The Ultimate Guide to Exmouth Market 2026: Best Restaurants, Bars, Cafés, Shops & Hidden Gems
There is a specific kind of Clerkenwell magic that happens when the sun goes down, the festoon lights switch on, and the pavement outside Morito starts spilling over with people drinking vermouth. Exmouth Market Clerkenwell isn’t just a street; it’s a mood. Tucked away from the frantic energy of King’s Cross and the commercial stretch of Upper Street, this pedestrianised enclave remains one of London’s most atmospheric destinations for food lovers. Whether you are hunting down the perfect weekday lunch from a street food stall, securing a table for a romantic dinner, or just browsing independent boutiques with a flat white in hand, Exmouth Market is village-London at its absolute finest.
Here is the Islington Local Guide insider handbook to eating, drinking, and exploring EC1’s favourite street.
Why Visit Exmouth Market?
Exmouth Market is a characterful, pedestrianised street perfectly positioned between Clerkenwell, Farringdon, and Angel. It is widely considered one of London’s best small food streets, known for its fierce championing of independent restaurants, cafés, and bars. By day, it crackles with creative energy as local agency workers flock to its renowned weekday street food lunch stalls. By night, it transforms into a relaxed, ambient dining destination under canopy lights. If you want independent shopping, critically acclaimed Mediterranean food, and a vibrant but unpretentious evening atmosphere away from the tourist traps, Exmouth Market is absolutely worth visiting.
Where Is Exmouth Market?
Exmouth Market sits in the heart of Clerkenwell (EC1), operating as a brilliant bridge between Farringdon, Angel, and King’s Cross.
• Nearest Stations: Farringdon (Elizabeth Line, Thameslink, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan) is your best bet for a quick arrival, while Angel (Northern Line) and King’s Cross St Pancras are both a pleasant 15-minute walk away.
• The Neighbourhood: It works flawlessly as the anchor point for a wider Clerkenwell, Farringdon, or Islington walk.
• Nearby Streets: You’ll find it nestled near the green expanse of Spa Fields, the grand architecture of Rosebery Avenue, the artisan charm of Amwell Street, and the historic stretch of St John Street.
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What Is Exmouth Market Known For?
Exmouth Market has carved out a fiercely distinct identity over the past two decades. It is known for:
• Independent Food and Drink: Chains are a rarity here; owner-operated businesses rule the roost.
• Street Food Energy: The weekday lunch stalls turn the street into an open-air cafeteria for local creatives.
• Long-Standing Institutions: Restaurants here don’t just survive; they become London legends.
• After-Work Drinks: A magnetic pull for Farringdon’s media and design crowd once the clock strikes five.
• Design-Led Shops: Carefully curated boutiques offering everything from artisan jewellery to niche magazines.
• A Village Feel in Central London: It feels remarkably intimate given its proximity to the City.
• The Discerning Choice: A quieter, more curated alternative to the obvious, overcrowded food destinations.
Best Restaurants on Exmouth Market
Here are the standout restaurants that make Exmouth Market a culinary heavyweight.
Moro
What it is: The undisputed crown jewel of Exmouth Market. Sam and Sam Clark opened this Moorish, North African, and Spanish-influenced institution in 1997, and it remains as vital today as it was then.
Why people go: For the wood-fired cooking, the deeply soulful flavours, and an effortlessly sophisticated dining room that never feels stuffy. It’s a rite of passage for any London foodie.
What to order: You cannot leave without trying the wood-roasted pork, and whatever seasonal mezze is on the chalkboard.
Best for: Impressing out-of-town guests, anniversary dinners, and serious food lovers.
Local editor tip: If you can’t get a dinner reservation, their weekday lunch service is slightly quieter and just as spectacular.
Nearby pairing idea: Start with a sharp aperitif at The Wilmington around the corner on Rosebery Avenue before sitting down to eat.
Morito
What it is: Moro’s loud, cramped, and endlessly fun next-door sibling. It’s a tapas and mezze bar that strips away the formalities and turns up the volume.
Why people go: The sheer buzzing energy of the place. You sit elbow-to-elbow at the bright orange bar, watching the chefs work while knocking back excellent sherry.
What to order: The chicharrones (crispy pork belly), the jamón ibérico, and the unforgettable beetroot borani.
Best for: Date nights, catching up with a close friend, or solo dining at the bar.
Local editor tip: They hold back some space for walk-ins, but you need to arrive right as they open for the evening or be prepared to wait with a drink in hand.
Nearby pairing idea: Catch an early evening performance at Sadler’s Wells, then wander down for late-night tapas.
Santoré
What it is: A rustic, boisterous, and incredibly authentic Italian trattoria that feels like it was airlifted directly from Naples and dropped onto the Clerkenwell cobbles.
Why people go: Unpretentious, hearty Italian cooking. It is famously welcoming and reliably excellent, providing a comforting contrast to some of the area’s more delicate small-plate venues.
What to order: Their signature panuozzo (a pizza-dough sandwich) or their incredible pizza sold by the metre, cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven.
Best for: Big group dinners, family lunches, and carb-loading in the most delicious way possible.
Local editor tip: The portion sizes are generous. If you are ordering pizza by the metre for a group, pace yourselves on the antipasti.
Nearby pairing idea: Walk off the heavy lunch with a stroll through the nearby Spa Fields park.
Coin Laundry
What it is: A sprawling, retro-styled neighbourhood bar and restaurant that leans heavily into 1970s British nostalgia, complete with vintage board games and kitsch-chic decor.
Why people go: It’s spacious, relaxed, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It operates brilliantly as an all-day hangout, transitioning from a laptop-friendly daytime spot to a lively evening venue.
What to order: The legendary Chicken Kiev—it oozes garlic butter perfectly. Pair it with one of their playfully nostalgic cocktails.
Best for: Casual weekend dinners, bottomless brunch, and larger parties where everyone wants something different.
Local editor tip: Head down to the basement on weekends; it often hosts DJs and turns into a surprisingly great late-night party spot.
Nearby pairing idea: Grab a coffee at Briki across the street the morning after a big night out here.
Briki
What it is: A charming, independent Greek deli and coffee shop that acts as the daytime heartbeat of the street.
Why people go: For the exceptionally warm service and the authentic Mediterranean baked goods. It’s a haven for local freelancers and anyone seeking a genuinely excellent caffeine fix.
What to order: A traditional Greek Freddo Espresso (especially in summer) paired with a slice of their homemade, flaky spanakopita.
Best for: Mid-morning coffee breaks, casual laptop work, and grabbing a quick, high-quality lunch.
Local editor tip: Snag one of the outdoor tables on a sunny morning—there is no better spot on the street for people-watching.
Nearby pairing idea: Pick up some artisan gifts at the nearby independent lifestyle shops after your coffee.
Paesan
What it is: A relaxed, exposed-brick Italian kitchen focused on the simple, rustic dishes of the “paese” (countryside). (Note: Verify current restaurant status and menu before booking, as local concepts frequently evolve).
Why people go: For comforting, unfussy pasta dishes in a moody, intimately lit dining room that feels effortlessly cool.
What to order: The slow-cooked ragù, paired with a glass of robust house red.
Best for: Mid-week dinners and low-pressure, romantic date nights.
Local editor tip: If you want a quiet corner, ask to be seated toward the back; the front gets wonderfully noisy with the street overspill.
Nearby pairing idea: Head over to Café Kick afterward for a distinctly more chaotic nightcap.
Café Kick
What it is: A vibrant, chaotic, continental-style bar that has been an Exmouth Market staple for over two decades. The ceiling is plastered with bank notes and the floor is dominated by foosball tables.
Why people go: It feels like a brilliant, slightly gritty holiday bar. The energy is infectious, the happy hours are generous, and the table football gets highly competitive.
What to order: A classic Caipirinha or a cold Sagres during their legendary happy hour.
Best for: After-work drinks, letting off steam, and kicking off a Friday night.
Local editor tip: Happy hour runs daily—time your visit to coincide with it for some of the best-value drinks in Clerkenwell.
Nearby pairing idea: Soak up the cocktails with a late-night metre of pizza from Santoré across the street.
Sweet Thursday
What it is: While technically a little further north towards De Beauvoir and Hackney, this beloved Neapolitan pizzeria and wine shop shares the exact same independent, community-first ethos that defines Exmouth Market.
Why people go: Incredible wood-fired pizzas and a brilliant, accessible selection of natural and biodynamic wines you can drink in or take away.
What to order: The spicy nduja pizza and whatever orange wine the staff currently recommend.
Best for: A relaxed, neighborhood dinner when exploring the wider Islington and East London borders.
Local editor tip: Treat Sweet Thursday as the perfect destination when you want to extend your culinary tour north of Clerkenwell.
Nearby pairing idea: Perfect for a dinner after walking the length of the Regent’s Canal from King’s Cross.
Best Cafés, Coffee & Bakeries Around Exmouth Market
• Briki: The ultimate Greek deli for spanakopita and Freddo espressos. Best for people-watching from the street-side tables.
• Caravan Exmouth Market: The original flagship of the now-famous fleet. Best for pioneering brunch dishes, house-roasted coffee, and early morning meetings.
• Gail’s: Located just on the corner, offering reliable, high-quality cinnamon buns and sourdough loaves. Best for grabbing bread for the weekend.
• Local Coffee Shops: The side streets of Clerkenwell are packed with indie roasters. Explore the lanes toward Farringdon for hidden espresso bars.
Best Bars & Pubs Near Exmouth Market
• Café Kick: Continental vibes, table football, and legendary happy hours. Best for loud, chaotic after-work drinks.
• Coin Laundry: Spacious, retro 70s aesthetics. Best for casual weekend pints and bottomless brunches with friends.
• The Exmouth Arms: A fantastic, traditional-meets-modern London pub right on the market. Excellent craft beer selection. Best for a proper British pint on a Thursday night.
• The Wilmington: Just off the market on Rosebery Avenue, an elegant pub with massive windows and a great wine list. Best for pre-theatre drinks or a sophisticated Sunday roast.
• Quality Chop House (Nearby): A short walk down Farringdon Road. While a famous restaurant, their wine bar next door is phenomenal. Best for a luxurious date night drink.
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Exmouth Market Food Market & Lunch Stalls
Exmouth Market truly earns its name during the week.
• The Food: Expect a rotating cast of incredible street food traders serving everything from Ghanaian stews and traditional Thai curries to artisan pasta and slow-roast meat sandwiches.
• The Vibe: It is wildly popular with local office workers, creating a bustling, energetic lunch hour that feels authentically London.
• When to Visit: Stalls generally operate mid-week (typically Tuesday to Friday) from about 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
• Why it’s special: Unlike Borough Market, it rarely feels overrun by tourists. It remains a genuine, functional lunch market for the local Clerkenwell community.
• Editor’s Note: Always verify current traders, operating days, and opening times before making a special trip.
Best Shops & Lifestyle Spots on Exmouth Market
You don’t just come here to eat. The browsing is elite.
• Independent Boutiques: The street is dotted with curated gift shops, local jewellers, and artisan makers.
• Space EC1: A brilliant, long-standing spot for design-led greeting cards, quirky gifts, and homeware.
• Bookshops & Botanicals: Keep an eye out for pop-ups and established lifestyle stores selling indie magazines, terrariums, and bespoke fashion. It is the perfect street for a slow Saturday morning stroll.
Things To Do Near Exmouth Market
• Walk through Spa Fields: A lovely pocket park right next to the market, perfect for eating your street food lunch in the sun.
• Visit Sadler’s Wells: London’s premier contemporary dance venue is just a five-minute walk away on Rosebery Avenue.
• Explore Amwell Street: Head up the hill to find one of London’s most picturesque, village-like streets, packed with heritage shops.
• Walk to Angel and Upper Street: A 15-minute walk north takes you straight into the heart of Islington’s shopping and theatre district.
• Walk to Clerkenwell Green: Wander south to explore the deep history of Clerkenwell, taking in old pubs and historic architecture.
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Best Exmouth Market Itinerary
• Morning: Arrive around 10:30 AM. Grab a flat white from Caravan and browse the independent gift shops while the street is quiet.
• Lunch: Join the queue at a weekday street food stall, or grab a slice of spanakopita at Briki. Eat it in Spa Fields.
• Afternoon: Take a slow architectural walk down Rosebery Avenue, up Amwell Street, or head south to explore Clerkenwell Green.
• Evening: Settle in for a long, atmospheric dinner at Moro, Morito, or Santoré.
• Late Drinks: Finish the night with a Caipirinha and a game of table football at Café Kick, or a craft pint at The Exmouth Arms.
Exmouth Market for Different Occasions
• Best for first-time visitors: Moro (book well in advance).
• Best for lunch: The weekday street food stalls.
• Best for date night: Morito (sit at the bar).
• Best for groups: Santoré (order the metre-long pizza).
• Best for after-work drinks: Café Kick.
• Best for solo exploring: Briki (with a laptop or a good book).
• Best for families: Coin Laundry (spacious and forgiving).
• Best for a Clerkenwell walk: Grab a coffee at Caravan and head towards St John Street.
Hidden Gems & Local Tips
• Timing is everything: Visit at 1 PM on a Thursday for the ultimate lunch energy, or 7 PM on a Friday for the best evening atmosphere.
• Look down the side streets: Don’t just stick to the main drag. The alleys leading into Farringdon hide some incredible design agencies and secret pubs.
• Check the market days: The street food stalls don’t run every day. Always check the weekday schedule before travelling for lunch.
• Midweek magic: Exmouth Market feels arguably more ‘local’ on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening than it does on a Saturday.
Is Exmouth Market Worth Visiting in 2026?
Without a doubt. In an era where London high streets increasingly look identical, Exmouth Market remains stubbornly, brilliantly itself. It is one of London’s best compact neighbourhood food streets precisely because it refuses to be a generic tourist trap. It combines critically acclaimed restaurants, genuine independent character, a thriving weekday lunch culture, and unbeatable walkability. Whether you are a local resident, a Farringdon worker, or a weekend visitor, Exmouth Market delivers an authentic slice of London culture every single time.
FAQs About Exmouth Market
Is Exmouth Market worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of London’s most atmospheric, independent food streets, known for excellent restaurants, boutique shops, and a charming village feel.
What is Exmouth Market famous for?
It is famous for its independent food scene, housing iconic restaurants like Moro, and its vibrant weekday street food lunch market.
Where is Exmouth Market in London?
It is located in Clerkenwell (EC1), situated conveniently between Farringdon, Angel, and King’s Cross.
What are the best restaurants on Exmouth Market?
Standout dining spots include Moro, Morito, Santoré, Coin Laundry, and Briki.
Is Exmouth Market good for lunch?
Exceptionally good. During the week, the street fills with diverse food stalls catering to the local creative workforce, offering everything from artisan sandwiches to international curries.
Does Exmouth Market have a food market?
Yes, it hosts a popular street food market primarily operating during weekday lunch hours (usually Tuesday to Friday).
What tube station is closest to Exmouth Market?
Farringdon is the closest major hub (offering the Elizabeth Line and Tube services), while Angel and King’s Cross are also within a 10–15 minute walk.
Is Exmouth Market good for date night?
It is perfect for date nights. The street is beautifully lit with festoon lights in the evening, and places like Morito offer an intimate, buzzing atmosphere.
What can you do near Exmouth Market?
You can catch a performance at Sadler’s Wells, relax in Spa Fields, explore the historic Clerkenwell Green, or walk up to Angel and Upper Street.
Is Exmouth Market near Angel?
Yes, it is a very pleasant, straightforward 10-15 minute walk south from Angel tube station, straight down St John Street or Amwell Street.
Editor’s note: This guide is curated by Islington Local Guide, a North and East London discovery platform covering Islington, Angel, Clerkenwell, Farringdon, King’s Cross, Shoreditch, Hackney and nearby neighbourhoods. Recommendations should be checked against official venue websites, current opening hours and recent local updates before publication.
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