Flat Iron Shoreditch — Restaurant in London

My first time going to an expensive restaurant and it just made me appreciate cheap food so much more.

The portions were tiny and the food was just over-seasoned, gentrified, glorified, cheap pub food. The steak was the only decent part and still it wasn’t that great. From the previous review photos you can see how much smaller the size of the steak has gotten over the years yet the more expensive too.

The mac n’ cheese is genuinely one of the worst things I have tasted, all you can taste is bitter garlic and nothing else. It was so bad that we thought there was something wrong with it and got it replaced. Similar thing with the mash where it just tastes like you’re eating crunchy oil.

It was my birthday and I was so disappointed as it cost so much and my dad just wanted to bring me out to somewhere fancy for the first time as someone who is low income.

They also add a service charge to the bill without mentioning that it’s optional or asking in the first place, almost hoping as if we won’t notice so we pay it. Quite presumptive to think that everyone that goes to this restaurant can afford to tip that much. Not to mention it is 20% of the bill and I very much doubt it contributes as tips to the waiter’s pockets and is just more income for the greedy CEOs of this big chain. This is a super uncommon thing in the UK and felt so cheeky. Maybe improve the employee’s hourly rate considering the amount of profit you make from £8 worth of groceries (excluding drinks in comparison to the £100 cost of the food) Ultimately, a kind waiter removed this from the bill as well as the mac and cheese dishes which we were very appreciative of but was quite humiliating and stressful having to address.

We had a lovely and kind waitress that seemed slightly sad but most other workers we encountered just came across depressed- just trying to make ends meet for rent prices in London. I only wish that they’re doing well.

Such a huge regret going here, we could’ve saved a lot of money from below mediocrity. It’s definitely discouraged me from trying other places in London.

The ice cream was nice but quite a weird dessert in the -1° winter and you have to eat it outside mandatorily as you’re leaving the restaurant... £130 down the drain for 4 tiny 100g steaks with salt, wet spinach, Burger King chips (which weren’t even beef tasting or dripping? as well as the popcorn that claims to be) anti-mac n’ cheese vandalised with garlic, and oil-ridden mash. Over-garnishing does not equate to quality or price. Harsh but true. We won’t be returning here again.

Extra note: This is not a dig at the waiters and is targeted towards the corporation owners and their deceiving...

My kids brought me out to treat me 😘 they never tell me where we was going so I stop asking lol anyway we drove pass so many bright and colourful places. We arrived at a dull not well lite place walking through the door the staff was very welcoming with a bright smile that lite up the restaurant. inside it was like an old fashion taven decor the logs/ cut woods pile up in the dinning area behind your seating its admirable, seats wasn't that comfortable n my daughter said her stoll was rocky the bench part was flat an i got a big bum so i passed it over my head not to say anything so I just took it as the name is flat iron😅 ( i no silly of my thoughts) plus on a far back wall i notice a big steak on a Skewer cooking. On the table was complimentary popcorn in a camping cup very different, was glad coz at this point i was hungry never ate anything from the night be4 they brought over slight lime water for your table i am fussy n i can't drink out of not shine glass so i asked for a new glass the waiter was so nice n explained its slight scratches n brought over 2 glasses to choose from i smiled, he was Pleasant n smiling i felt heard an understood. I ordered steak with chips/fries and sauce plus a light lime dichouri ow Lord not sure if its the right spelling but it was a cocktail not nice at all sour I ask for a splash of soda water to kill the taste but maybe I should of asked 4 strawberry liquor never the less the waiter was very attentive and Pleasant 😅 The steak was medium to well done how I like it On my request It came out with a little bit of pink in it and I requested if they can just cook it through a little more and they gave me a whole new steak cook to perfection the taste was amazing the young lady who brought the steak out to me with a smiley face 😊she was very accommodating also i let her know that it is done wonderfully 🙂my girls ordered same thing but just different sidesThe potato was done to perfection and i like the taste I could eat so much more the flavour was bursting in my mouth the cream spinach 😋 was nice n chips was very nice all what I taste was lovely very tasty. An they give u little meat chopper to collect your free ice-cream at the end of your meal now that is a cherry on top of all my experience here was outstanding out of this world the ambience was brilliant the staff gets 10/10, food 10/10, cocktails 3/10 in small glasses, the taste was because I don't do sour. Anybody reads this must go here family, friends, small business dine this place is the spot. Just book in advance to...

A Memorable Dining Experience – Thanks to Burak!

We visited this restaurant without a reservation, and despite how busy it was, we were warmly welcomed and seated shortly after arriving. The ambiance is truly special—charming, lively, and full of character.

We ordered the steak with beef-dripping homemade chips, paired with a crisp lager. The steak was incredibly tender and full of flavor—easily one of the best we've had in a long time.

What truly made our visit exceptional was our waiter, Burak. From the moment he approached our table, he was friendly, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic. His recommendations were spot-on—especially when it came to helping me choose a drink, which I’m usually very particular about. Somehow, he knew exactly what I was after.

Even though the restaurant was packed, Burak made time to check in with us, ensuring we were enjoying everything. His attention to detail and warm demeanor left a lasting impression not just on us, but also on our guests visiting from Germany. They were amazed by both the service and the quality of the food—especially at such a great price.

We left completely satisfied and already plan to return with family soon—hopefully when Burak is on shift again to guide us through another delicious meal.

A word of advice: Unlike us, try to book ahead! The restaurant was completely full even an hour before closing. While the staff were accommodating, a reservation will save you the short wait.

Highly recommended—for the food, the atmosphere, and above all, the fantastic...