Brick Lane is a place with a story to tell. Walking down the street today, you can almost taste the history, with every storefront and food stall offering a glimpse into the past while embracing the present.
Over the years, the area has been shaped by waves of immigrants who each brought their cultures, traditions, and unique flavours. In the 18th century, Huguenot refugees settled here, followed by Irish communities in the 19th century and Jewish immigrants in the early 20th. By the 1970s, it became the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community. For decades, Brick Lane has been synonymous with Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine – its curry houses are legendary. But while the street still proudly celebrates this culinary heritage, the food scene has grown into something far more diverse. These days, Brick Lane is a melting pot of flavours, offering everything from traditional Jewish bagels to cutting-edge street food. No matter what time of day or night you visit, you’re bound to find something to satisfy your cravings.
Here’s a guide to what’s cooking:
Beigel Bake
This 24/7 bagel shop is a famous Brick Lane institution, serving up freshly baked bagels since the 1970s, and is famous for its salt beef ones (with mustard and a pickle). They’ve stayed open pretty much continuously since – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which makes it one of the best late-night restaurants in London for drinkers, clubbers, and taxi drivers in the area.
Bunhouse Disco
If you find yourself craving some Mexican flavours, you will love DF Tacos. Located at the Old Truman Brewery just off Brick Lane, this spot brings a contemporary twist to classic dishes, with everything from fully loaded tacos to cheesy burritos, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options also available. Fun, fresh, and with a laid-back vibe, DF Tacos lets you pair your meal with one of their signature frozen margaritas or bottomless agua frescas for a refreshing treat. The restaurant operates daily from midday to 10 PM, making it a convenient stop after exploring the nearby markets of Brick Lane.
The Famous Curry Bazaar
The Famous Curry Bazaar is a well-established Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant located at 77 Brick Lane. Owned by the Ahmed brothers, it's been serving authentic cuisine in a laid-back setting for over 20 years. The extensive menu features traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients, and guests can opt for a set menu, which includes a starter, main, and naan for just over £20. The spot also claims to serve London's hottest curry. With its central location, it offers a genuine taste of South Asia and operates every day from 12 PM to 12 AM, with extended hours until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bengal Village
A family-run Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant since 1991, Bengal Village has been serving authentic cuisine for over three decades. With a menu featuring a range of classic dishes, including vegan options, all prepared with fresh ingredients, the restaurant has received multiple awards, including the Brick Lane Curry Festival award twice. It has been praised by food critics from publications like The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph. Its warm atmosphere and consistent quality have made it a go-to destination for lovers of South Asian cuisine.
Chez Elles
Located at 45 Brick Lane, Chez Elles Bistroquet is a charming French bistro that brings a slice of Parisian flair to the heart of East London. The menu features classic French dishes, such as duck magret and soufflé, all served in a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant operates from Tuesday to Friday, 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM, and on Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM making it a great spot for a romantic date night or a leisurely dinner with friends.
Katsute100 Brick Lane
Katsute100 is a cosy spot on Brick Lane that feels like a slice of Japan in the middle of London. It's a Japanese tea room especially famous for their Matcha Crepe Cake, which is a must-try with a solid selection of teas to pair with it. The vibe here is relaxed, perfect for catching up with friends or even just unwinding solo. There's also no need for reservations – just pop in any day between noon and 9 PM.
The Monsoon
If you're in the mood for some authentic Indian flavours in the heart of Brick Lane, The Monsoon is a solid choice. This four-storey spot offers a range of traditional dishes, from flavourful curries to aromatic Tandoori specialities, like Garlic Chicken, Dosas, and Sylheti Jalfrezi. They have built a reputation for quality, paired with a casual and welcoming atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family. With their late-night hours, it's a convenient option if you're out exploring the area.
Preem
Preem is a contemporary Indian restaurant that's been a part of Brick Lane since 1963, specialising in Balti dishes and various vegan and vegetarian options. The venue can accommodate around 200 diners, still, the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and the staff are famed for their friendly service. The menu is full of crowd-pleasers – think butter chicken, lamb korma, masala dosa, vegetable dansak, and prawn jalfrezi.
Bun House Disco
Bun House Disco is a neon-drenched spot on the northern end of Brick Lane that combines a love for buns with a lively disco vibe, inspired by 1980s Hong Kong. They serve up a variety of steamed buns and wontons (which come ‘slurpy’, ‘wet’ or ‘messy’) alongside intriguing cocktails infused with Chinese herbs. Whether you're here for the unique food, the funky decor, or just the energetic atmosphere, it's a dining experience like no other.
Brick Lane has come a long way from its curry-only reputation and truly is a reflection of the cultures that have shaped it over the years. The historic street and surrounding area are packed with restaurants, set against a backdrop of colourful street art and vintage shops.
