Best Dishes at Brat
Smoked Cod's Roe on Homemade Sourdough
StartersThis is the restaurant's most famous snack — smoked cod's roe (bottarga) is piped onto house-made sourdough that's been grilled until charred on the outside. The smoky roe has a subtle, briny flavor and a texture that contrasts with the crunchy toast. At £3.50, reviewers call it one of the best things you'll eat for that price in London. Multiple reviews single this out as a must-try.
Whole Turbot
MainsThis is the statement dish — a whole turbot (a flatfish prized for its sweet, delicate flesh) grilled whole over the fire, arriving at your table still glistening. It's meant to be shared and divided tableside. The skin crisps while the flesh stays tender and buttery. At £150, it's expensive, but reviewers who've had it describe it as a transformative experience. This is the dish the restaurant's name references.
Sourdough with Onion Butter
BreadSimple, but technically excellent. House-made sourdough is grilled until the crust chars and the interior is warm. It's topped with cultured butter that's been mixed with deeply caramelized onions. The sweetness of the onions against the salt in the sourdough is the entire appeal. Works as a palate cleanser or starts a meal.
Velvet Crab
SeafoodBrown crab meat (sweet, delicate) piled on grilled sourdough with minimal embellishment — maybe a touch of lemon or olive oil. The simplicity lets the crab quality shine. This is another of Brat's famous snacks that punches above its price point. Works as an affordable introduction to open-fire cooking.
Burnt Cheesecake
DessertA signature dessert that's more trendy than traditional — the top is intentionally burnt (almost black), but the filling is creamy, tangy, and rich. The charring is intentional and adds bitterness that balances the sweetness. It's one of the most Instagrammable dishes at Brat, but it's also genuinely delicious. Works well with espresso.
Mutton Chop
MainsA substantial grilled chop from older sheep (mutton, not lamb) — the meat is richer, more gamey, and more flavorful than lamb. The open-fire grill creates a charred, crunchy crust while the interior stays pink and juicy. This is a dish for carnivores. Multiple reviews highlight this as underrated and exceptional.
About Brat
Brat is the brainchild of Tomos Parry from Anglesey, focused entirely on open-fire cooking inspired by Basque tradition. The name references an old term for turbot — the signature dish if your wallet allows (whole turbot from £150 to feed four). Located under the railway arch in Shoreditch, Brat is equally known for inexpensive snacks (sourdough, crab, cod's roe) and high-end mains.
Top 5 dishes at Brat:
- Smoked Cod's Roe on Homemade Sourdough – 96% recommended(Signature)
- Whole Turbot – 91% recommended(Signature)
- Sourdough with Onion Butter – 88% recommended
- Velvet Crab – 87% recommended
- Burnt Cheesecake – 86% recommended
Details
- Cuisine:
- Basque
- Price Range:
- £££
- Phone:
- +44 20 7033 0978
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Reservations, Bar, Full Bar
- Reservations:
- Book a Table
Hours
- Friday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Monday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Tuesday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Thursday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM
The snacks (sourdough, crab, cod's roe) are £3-5 and showcase the restaurant's technique. Start with 3-4 snacks for £15, then add one main course. You don't need to spend £150 on turbot.
Book the whole turbot in advance if that's your goal — give notice so they have it. Turbot is seasonal; availability varies. Beef rib (£150 for 2-3 people) is another show-stopping large dish.
The whole restaurant is built around the open fire — it dominates the space and the aroma. Sit where you can see the kitchen. The smoky, wood-fired atmosphere is essential to the experience.
Dinner is the main service — lunch is smaller. Dinner (6pm onwards) is when the kitchen truly comes alive and the full menu is available. Book dinner for the full experience.
Everything is beautifully put together and unpretentious. The staff are knowledgeable and accommodating. Don't be intimidated by the Michelin star; it's a warm, friendly place.
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