63–69 Canonbury Rd, London N1 2DG

Bistro Sablé took over from Smokehouse (although it's by the same group) and made this little corner of Islington look like a French bistro that has been here for an age. The menu is full of classic French dishes, from cheese soufflés and pâté en croute through to Dover sole meuniere and rich boeuf Bourgignon. The kitchen here is doing sterling work that wouldn't feel out of place in Paris and there's a great all-French wine list that's well priced. In the warmer months, a seat on the terrace is a must.

47 Newington Green, Newington Green, London N16 9PX

Bar Etna brings serious pizza hype to Newington Green, pairing Four Legs’ Ed McIlroy with Philadelphia legend Joe Beddia (Pizzeria Beddia). Expect Beddia’s cult US-style pies, with McIlroy’s seasonal, ingredient-led approach shaping toppings. As much a bar as a pizzeria, the drinks lean Italian with spritzes, negronis on tap and low-intervention wines.

79 Green Lanes, London N16 9BU

After leaving London Fields, the team behind Papi opened their pub, The Golden Tooth, taking over The Leconfield just north of Newington Green. Chef Matthew Scott and wine merchant Charlie Carr split the space between pub and restaurant. The main menu focuses on grilled meats, chops and pies, plus dishes like veal sweetbread saltimbocca. Wines come from Carr’s Wingnut Wines, leaning low-intervention, alongside Guinness, of course.

320 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TH

This is the fourth Med Salleh, bringing its bold Malaysian street food to a cosy 30-cover space. The menu centres on their signature claypot rice, alongside dishes like Penang char kuey teow, Hainanese chicken rice and Ipoh hor fun. Expect nostalgic flavours, street snacks, nasi lemak with beef rendang and playful desserts like Milo & Horlicks tiramisu.