Big Easy Canary Wharf Review: A BBQ Feast by the Docks
Restaurant: Big Easy Canary Wharf
Address: Crossrail Place, London E14 5AR, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 4580 1172
Reservations: Book directly via Big Easy
Nearest stations: Canary Wharf (Elizabeth Line, Jubilee Line, DLR)
If you’re looking for a detailed Big Easy Canary Wharf review to decide whether it’s worth visiting, this guide covers everything you need to know — food quality, atmosphere, value for money, and how it compares to other restaurants in Canary Wharf.
Located inside Crossrail Place, Big Easy Canary Wharf is one of the best-known American BBQ and lobster restaurants in London’s Docklands. Inspired by the American Gulf Coast, it focuses on bold flavours, slow-smoked meats, and generous seafood platters, all served in a lively, dockside setting that suits both after-work diners and weekend groups.
Is Big Easy Canary Wharf Worth It?
Yes — if you prioritise generous portions, social dining, and American-style BBQ. Big Easy Canary Wharf is not positioned as a refined BBQ restaurant, but it excels as a high-energy, value-driven option in Canary Wharf where sharing platters, lobster deals, and cocktails are the main attraction.
Those seeking a quieter or more technical dining experience may prefer other options nearby, but for relaxed indulgence, Big Easy delivers.
Inside Big Easy Canary Wharf: Atmosphere & Design
Stepping inside Big Easy feels like entering an American dockside smokehouse. The décor leans heavily into its nautical theme, with lobster cages hanging from the ceiling, ropes lining the walls, and industrial metal finishes softened by warm, low lighting.
Blues and soul music play throughout the space, adding to the relaxed but lively vibe. The restaurant is large and often busy, especially in the evenings, making it particularly well suited to groups and celebrations rather than intimate dining.
In warmer months, the outdoor terrace overlooking Canary Wharf’s waterways is a real highlight and one of the more pleasant alfresco dining options in the area.
The Food at Big Easy Canary Wharf
The menu at Big Easy Canary Wharf centres on American BBQ, grilled seafood, and comfort food sides. Portions are intentionally large, and many dishes are designed for sharing.
Lobster Fest: Best-Value Lobster in Canary Wharf?
I opted for the Lobster Fest, one of Big Easy’s most popular dishes and a frequent reason people visit. The platter includes:
- A whole grilled lobster
- Hollandaise sauce
- Skin-on fries
- House salad
- A pint of draught beer
The lobster arrived well presented and generously sized. The claws were meaty and juicy, delivering sweet flavour, while the body meat was slightly chewy — noticeable, but not enough to spoil the dish. The hollandaise sauce added richness without overwhelming the seafood.
The fries were hot and crisp, while the salad felt secondary but helped cut through the richness. At under £30 including a beer, it represents some of the best-value lobster available in Canary Wharf.
Taste-O-Rama: A BBQ Sampler for Meat Lovers
The Taste-O-Rama is a mixed BBQ platter designed for those who want to sample a range of meats. It includes Carolina pulled pork, pit-smoked BBQ chicken, St. Louis-style pork ribs, cornbread, brown beans, fries, and roasted red peppers.
The pulled pork was the standout — tender, well-seasoned, and properly smoky. The ribs were acceptable but not exceptional, while the BBQ chicken suffered from dryness and could have benefited from more sauce or moisture.
Surprisingly, the brown beans were the most memorable element: sweet, tangy, and deeply flavoured, they outshone some of the meats.
What to Order at Big Easy Canary Wharf
- Lobster Fest: Best overall value and the most popular choice
- Carolina pulled pork: The most reliable BBQ meat
- Brown beans: One of the strongest side dishes
- Bourbon-based cocktails: More character than the standard beers
Desserts: Big Portions, Simple Execution
Big Easy’s desserts follow the same philosophy as the rest of the menu: large portions and classic American flavours. Expect brownies, sundaes, and heavily sweetened desserts designed for sharing.
If you enjoy indulgent, sugar-forward desserts, they’ll satisfy. If you’re looking for refinement, they’re easy to skip.
Drinks Menu: Cocktails, Bourbon & Beer
The drinks menu leans heavily towards bourbon, rum, and Southern-inspired cocktails, alongside a decent selection of draught beers.
While the beer selection is serviceable, the cocktails and bourbon flights are a better match for the bold food. Happy hour deals make Big Easy a popular after-work destination in Canary Wharf.
Service & Overall Experience
Service was friendly, efficient, and well organised despite the restaurant being busy. Our waiter was knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations.
Food arrived quickly — within around 10 minutes — which is impressive for a venue of this size and adds to the relaxed, no-fuss dining experience.
Price & Value for Money
Big Easy Canary Wharf offers strong value for money by Canary Wharf standards. Main dishes typically range from £20–£30, with platters suitable for sharing.
You are paying for portion size, location, and atmosphere rather than culinary precision, and in that context, it delivers.
Big Easy Canary Wharf vs Other Canary Wharf Restaurants
- Vs Boisdale Canary Wharf: Big Easy is louder, cheaper, and more casual, with less focus on premium cuts.
- Vs Temper Canary Wharf: Big Easy prioritises portion size and spectacle over smoke technique.
- Vs seafood restaurants: Better value for lobster, less refinement.
FAQs About Big Easy Canary Wharf
Do I need to book Big Easy Canary Wharf in advance?
Yes — reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and evenings, as the restaurant is popular and can fill up quickly. Walk‑ins are welcome but may face a wait. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
How long do I have the table for at Big Easy Canary Wharf?
Table bookings depend on party size: 1–3 guests usually get 1 hour 30 minutes, 4–6 guests about 1 hour 45 minutes, and 7 or more around 2 hours. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Does Big Easy Canary Wharf accept walk‑ins if I don’t book?
Yes — walk‑ins are accepted, but you may have to wait for a table at busy times. It’s always best to check with the reservations team on the day. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
How long will the restaurant hold my table if I’m late?
Your table is usually held for about 15 minutes if you arrive late, after which it may be released to other guests. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Is Big Easy Canary Wharf wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the venue is wheelchair accessible. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Can I bring my own birthday cake or host a celebration?
Yes — you can bring a sealed cake clearly labelled with the booking name. Big Easy also offers options for group bookings and parties. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Is Big Easy Canary Wharf cashless?
Yes — Big Easy Canary Wharf is a cashless venue and only accepts major credit or debit cards. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Does Big Easy Canary Wharf offer parking or validated parking?
Yes — on weekends and Bank Holidays, customers can get up to three hours’ validated parking with a minimum spend (ask staff on arrival). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Does Big Easy Canary Wharf offer takeout or delivery?
Yes — takeout orders can be made by calling the restaurant directly, and delivery may also be available through partner services. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
What type of cuisine and atmosphere should I expect?
Big Easy serves American BBQ, steakhouse‑style dishes and seafood in a casual, lively setting — ideal for social dining and group gatherings. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Final Thoughts
Big Easy Canary Wharf delivers exactly what it promises: bold American BBQ, generous portions, and a buzzing dockside atmosphere. While not every dish is perfectly executed, the overall experience makes it a reliable and enjoyable choice in Canary Wharf.
Come hungry, expect noise, and treat it as a social dining experience rather than a refined culinary destination.
Reviewed by Jeanpaul Cavalletti for DineWithJP
