Whitechapel Gallery Dining serve a simple seasonal selection of British food.
Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room
British Restaurant in Whitechapel
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Opening Times
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday |
Open 11:00 - Closes 17:30 |
| Wednesday |
Open 11:00 - Closes 17:30 |
| Thursday |
Open 11:00 - Closes 22:00 |
| Friday |
Open 11:00 - Closes 17:00 Open 20:00 - Closes 23:00 |
| Saturday |
Open 11:00 - Closes 17:30 |
| Sunday |
Open 11:00 - Closes 17:30 |
All In London Review
Exquisite British food at Whitechapel Gallery
Despite having a separate entrance to the gallery space, the dining room is of a surprisingly humble size, as if few people are expected to pop next door to eat. Which should not be the case, as the food is fantastic. The daily changing menu has the odd Mediterranean influence due to Hartnett’s Italian heritage (such as a simple starter of artisan bread drizzled with Veneto Valpolicello olive oil, or perennial aubergine favourite mozzarella melanzane), however it’s mostly composed of distinctly fashionable homely British cuisine. Strong flavours are the theme here; quartered artichoke hearts are marinated in rich olive oil with plenty of black pepper, smoked trout rarebit sets creamy smoked fish onto toasted crusty bread, and the lamb kidneys are intensely savoury and herby, also served on toast. The mains are equally hearty; there is tender guinea fowl with roasted sweet pumpkin, and a potato-based fish pie with chunks of smoked haddock and leeks. Even the chips are impressive, fluffy on the inside and deliciously crispy on the outside thanks to being fried in truffle oil.
For dessert, there’s the buttermilk pudding, a creamy yogurt-like concoction topped with a tart berry compote and served with shortbread straight from the oven, while another pudding has fresh figs drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar, with dollops of creamy mascarpone cheese and toasted almonds.
The wine list is small but has enough varieties to match the food on offer; we sup a robust Masseria Pietrosa Salice Salentino, and accompany dessert with the curiously named Australian Stump Jump Sticky Chardonnay d’Arenberg, a sweet, Sauterne-like flavour. Utterly exquisite, it’s well worth the visit, even if you’re not intending to look at any art. A meal for two with wine is roughly £90.
Reviewed by Leila
Published on Oct 19, 2011
User Reviews
Anonymous
Jul 29, 2010
Beautiful unobtrusive service - there, and friendly, when you need it. Superb food, British with a twist. Portions may appear smallish, but are satisfying: you don't walk out hungry. Elegant eatery in an area not noted for such!
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