10 Best Restaurants in Whitechapel, London

10 Best Restaurants in Whitechapel, London

Whitechapel is one of the most electric and diverse areas in the bustling capital city of London. Although London has many different boroughs – each with its own unique flavor and style – Whitechapel has a wide mixture of cultures, blending foreign food with traditional British classics.

If you are currently renting a flat in Whitechapel, you just want to walk around the ‘hood for the day, or you are thinking of moving to Whitechapel, check out these top restaurants in the East End during your next London holiday. 

Efes Restaurant

Beypazari Sofrasi – By KayaZaKi – Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22226859

Efes is a traditional Turkish restaurant that has taken the entire city by storm. First opened back in 1974 – which is almost 50 years ago now! – Mr. Akkus had no idea that his Turkish restaurant would blossom to become one of the best in the United Kingdom. After combining with a Halal British meat and poultry supplier, the Efes Restaurant expanded even more, ensuring all of their meat is 100% British and halal certified. 

So, what do we recommend? For appetizers, we recommend getting the Turkish fruit meze platter of melon, orange, and feta cheese to share. Another healthy and fresh option is the tabbouleh vegetarian salad with tomatoes, pepper, and bulgur. For vegetarian lovers, try the grilled halloumi with salad as a heavier appetizer.

If you trust the chef – which we do – try the Chef’s special. Known as Ali Nazik, this dish is finely chopped lamb over diced aubergine and garlic yogurt. 

Sahara Grill

turkish style lamb rib chops – By E4024 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=104953775

Sahara Grill is a fresh, made-to-order, meat-centric restaurant in Whitechapel that prides itself on quality meats. We recommend trying the Sahara Chops for an appetizer, which are mutton chops marinated in signature species. If you want to share a romantic meal with your date, consider trying the Sahara Platter – a massive dish consisting of flame-grilled chicken, Mediterranean salad, and steak chips. 

With multiple locations across London – such as Leyton, Ilford, Hounslow, and Whitechapel – you can find the Sahara Grill no matter where you are in the city.

Insider Info: The restaurant stops serving food for 10 minutes during prayer times!

Tayyabs

Indian food – By Bretwa – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93373768

If you live in the East End, chances are very high you have been to Tayyabs before. Tayyabs is a staple that is lauded by all due to its long-standing prowess in the restaurant industry dating back to 1972. Featuring Indian food that is spiced perfectly, fresh meat, and tasty vegetables, Tayyabs combines classic dishes with an ambivalent atmosphere that keeps you coming back for more. 

Insider Info: Book a seat ahead of time – queues can be hundreds of people long during busy nights!

HotBox

Half pound burger – By JIP – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99192675

Surely you have had a burger and a shake before – right? This is a classic combination that many restaurants and takeaway shops have tried to perfect over the years. But one takes the cake in Whitechapel – HotBox is an American barbecue connoisseur that puts their focus on what might be most important in the burger: meat. 

If you are hungry, head here – the oversized portions and comfort food are exactly what you need to beat a hangover from the night before in London’s pubs.

Insider Info: Want to keep drinking? Head downstairs to 46 and Mercy as a nice compliment to your filling dinner.

The Culpeper

Sunday Roast – CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=584420

The Culpeper is a quintessential English pub – and you really can’t go wrong with traditional British pub fare. If you are looking for hearty food, pours of pints, and a warm atmosphere, The Culpeper is the place to go. 

Are you freezing walking around the blustery and cold streets of Whitechapel on a winter day? Head inside to The Culpeper for a roast and Hot Toddy. Are you hot in the rarely-sunny London days during the summer? Head to the rooftop garden of THe Culpeper and enjoy one of their many cocktails or pints on draft. 

Insider Info: The menu here is ever-changing to incorporate homegrown food in their dishes.

Rinkoff’s Bakery 

Challah Bread – By Aviv Hod – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6951721

Rinkoffs is a traditional staple that has been supplying the EastEnd of London with Jewish delicacies. This family-owned bakery has been open for over 100 years now, churning out mouth-watering pastries, challah, and salmon and cream cheese bagels. If you are looking for a new spot to stop on your walk to work, head to Rinkoff just like the Whitechapel locals do.

Shalamar Kebab House

kebab of lamb, with homemade bread – By Lesya Dolyk – https://www.flickr.com/photos/128268906@N07/17002299881/in/photostream/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40113781

One of the best things about living or working in Whitechapel is the expensive option for food – instead of just your typical British or American dishes, you can enjoy experimenting with Bangladeshi, Indian, or Pakistani options. And we think one of the best is Shalamar Kebab House.

This tiny, corner store may be unassuming, but the food definitely is not. With chicken tikka, biryani, and naans, you can get a filling Pakistani meal here for just a few quid. This quick restaurant is the perfect fast stop for a short lunch break or time-sensitive dinner – we recommend trying the meat biryani with pink beef and rice. 

Al Kahf

A cooked lamb shank – By Nikchick – https://www.flickr.com/photos/nikchick/216314411/in/set-107282, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25865720

Speaking of variety in Whitechapel, Al Kahf is a Somalian restaurant that still flies under the radar. Since the tiny restaurant is hard to find – and better known by locals – you can rest assured you are going to get mouth-watering food for a fraction of the prices you would find in tourist traps.

We recommend trying the lamb shank, somali green chili sauce, charred flatbread, and bariis isukaris for a  complete meal. 

Insider Info: All you need is £10 to get a filling and tasty meal.

Dulce Coffee London

Extracting a doppio – By Osman Bas – originally posted to Flickr as Doppio, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11359736

Dulce Coffee London is an independently-run coffee shop that prides itself on providing a loving and welcoming environment for the entire community. With a focus on variety, local ingredients, and strong coffee, this shop in Aldgate East is great for a takeaway espresso or sit-in breakfast. 

We Recommend trying the signature croque monsieur, a filling and hearty sandwich with either spinach and mushroom, turkey and cheese, or tomatoes and red onions. 

The Oliver Conquest

Gin and tonic – By NotFromUtrecht – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8529628

The Oliver Conquest is a haven for gin aficionados. If you love a strong G&T after work, head to the Oliver Conquest to learn more about the ‘Gin of the Month’, buy their own blend, or enjoy gin tastings.