The best north London restaurants right now
North London has always been a vibrant hotspot for food lovers. From the Turkish restaurants in Green Lanes, to the Jewish delis of Hampstead and St John's Wood. Whilst Angel or Islington has some contemporary classics in the form of Bellanger and Trullo, pop down the road to Finsbury Park and you'll experience a world of new flavours in Proper Tacos. Tollington's is the latest addition to the north London scene, and it's worth the hype. Super chic Jolene is one of the best restaurants for lunch in north London, whilst Xi'an Impression, famous for their hand-torn noodles, is (in our opinion) one of the best Chinese restaurants in London. So, whether you're seeking refined dining or authentic street food, this area caters to all tastes.
James Hole1/14Jolene, Newington Green
This devastatingly cool bakery and restaurant was an instant hit when it joined the Newington Green scene in 2018. The third in a group of elegant small plates restaurants, Jolene is the perfect weekend spot for coffee, puffed-up croissants, bulging takeaway sandwiches or a sit down lunch. The menu changes seasonally, but recent dish highlights include courgette flowers with ricotta, honey and thyme, and a zesty sea bass ceviche. They also have smaller cafe branches on Hornsey Road, Redchurch Street and Colebrooke Row.
2/14The Tamil Prince, Islington
The Tamil Prince, a laid-back, yet stylish pub-turned-restaurant in north London, offers a menu of visually stunning and delicious Tamil Nadu-inspired dishes. Highlights include the channa bhatura, crispy onion bhaji, and perfectly spiced lamb chops, all served with friendly, expert service. The restaurant's cool vibe, deep blue wood-panelled interior, and well-curated drink options elevate it beyond a typical pub experience. Despite its tucked-away location, The Tamil Prince is worth a special visit for its truly tasty food and atmosphere.
Sam A. Harris3/14Cadet, Newington Green
Cadet is a charming, intimate spot in Newington Green with a focus on quality, seasonal ingredients. Known for its minimalist and cosy ambiance, Cadet has a funky natural wine list and a menu that changes regularly based on fresh market finds. The small plates, inspired by French and Mediterranean cuisine, are simple but exceptionally well-executed. Service is warm and knowledgeable, especially when it comes to recommending wine pairings. It's also a great spot for people watching.
Tim Winter4/14Bellanger, Angel
Part of a chain of reliably good brasseries, you can't go wrong with Bellanger on Islington Green. Whether you're looking for a special (but not unaffordable) birthday dinner with family, or a romantic date night, escargots, steak frites and a large, bold red wine await. Whilst there's a lively outdoor area at the front, the deep red booth-style interiors with traditional white tablecloths work best in the colder months. It's also a very solid breakfast option, with excellent scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.
Mandy Yin5/14Sambal Shiok, Islington
Sambal Shiok is on a relatively unprepossessing spot on the busy Holloway Road. The bold blue and red interior welcomes you in from the north London thoroughfare and into a steamy, lively dinner spot known for its hearty bowls of laksa.The prawn curry laksa is a favourite, but it's not for the faint-hearted. If you can't get enough of their spicy delights, the jars of sambal, laksa paste and peanut sauce are available for nationwide delivery.
Mattie Piccininni6/14Perilla, Newington Green
Perilla is a refined, fine-dining experience in an exceptionally calm, relaxed and chic interior. Opened in 2016, the restaurant has focus on sustainability, with an innovative and seasonal approach to modern European food with a quiet emphasis on nose-to-tail cooking. It's also, importantly, incredibly delicious. You'll get something different every time, though the creative and beautiful presentation remains consistent. A design highlight is the cutlery, which sits in neat little drawers within the table.
Proper Tacos7/14Proper Tacos, Finsbury Park
These are undoubtedly the best tacos in London. Nag's Head Market is a local hotspot, bustling with food stalls and suitcase vendors and lots of the food spots within are sensational – and more authentic than you'd get elsewhere – but these tacos are the best of the bunch. You'll have to queue, so try a quiet weekday lunchtime. Whilst everything is fresh, delicious and super spicy, the crunchy pulled-chicken tacos are electric, and best served up with a fresh hibiscus tea.
8/14Trullo, Islington
This Islington neighbourhood restaurant has a reputation that reaches far beyond its borough. Owners Jordan Frieda and Tim Siadatan met while working at the River Café and the Italian menu keenly reflects those roots. Trullo is best described as a contemporary trattoria, with small, white-clothed tables, industrial-style hanging lamps and white walls. The cooking is robust and excels in hearty meat and pasta dishes.
28 Church Row9/1428 Church Row, Hampstead
Hampstead has an array of wonderful food offerings, with a particular focus on delis, cafes and great pub food. 28 Church Row stands out on the scene, however, with its seasonal Spanish-Italian fusion menu and cocooning atmosphere on the lower ground floor of one of Hampstead's most picturesque streets. The cave-like interiors and extensive wine list make it the perfect spot for a winter date night. Current menu highlights include the punchy, crispy anchovy fritters and the hamachi carpaccio.
Serena Sarnataro10/14Vicoli di Napoli, Stoke Newington
Vicoli di Napoli could well take the title of the best pizza in London. In the middle of Church Street (which has become a hub of hipster small plates restaurants and wine bars in the last ten years), Vicoli di Napoli's only only other branch in Naples is often called ‘the best pizza in the world and featured in Eat, Pray, Love. Like the best kinds of Neapolitan pizzas, this offering is thin, with a chunky crust and the perfect level of ‘flop’ to each slice. You might have to wait in line, but it's worth it (and they do takeaway).
Justin De Souza11/14The Parakeet, Kentish Town
This cosy pub-restaurant hybrid was a welcome addition to Kentish Town Road. The food is fairly refined (dollops and smears) but also very tasty. They cook over fire and the menu (which is quite meat and fish-heavy) reflects this. Though it's not the most affordable option in the area, it has a very special feeling and head over on Tuesdays for two-for-one cocktails. It's also dog friendly.
12/14Tollington's, Finsbury Park
Tollington's is the new coolest restaurant in North London. Located in an old chippie, the interiors are part ‘shabby Spanish bar’, part ‘hipster small plates’. The yellow walls, tiled flooring, mismatching bar stools and ceiling fans are all pitch-perfect. From the masterminds behind the hit restaurant Four Legs, the food is exceptional, with highlights including the chips bravas and the cod cheeks.
James Morris13/14Ida, Queens Park
This neighbourhood restaurant is – as all great neighbourhood Italian spots should be – a real family affair, run by Avi and Simonetta and their children. Opened in 2007 in a picturesque Grade II-listed ex-corner shop in Queens Park, the decor is eclectic and lovely, with pictures lining every wall. The food is consistently good, and they know how to handle classic dishes with confidence. Look out for Avi's new book which chronicles the history of the restaurant.
Xi’animpression14/14Xi'an Impression, Highbury
Xi'an Impression is a north London classic, particularly famous for its super spicy hand-torn noodles and other mouth-watering (and mouth-numbing) Shan Xi culinary offerings. Located just next to Arsenal Football Stadium in a void for good food, the restaurant is nothing fancy. As with all the best restaurants it will be very busy (and there are only a few tables) but it's definitely worth the wait.
