While most restaurants have grown increasingly complex, the Smithy, a Stepney fixture for decades, has stuck to its simple roots. The menu, consisting mostly of very high quality cuts of meat and fish, has changed little since the seventies. This is no surprise as a number of the staff have worked at the Smithy nearly that long, and the ownership has only shifted from father to son. The cheese block features one of a rotating variety of cheeses, while the salad bar offers bread freshly baked in a local bakery and, of course, salad. Both are included with dinner. The daily specials often stray somewhat from the simplicity of the menu items, which may be ordered with old standbys like bearnaise suace, grilled onions, and sauteed mushrooms for those seeking more than the simple steak and potato meal. Make sure not to skip dessert.
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