Clerkenwell restaurants: Clerkenwell Boy shares his favourite insider spots

Looking for the best places to eat in Clerkenwell? Local resident and expert Clerkenwell Boy shared his must-visit recommendations, from nose-to-tail dining to craft beer pubs and global street food.

For more London food recommendations, check out our reviews of the best restaurants in Shoreditch, best restaurants in Notting Hill, best restaurants in Mayfair, best restaurants in Marylebone and best restaurants in Paddington.

Best restaurants in Clerkenwell

Bouchon Racine

Henry Harris reopened Bouchon Racine in Clerkenwell in 2022. The menu changes daily but always celebrates Lyon – a city I’ve wandered through many times, and regarded as France’s gastronomy capital. Cosy, buzzing and authentically French, I can’t resist the duck confit or slow-cooked rabbit with mustard sauce and lardons. Save room for crème caramel with armagnac-soaked prune. bouchonracine.com

Brutto

Founded by my late friend Russell Norman, Brutto represents the ultimate Florentine trattoria – candlelit tables, red and white checkered cloths, £5 negronis and a welcoming bar where everyone feels at home. Start with the ‘cuddles' (deep-fried dough balls with stracchino and prosciutto), penne vodka or a colossal sharing steak. Don’t skip the tiramisu, and grab a bottle of chianti for the table. msha.ke/brutto

Exmouth Market

Alive with global street food, boutiques, cafés, bars and pubs, you’ll stumble upon little treasures all along the street. Moro and Morito bring bold North African and southern Spanish flavours, Mikkeller Brewpub pours inventive craft beer, Café Kick is perfect for sports fans and The Exmouth Arms or The Wilmington offer traditional pints. If you’re looking for a special gift, EC One makes bespoke jewellery with ethically sourced materials, hand-crafted in London. exmouth.london

The Quality Chop House

A Victorian gem on Farringdon Road since 1869, this is my go-to for sharing steaks and a solid glass of red. Don’t miss the confit potatoes – layers of potato compressed overnight, then fried to perfection – or seasonal specials. Next door, Quality Wines offers a daily-changing menu in a relaxed wine bar. thequalitychophouse.com

Sadler's Wells

Perfect for a date night – dinner nearby, then a show. The theatre began as a mineral spa and music hall in 1683, and became the base of the Royal Ballet in 1931. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and pubs nearby for a pre-show pint to treat yourself before the curtain rises. sadlerswells.com

Sessions Arts Club

Housed in the former 1779 Middlesex Sessions House, this space is buzzing. The restaurant is in the old judges’ dining room – soaring ceilings and ever changing art on the walls – thanks to the vision of founder Jonny Gent. Seasonal British dishes are beautifully plated, cocktails brilliant and the wine list thoughtfully curated. Entering feels like crashing an eccentric aristocrat’s house party – a mixture of elegance, humour and warmth. sessionsartsclub.com

St John

A London institution near Smithfield Market, St John has championed nose-to-tail dining since 1994 and been Michelin-starred since 2009. Missed a table? The walk-in bar and bakery shine at lunch – try welsh rarebit on sourdough, washed down with a pint of stout. stjohnrestaurant.com

Terroni of Clerkenwell

The capital’s oldest deli (it opened in 1878), this family-run shop serves a huge array of cheese, cured meats and fresh pizza. My essentials: taleggio,
burrata, gorgonzola, guanciale and mortadella with pistachio. Join the locals for freshly baked pizza alongside an Aperol spritz or glass of sangiovese. terroni.co.uk

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