a balanced, tingling heat, then served as strips and wings or tucked into buttery brioche sandos. The Exmouth Market restaurant is located at the Mikkeller Brewpub.

Located at the eastern end of Exmouth Market, Morchella is the younger sibling of Newington Green's Perilla. Similar in spirit, it's the kind of relaxed neighbourhood restaurant where you can meet friends, sip fine wines, and tuck into seasonal sharing plates, all while soaking up the sun and watching the world go by.

Berber & Q Group's Shawarma Bar offers an authentic taste of the Middle East within a snug setting in Exmouth Market. The venue transitions seamlessly from a bustling daytime spot for hearty pitas and sit-down lunches to a more relaxed evening destination focused on rotisserie specialities, sharing plates, and an impressive cocktail list.

Santoré offers a quintessential Italian dining experience in Exmouth Market, remaining dedicated to traditional recipes and time-honoured culinary techniques. The extensive menu features a broad selection of staples, ranging from authentic pizzas and risottos to substantial meat and fish mains. Besides the polished dark-wood interior, the restaurant also provides al fresco seating.

Despite its playful name, Coin Laundry is a lively Exmouth Market bar and restaurant that enhances the relaxed charm of a pub with quality grub and drinks. The kitchen delivers expertly prepared British classics like hearty pies and burgers, while the bar serves craft ales, natural wines, and more. The venue also hosts a regular programme of fun events like quiz nights and stand-up comedy.

51 Cave à Manger provides a rustic and authentic retreat in Exmouth Market, defined by its charming weathered walls and classic wooden furnishings. It specialises in a vast selection of wines sourced from boutique producers, catering perfectly to discerning enthusiasts. The wine list is complemented by an evolving menu of seasonal small plates and sharing dishes that draw inspiration from diverse global traditions.

Playful and relaxed, Around is perfect for a casual drink and light bites in Exmouth Market whether visiting solo or meeting mates. A rotating selection of seasonal cocktails and a menu of globally influenced small plates make up the bulk of the offering, while the addition of pavement seating for warmer days helps ease sunny summer afternoons into lively, sociable nights.

The Mikkeller Brewery operates this lively Exmouth Market brewpub, with musician Rick Astley one of the co-owners. The tap selection is frequently updated, showcasing a mix of Mikkeller's own creations produced in London and Copenhagen. In addition to their house brews, the menu features guest labels from various producers and an international wine list that highlights bottles from both local and Danish vineyards.

Café Kick is a compact Exmouth Market bar that combines a passion for football with a daily menu of wholesome, home-cooked dishes. Adorned with a colourful array of national flags and sports memorabilia, the interior creates an energetic atmosphere for watching major matches on large screens, with table football for a bit of friendly competition or halftime entertainment as well.

The follow-up project of a renowned Shoreditch vinoteca, Passione Vino has taken up residence in a repurposed Exmouth Market tattoo parlour. Italian connoisseur Luca Dusi is behind the venture, which focuses on a curated portfolio of bottles sourced from boutique, low-intervention estates across Italy. To complement the vintages, the kitchen prepares authentic Italian dishes like carbonara or lasagne.

The Exmouth Arms is a quintessential British pub that inspired the street's name. This Victorian-era establishment is easily identified by its green exterior, complemented by pavement seating ideal for enjoying a pint during warmer weather. The kitchen turns out a solid roster of traditional comfort grub, including sandwiches, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts. The lively local also screens major sporting events and hosts a variety of entertainment, including DJ nights.