ABOUT SHAFTESBURY AVENUE
Shaftesbury Avenue is named after the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, and runs from Piccadilly Circus to New Oxford Street, crossing Charring Cross Road. The Piccadilly Circus to Cambridge Circus part of the road is in the City of Westminster, whereas the Cambridge Circus to New Oxford Street stretch of the road is in the London Borough of Camden.
Shaftesbury Avenue is widely considered as the heart of the West End theatre district, with the Apollo, Lyric, Gielgud and Sondheim theatres all residing on the avenue. As part of Soho, the ambience of Shaftesbury Avenue is one of buzz and bustle with eccentric dressers abound and vibrant neon lights aplenty.
Whilst Shaftesbury Avenue does not have its own tube station, it is within walking distance of Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square Station and Covent Garden station.
As well as the fine selection of theatres, Shaftesbury Avenue is home to a great collection of galleries, cinemas and tourist hotspots. The restaurant and bar trade receives high footfall, a combination of after works drinks, tourists and pre-theatre goers making up most of the revellers.
BALI BALI
Bali Bali on Shaftesbury Avenue is a simple yet tasty Indonesian restaurant, serving classics such as nasi goreng and rijstafel. All tastes are catered for; whether you are a carnivore, pescetarian, vegetarian or vegan, you’ll find something delicious. Whilst there are many spicy dishes on the Bali Bali menu, it isn’t all about heat, although the Sambal sauce will add sufficient heat for even the most adventurous of diners.
PHO AND BUN
The Shaftesbury Avenue Pho and Bun delivers casual Vietnamese cafe-style dining, specialising in filled bao buns and traditional noodle soups. The pho consists of a hearty, flavoursome broth, packing a punch of authentic tasty flavours.
SHIBUYA SOHO
The Shibuya Soho restaurant has been described as a ‘veritable tardis of a restaurant’, owing to the wide selection of dishes available from this otherwise simple, compact eatery. Shibuya primarily delivers traditional desserts and other Japanese comfort foods, rather than over-elaborate and pretentious dishes you would find in other restaurants in the close vicinity.
FRANX CONTINENTAL CAFE
Franx Continental Cafe on Shaftesbury Avenue is a great place to get good old-fashioned tasty grub. Down to earth friendly service accompanies a menu full of proper comfort food favourites. If you are looking for the best fry-up breakfast on Shaftesbury Avenue, this is the place.
BEIRUT GARDEN
The Shibuya Soho restaurant has been described as a ‘veritable tardis of a restaurant’, owing to the wide selection of dishes available from this otherwise simple, compact eatery. Shibuya primarily delivers traditional desserts and other Japanese comfort foods, rather than over-elaborate and pretentious dishes you would find in other restaurants in the close vicinity.
OLLE KOREAN BARBECUE
Not one we have tried yet, but certainly on the list. Olle Korean Barbecue is a fast-casual Korean bbq dining experience, with a fusion of traditional and modern Korean cuisine. In amongst the wide selection of Korean bbq staples, you can also try the Wagyu beef specials, although expect to pay significantly more for this delicacy than the rest of the options.
NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua offers authentic Indonesian goodness to the heart of Shaftesbury Avenue. With local ingredients supplemented with Indonesian spices, it is easy to understand why Nusa Dua is the hub of local Indonesian diaspora. The signature dish is the Rendang Daging, a tender beef dish served in a sizzling hot padang sauce.
PATAKA INDIAN
Not one we have tried yet, but certainly on the list. Olle Korean Barbecue is a fast-casual Korean bbq dining experience, with a fusion of traditional and modern Korean cuisine. In amongst the wide selection of Korean bbq staples, you can also try the Wagyu beef specials, although expect to pay significantly more for this delicacy than the rest of the options.
BEN’S TRADITIONAL FISH AND CHIPS
Good, honest fish and chips, as simple as that. Crispy batter, fresh fish, moreish chips. Can’t go wrong.
JUNGLE CAVE
Jungle Cave is a family-friendly, fun themed restaurant located near the Piccadilly Circus end of Shaftesbury Avenue. Not a place for fine-dining, but expect an immersive rainforest-themed experience where you’ll be eating amongst the flora.
If you have dragged your kids around the shops all day, treat them with a visit to Jungle Cave. Be warned, some of the decorations are animatronics, so don’t jump if the crocodiles start moving!
SAKURADO CHINATOWN
Sakurado are a Japanese Patisserie with a specialty for Matcha Mille Crêpes. This green creations are an incredible labour of love by the specialist dessert chefs, creating a light, layered dessert that packs a flavour punch. Sakurado don’t just offer desserts such as cheesecakes and treats, they also have a selection of freshly baked Japanese bread.