The coolest restaurants in Shoreditch

Its chalk-scrawled walls recalling Shoreditch's colourful street-art scene, Aba-Ra! is a cool Georgian hangout in Brick Lane. The menu covers traditional cuisine from this lesser-known Eastern European country, with the cheese pull of a classic khachapuri breads being a major draw. The vibe here is laidback and welcoming, and there's a comprehensive selection fo fine Georgian wines to choose from as well.

Sanjugo offers an authentic Japanese dining experience tucked away down a side street in Shoreditch. Expect top-quality sashimi, deep-fried chicken karaage, and delicious donburi bowls. It's helmed by renowned chefs who bring decades of sushi-making expertise, and the upstairs bar serves an impressive selection of Japanese whiskies and sakes.

The team behind Crispin has transformed the former Oklava space into a hip bistro-style restaurant with a strong focus on British ingredients, local sourcing and French wine. The menu here is fine dining and changes regularly but includes dishes like wild duck, Devonshire chicken and monkfish with mussels and desserts like sticky toffee pudding. Though slightly off the beaten path, Bistro Freddie is well worth a visit.

Llama Inn is an iconic New York City dining spot that has recently made its way to London at The Hoxton Hotel in Shoreditch. It's perched on the rooftop and brings the bold cuisine of South America to vibey Shoreditch. There's a strong focus on Peruvian ingredients and traditions here, as well as a menu of standout cocktails, including the famed one-shot martini from NYC.

Bao Noodle Bao Noodle Shop takes inspiration from Taiwan's beef noodle houses, serving a menu of handmade noodles made with authentic ingredients imported from Taiwan. You'll find beloved bao buns and a refreshing Taiwanese shaved ice dessert topped with fruit and cream alongside its signature noodle dishes. Inside, it's uber-stylish, decorated in a minimal style with lots of wood and white tiles.

Padella's Shoreditch outpost offers a bigger space than its Borough Market sibling, with tons of outdoor seating perfect for sunny days. The focus is handcrafted pasta made fresh in-house, enjoyed best with a Negroni. Grab a seat at the counter to watch the chefs in action. It's a must-visit for pasta lovers who want a taste of quality and authenticity.

Smoking Goat brings the bold dishes of Northern Thailand to Shoreditch in a cosy, dimly-lit space that's equally perfect for a laid-back meal or a night out. The menu is made for sharing, with favourites like more-ish fish sauce chicken wings, drunken noodles, zesty lamb, and various other spicy dishes that pack a punch.

Lahpet is a cosy, modern space that brings a taste of modern Burmese cuisine to the heart of Shoreditch. The menu includes a mix of dishes, including colourful salads, hearty coconut noodles with chicken, and shrimp paste dumplings. Inside, the decor is minimal and stylish, with plenty of plants scattered around and a central brass bar where you can enjoy drinks pre- or post-meal.

Counter 71 is a chef's table experience in Shoreditch, set in the former Duke of Wellington pub. It seats just 16 guests per evening, serving them a meticulously crafted, seasonal menu celebrating British ingredients. Expect refined dishes like eel tart with fried seaweed and caviar, served around an elegant green marble counter. There's also Lowcountry, a Southern-inspired cocktail bar in the cellar, perfect for pre-or post-dinner drinks.

Michelin-starred Brat brings Basque-inspired cooking to the heart of Shoreditch via, an exceptional menu of wood-fired dishes. There's an emphasis on fish and seasonal ingredients, with dishes designed for sharing. The restaurant may have a star, but it's known for its rustic approach, with a casual overall feel about it. Brat also features a curated wine list, with a monthly spotlight on select wines highlighting a deeper appreciation of their origin.

For years, this buzzy barbecue spot has been dishing out chargrilled slabs of smoky meat to Shoreditch. The open kitchen fills the restaurant with mouthwatering aromas and lets you see the magic in action with the open kitchen. It's widely known for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket and perfectly charred ribs, making it a must-visit for meat lovers.

Sagardi serves dishes from Spain's Basque region, including things like in-house butchered txuleton beef cuts and rich morcilla sausage, all made with top-quality seasonal Spanish ingredients. It's located in the historic Cordy House, which has a rustic feel but an industrial edge, featuring wooden furnishings and exposed ceilings. Sagardi also houses a lively pintxo bar and a cosy private dining room. There's even a Sunday roast, putting a Basque twist on a British classic.

Rochelle Canteen is a hip Shoreditch restaurant tucked away in a converted bike shed. A daily changing menu highlights seasonal British and European-inspired dishes, with a strong focus on top-quality ingredients. There's a handful of outdoor seats under a canopy for those who enjoy dining al fresco, which provides the perfect spot for lunch or dinner, no matter the weather.

Manteca is a hot spot for hand-rolled pasta and whole-animal butchery in Shoreditch. The menu features favourites like duck liver parfait, fresh ricotta, and spicy pigtail ragu pasta. There's also plenty for vegetarians and a drink list, including a curated selection of cocktails and wines from Italy, England, and Wales.