Bars And Restaurants Near The Barbican

Located inside the building itself, Osteria is one of the best restaurants in The Barbican if you're looking for pre-theatre dinner or just a few aperitivos to whet your whistle. A bright, windowed dining room offers unparalleled views of your brutalist surroundings, while the menu fronts decadent Italian eats to tuck into.

Offering live music every day of the week, Piano Smithfield is the perfect post-work bolthole for those looking to escape a dreary day. Bringing together some of the best musicians in London and excellent cocktails in a slick and refined space, it's got your relaxing evening all sorted. 

A little ways down the road in Farringdon, Ask For Janice is fronting some of the best breakfast and brunch plates in the area. The perfect warm up to an afternoon of exhibition-viewing or a wander around the conservatory, their delicious food and great coffee will keep you fuelled all afternoon and ready for their late night cocktail menu.

A dream location for all your pre and post-theatre eating needs, Chiswell Street Dining Rooms offers bright, swish interiors and a tasty set menu to match. Tuck into three courses for as little as £18, all made with seasonal ingredients, and washed down with a tipple from their impressive bottle list.

A charming Italian spot just shy of Smithfield, Apulia is all about serving up those homely eats that really hit the spot. From delicious plates of risotto and warming pastas, to hearty grilled fish dishes and mouthwatering sides to boot.

A low key favourite less than a ten-minute walk from The Barbican Centre, Bangers is all about classic British eats with a serious wine menu to match. The venue is laid out in a labyrinthine mix of rooms and dining areas, perfect for a group meal before a big event.

Serving a wholly plant-based menu, Stem & Glory is one of the best places for vegan food near the Barbican. Their selection of small and large sharing plates make difficult decisions a thing of the past, while their breakfast spreads offer vegan fry-ups and scrambled tofu aplenty.

A leading light on the local restaurant scene, The Jugged Hare is as good for post-work drinks and casual dinners as it is for something a little more special. Duck in to their cosy dining area for classic British eats off their game-led menu, killer Sunday roasts, and even whisky pairing evenings.

A huge pub just a short walk from Barbican station, this sprawling bar and restaurant is promising more than a few post-office pints. With a menu of delicious, wholesome dishes, classic cocktails and an amazing line up of craft beers and wine, it's a pub to make the most of.

A firm favourite for City drinkers, this laid back bar and restaurant just off Finsbury Square can sort your for cocktails, craft beer and a range of delectable dishes. If you find yourself in the area on a weekday, they're a dreamy drop-in for pre-show cocktails as their 'Kitty Hour' runs from 3pm-7pm every night.

Looking for something less fussy? All Bar One offers affordable cocktails and easy eats just moments from the Barbican. Pop-in before a gig, or on the way home from work, and get stuck into simple dishes done well, including burgers, salads and pub classics.

If you're looking for a tasty brunch near The Barbican Centre, LINO is the only place you want to be come Saturday morning. Their menu of hearty morning fare promises everything from steak sandwiches to vegan shakshuka, and they'll even throw in 90 minutes of bottomless bubbles.

A traditional Italian next door to Moorgate station, Gatti's is a warm and welcoming spot with a menu chock-full of pastas, fresh fish and juicy steaks. If you're looking to grab something filling on the run, their 55-minute menu is on-hand to sort you with two courses in under and hour.

Burgers, brunch and bottomless drinks are the order of the day at Bad Egg. Located so close to The Barbican you can almost smell the concrete, Fridays are when you'll want to hit this one up as their notorious Frunch (Friday-Brunch) offers free-flowing drinks and moreish burgers until 10pm.