0
Shares

The best restaurants in Islington, Angel and Holloway

Jump to: Restaurants  |  Map

Islington has a HUGE amount of restaurants, with the majority of them along Upper Street. Here's our guide to the very best of dining out in and around Islington. 

Islington restaurants

Dzo Viet Kitchen
Address: 163 Upper St, London N1 1US
What We Know:

Named after the Vietnamese word for ‘Cheers!’ this casual spot features a menu that takes in most of the classic dishes you’d expect to find in any good Vietnamese restaurant from summer rolls to noodle rolls. They also make a big deal of their regularly changing seasonal specials.

Read more
Fredericks
Address: 106 Islington High St, London N1 8EG
What We Know:

Run by the same family since the Sixties, this longstanding Islington institution is a tardis-like space that stretches from its Camden Passage facade back to a bright conservatory restaurant and gorgeous gardens. Food is modern European that’ll please most people, making this a great family restaurant.

Read more
Mr Lobo
Address: 176 Upper St, London N1 1RG
What We Know:

Sharing plates are the heart of this independent Peruvian restaurant on Upper Street. Expect to find everything from ceviche and anticuchos to tiradito on the menu, along with some punchy cocktails.

Read more
Santa Maria Pizza Islington
Address: 189 Upper St, London N1 1RQ
What We Know:

London’s pizza obsessives know that a pizzeria run by Neapolitans is a good sign that the pizza is going to be great. And so it proves at this restaurant, a follow-up to the group’s central and west locations. A traditional pizzeria with an oven imported from Italy to make sure the pizza is as authentic as possible.

Read more
The Tamil Crown
Address: 16 Elia St, London N1 8DE
What We Know:

This is the second Islington Indian pub from the team that scored such a huge hit with The Tamil Prince. As with its sibling pub, you’ll find Indian and Tamil bar snacks and sharing plates. The Sunday roast with an Indian twist is a particular draw.

Read more
Homeboy
Address: 108 Essex Rd, London N1 8LX
What We Know:

If you’re pining for a chicken fillet roll, or want to try the viral Irish takeaway spice bag then Homeboy’s Islington bar is the place to come. Match the home cooked food with an Irish-inspired cocktails at this lively speakeasy.

Read more
Trullo
Address: 300 - 302 St Paul's Road, London N1 2LH
What We Know:

Probably Islington's most famous restaurant, this Italian affair sees Tim Siadatan (also behind Padella) and Chef Owner Conor Gadd in charge. Expect superlative Italian cuisine and if you're passing by, it's well worth a look in their next-door deli too.

Read more
Jam Delish
Address: 1 Tolpuddle St, London N1 0XT
What We Know:

With an ex-Fifteen chef Nathan Collymore in the kitchen, this modern Caribbean restaurant and cocktail bar is genuinely changing the face of Jamaican-influenced vegan food in London.

Read more
Hicce Hart
Address: 58 Penton St, London N1 9PZ
What We Know:

Hicce Hart sees the team behind the original Hicce (in nearby King's Cross), chef Pip Lacey and Gordy McIntyre, opening a pub in Islington. Expect a similar approach to the food as Hicce, leaning a little more to the comfort food end of the spectrum and showcasing their own take on pub food classics.

Read more
Sasa Sushi
Address: 422 St John St, London EC1V 4NJ
What We Know:

Owner Mr Pham trained up at Suntory and Miyami before opening his own sushi counter spot by Angel. For more than a decade they’ve been building up a fiercely loyal Islington clientele, and have recently had a very modernist makeover.

Read more
Hong Kong Restaurant
Address: 301 Upper St, London N1 2TU
What We Know:

This Chinese restaurant on Upper Street not only serves up top drawer dim sum, but stands out for its halal menu, which means there’s no pork on the menu. Standout dishes include the chef’s own creation - mango golden floss prawn.

Read more
hanwoo
Address: 19 St Alban's Pl, London N1 0NX
What We Know:

From the same owner as Korean street food spot Bento Bab in Aldgate, the spot tucked off Islington Green is all about Korean BBQ.

Read more
baring
Address: 55 Baring St, London N1 3DS
What We Know:

This pub (previously The Poet) is reborn as The Baring with an impressive team behind it. In the kitchen is Rob Tecwyn (ex Dabbous and Kerridge's) and the pub is run by Adam Symonds (ex Orasay and Six Portland Road). They're offering up a a seasonal menu, showcasing provenance and aiming for a low environmental impact.

Read more
inside
Address: 115 Hemingford Rd, London, N1 1BZ
What We Know:

The Tamil Prince is a pub in Islington's Barnsbury area that has a big focus on South Asian cuisine. It's named after the chef, Prince Durairaj and the cooking has specific references to the cuisine of his home state of Tamil Nadu

Read more
caravel
Address: 172 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JL
What We Know:

Caravel is a restaurant on a barge, floating on the canal in Hoxton. In charge are brothers Lorcan and Fin Spiteri who are in charge of the food and drink respectively. Expect the kind of food from Lorcan "that he and Fin enjoyed growing up". There's also now a sister barge moored alongside which is a floating bar.

Read more
noci
Address: 4-6 Islington Green, London N1 2XA
What We Know:

This restaurant brings fresh pasta to Islington from chef Louis Korovilas (who created the original menu at Bancone). Expect pasta dishes that evolve with the season alongside plenty of fritti action (including fritto misto, of course).

Read more
The Draper's Arms
Address: 44 Barnsbury St, Islington, London N1 1ER
What We Know:

This Islington pub is tucked down a quiet side street and remains one of the prettiest pubs in the borough. Run by Nick Gibson, the menu is a modern take on British pub grub. Grab a table in the garden if the weather's behaving itself.

Read more
delhigrill
Address: 21 Chapel Market, London N1 9EZ
What We Know:

Delhi Grill is Islington's "Indian Canteen" a London version of a Punjabi “dhaba”. The emphasis here is on Indian street food (on a menu which changes regularly) in a pared-back restaurant that's covered with its fair share of Bollywood posters. Come here with the intention of sharing everything and you'll have the best time.

Read more
smokehousenew
Address: 63–69 Canonbury Rd, Islington, London N1 2DG
What We Know:

This Islington pub/restaurant has a strong emphasis on smoking and BBQ. Alongside the food expect plenty of rotating beers and the outside garden is a surprise oasis just off a busy Islington road.

Read more
prawnlawnnew
Address: 292-294 St Pauls Road, London, N1 2LH
What We Know:

Prawn on the Lawn is a fishmonger and seafood bar - with a wine bar on the side. Expect the usual fruits de mer platters and whole crab as well as some more tapas-style dishes like scallops ceviche and their signature dish - the prawn on the lawn which is toasted soda bread with avocado and prawns.

Read more
Bellanger
Address: 9 Islington Green, London N1 2XH
What We Know:

Originally launched by Corbin and King, this is a revived Islington grand cafe which now offers a menu that's more of a traditional French brasserie. It's one of the largest restaurants in Angel and there's a very handy bar in here too.

Read more
Black Axe Mangal (F.K.A.B.A.M)
Address: 156 Canonbury Road, London N1 2UP
What We Know:

Lee Tiernan's Black Axe Mangal (or F.K.A.B.A.M as it's now known) has made a small site on Highbury Corner into one of the best restaurants in London. With metal and rock music blaring out on the speakers, it's certainly unlike much else in town. It's described as 'an unauthentic, bastardised take of Turkish Mangal and Ocakbasi, with global influences.' It has a set menu that changes regularly while still featuring some of the classics like their squid ink bread.

Read more
Farang
Address: 72 Highbury Park, Highbury East, London N5 2XE
What We Know:

Seb Holmes' Farang has become a huge Highbury hit, offering some of the best Thai cooking across London, made with both Thai and British produce. Originally a pop-up, it soon went permanent and they've recently added an excellent in-store larder.

Read more
Westerns Laundry
Address: 34 Drayton Park, London N5 1PB
What We Know:

Owners David Gingell and Jeremie Cometto-Lingenheim also run nearby Primeur and Jolene, both also excellent. Here, there's a distinct focus on seafood and the menu changes every day, although if the cuttlefish croquettes with aioli are on there, make sure you order those. In the summertime, you can take a glass of something cold out on the front courtyard and if you're really pushing the boat out, ask for the leather-bound, handwritten, ‘black book’ of fine wines.

Read more
Plaquemine Lock
Address: 139 Graham Street, Angel, Islington, N1 8LB
What We Know:

After gaining a reputation for cooking Italian in the much-loved Bocca di Lupo, Jacob Kenedy returned to his US roots with a wonderful Cajun and Creole menu at his Lousiana-themed Plaquemine Lock on Regent’s Canal. If you fancy some deep-south cooking in London, there's little better available.

Read more
shiok
Address: 171 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LX
What We Know:

This is the Holloway home for critically acclaimed Malaysian laksa specialists Sambal Shiok, headed up by Mandy Yin. The laksa is great, but so are all the other dishes. Look out for regular events there and enjoy the wine list with a focus on Riesling.

Read more
pophams
Address: 19 Prebend St, Islington, London N1 8PF
What We Know:

This artisan bakery in Islington is best known for its pastries - chief among them the maple bacon croissant, but its bread is up there too. Head along here for some great coffee in the minimalist setting and work your way through some excellent baked goods.

Read more
llerena
Address: 167 Upper St, Islington, London N1 1US
What We Know:

This Spanish restaurant on Upper Street comes from expert jamón producers Jamon y Salud, so you'd be expecting their jamon to be of a particularly high standard (it is). But it's not all about ham as the restaurant does a great line in authentic Spanish tapas, as well as serving up excellent Spanish wines. It's also worth popping in and grabbing a seat on the bar if you just need a snack.

Read more
zialuuia
Address: 157 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LX
What We Know:

A top Holloway Road pizzeria which prides itself on its dough, 48-hour fermented, and there are also vegetable charcoal, wholemeal and gluten-free options. Combine this with some unique toppings and combinations (including truffle honey) and you've a winning combo. Their next-door pasta restaurant Berto is worth a look too.

Read more
ximpression
Address: 117 Benwell Rd, London N7 7BW
What We Know:

This Holloway restaurant (it's just across the road from the Emirates stadium) has won a deserved reputation for cooking up some of the best Shang Xi-inspired street food in London. Yes, that means there's a bit of heat involved here, but their hand-pulled noodles are among the best in town. Their pork/beef "burgers" are not to be missed.

Read more
mlislington
Address: 133B Upper St, The Angel, London N1 1QP
What We Know:

Since they opened, MEATliquor have grown their burger and cocktail empire across London, but all of their locations are places where you can get some of the very best burgers in town. Not to mention some killer cocktails.

Read more
vins
Address: 93 Grosvenor Ave, Canonbury, London N5 2NL
What We Know:

Slightly off the beaten track in Canonbury is this small neighbourhood wine bar, serving up a changing seasonal European menu. The owners are Hugo Thurston and Vinny Burke, who were also behind Shoreditch's Jago.

Read more
hotstone
Address: 9 Chapel Market, London N1 9EZ
What We Know:

Chapel Market might not be the first place you'd think of for top quality sushi, but Head chef Padam Raj Rai was the former head sushi chef at Tsukiji restaurant in Mayfair and he knows his stuff. Plus, you'll get to throw an A5 Japanese Wagyu steak on the stone here and cook it exactly how you like it.

Read more
sunday
Address: 169 Hemingford Rd, London N1 1DA
What We Know:

This bright, friendly neighbourhood cafe really comes into its own at the weekends when it serves up one of London's best brunches. You'll have to fight off every other Islington to get a seat, but it's worth it for dishes like Crispy Pork belly with spring onion pancake, kimchi and scrambled eggs.

Read more
comptonarms
Address: 4 Compton Ave, London N1 2XD
What We Know:

The Compton Arms has been a tiny Islington mainstay for many years but has really blossomed since its most recent revamp. Originally the home for Four Legs, the kitchen is now run by Dara Klein's Tiella which is all about traditional, rustic Italian food.

Read more
nook
Address: 220 St Paul's Rd, Highbury, London N1 2LL
What We Know:

The Nook comes from Angus and Lale Oztek-Pook who have experience at Zucca, Bernardis and Oklava among others. The food is described as "contemporary European with a Turkish twist" and is paired with a winelist of sustainable, organic, biodynamic and minimal intervention wines. It works as a deli too, so there's lots to take away.

Read more
sichuan-house
Address: 141-142 Upper St, London N1 1QY
What We Know:

Sichuan House on Islington's Upper Stret is all about authentic Sichuan and Chinese cuisine, with a focus on traditional cooking and recipes.

Read more
skal
Address: 149a Upper St, London N1 1RA
What We Know:

Skal took over the space that was once Rok and have continued offering Nordic cuisine to Islington. The menu features Nordic recipes but with a modern, seasonal twist all in a stripped-back room. The Nordic theme continues with the cocktails and they serve their own home-made aquavit.

Read more
tofu
Address: 105-106 Upper St, London N1 1QN
What We Know:

This restaurant comes with the backing of Zhang Chao of Xi’an Impression. The team behind the restaurant are aiming to cover multiple regions of China, all helped by the fact that they have chefs in the kitchen who originate from different regions and bring with them varying experiences and knowledge. Here you can expect an excellent pan-Chinese meal, that just happens to be plant-based too.

Read more
ogam
Address: 10 Chapel Market, London N1 9EZ
What We Know:

Tucked away down Chapel Market this Korean 'tapas' joint is owned by top Korean mixologist Taeyeol Kim, so the cocktails are as good as the food. The menu covers everthing from Korean fried chicken through to kimchi pancakes and tteok.bokki - rice cake stew. Look out for Friday regional Korean specials.

Read more

 

The best of Islington map

Adding markers to the map ...

 

Also see

The best Finsbury Park restaurants, cafes and bars
From hole-in-the-wall naan shops to natural wine bistros, there's a lot to enjoy in Finsbury Park. You just need to know what to look for....
Read more
The best restaurants in Clerkenwell and Farringdon
Here's where to find the best restaurants in Clerkenwell and Farringdon. Between Smithfield and Exmouth markets, there's a lot of promise tucked away in these...
Read more

 

Now find the best restaurants in...

Battersea & Nine Elms  |  Brixton  |  Canary Wharf  |  Chinatown  |  City of London  |  Clerkenwell  |  Covent Garden  |  Finsbury Park  |  Fitzrovia  |  Hackney  |  Islington  |  Kensington & Chelsea  |  King's Cross  |  Knightsbridge  |  Marylebone  |  Mayfair  |  Notting Hill  |  Peckham  |  Shoreditch  |  Soho  |  St James |  Victoria and Pimlico

 

Subscribe to hear the latest from Hot Dinners

By signing up you agree to our privacy policy.

0
Shares
0
Shares