Islington has always been argued as one of London’s best neighbourhood for food and foodies alike. From Highbury down to Upper Street in Angel – this north London neighbourhood has more to offer than you think. Whether it’s stunning pasta joints to zingy Thai food to some of the city’s best chefs working in the neighbourhood, you’re spoiled for choice.
How we handpick the very best restaurants in Islington
Each restaurant on this list has been carefully chosen by a member of our team. Our editors and the Secret London team rely on personal experiences, recommendations, editorial reviews, customer feedback, and thorough research to bring you the finest dining spots in the city. We are constantly on the lookout for new places with delicious food and excellent service. This list is regularly updated as we discover new openings and revisit established favourites.
Without further ado, here are the best restaurants in Islington:
1. Trullo
One of Islington’s most famous restaurants and some of the best pasta you’ll find in London. We know we say that a lot, but we mean it this time. The sensational pappardelle with beef shin ragù will make you agree and their sharing mains from the grill will make you nod in excitement. However, the menu does always change with the seasons so our recommendations might not apply. Just trust that it’s gorgeous food and a great date spot. Louis Schofield
📍Address: Trullo, 300-302, St Paul’s Road, N1 2LH.
🍽️ Book here: trullorestaurant.com
2. Farang
Farang first started as a pop-up in 2017 and finally found its permanent place in North London and thank god it did. Providing the most sensational and tasty Thai food, you can expect the most amazing fresh Thai flavours. From the Gai Prik – crispy Thai beer battered chicken with fish sauce glaze, lime and fresh herbs to the absolutely delicious coconut curries – there’s plenty to put you in a food coma and leave you very, very, very, satisfied. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍Address: Farang, 72 Highbury Park, London N5 2XE.
🍽️ Book here: faranglondon.co.uk
3. Caravel
Looking for a romantic date spot? Caravel is the one. Located on Regent’s Canal, you’ll find a stunning little candlelit restaurant providing an experimental European menu. While the menu is seasonal, some staples include the Sesame Prawn Toast served with a homemade sweet chilli sauce, small plates like the Potato Rösti, Sour Cream & Caviar and Sea Bass Carpaccio, Capers & Wild Fennel. The mains are generous so we highly recommend the Duck Pappardelle, Peas & Gremolata (or the pasta dish available at the time). Vaishnavi Pandey
📍Address: 172 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JL.
🍽️ Book here: caravelrestaurant.com
4. Westerns Laundry
Known for its modern European cuisine with a strong focus on seafood and seasonal produce and so as expected the menu changes frequently using the freshest ingredients available but some standout dishes remain: oysters and the cured sea trout. With the menu set for sharing, the small plates such as the charred octopus served with seasonal veg and duck hearts paried with chicory and citrus are delicious. Non-seafood lovers can also enjoy the food just as much with a variety of options available.
Our tip: save space for Rum baba! Vaishnavi Pandey
📍Address: Western’s Laundry, 34 Drayton Park, London N5 1PB.
🍽️ Book here: westernslaundry.com
5. The Tamil Prince
The Tamil Prince is the latest venture by former Roti King exec chef Prince Durairaj and ex-JKS manager Glen Leeson serving Indian food. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Durairaj takes plenty of inspiration and cues from home, all within the setting of a pub. From the small plates, the Prince’s special masala dosa served with green chutney truly hit the spot. A savoury pancake with a spiced potato filling in the middle – it took me right back to the dosa diners in Mumbai. From the large plates, while the Channa bhatura with raita is visually the star of the show (tastefully too), for me personally, the most memorable dish were the Robata lamb chops. So incredibly juicy, packed with so much flavour and spice, that I left the restaurant thinking about it. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍Address:115 Hemingford Road, N1 1BZ.
🍽️ Book here: https://www.thetamilprince.com/
6. 12:51
James Cochran is such a legend and around the cluck sorted me out during COVID. One of the most interesting menus you’ll find in London. A fun mix of contemporary and classic ingredients bringing surprise flavour combos. Recommend the tasting menu which is fairly reasonable. Louis Schofield.
📍Address: 1251, 107 Upper Street, London N1 1QN
🍽️ Book here: 1251.co.uk
7. Prawn on the Lawn
What started as a simple fishmonger and seafood bar is now one of the best seafood spots in London. Named after its signature fish – smashed avo on toast with grilled prawns, you can expect stunning seafood with produce sourced from daily fish markets in Cornwall and Devon. If you’ve never tried deep-fried oysters, now’s the time! Vaishnavi Pandey
📍Address: Prawn on the Lawn, 292-294 St Paul’s Road, Highbury East, London N1 2LH
🍽️ Book here: prawnonthelawn.com
8. Four Legs at The Plimsoll
Probably one of my favourite places to eat in London, love everything Four Legs have done. It feels like you’re in a proper pub but with really great food! And definitely one of the best burgers in London. Louis Schofield
9. Little Georgia
Serving authentic traditional Georgian dishes in a lovely dining room filled with vintage artefacts – the atmosphere is homely and so is the food. With Tiko Tuskadze serving family recipes, try the freshly baked khachapuri which is a traditional cheese bread and mains like the Tabaka which is Roast marinaded poussin served with plum sauce and new potatoes or the Chkmeruli which is a Free range roasted chicken served with rich garlic creamy sauce. Served with homemade bread. Vaishnavi Pandey
📍Address: 14 Barnsbury Rd, London N1 0HB
🍽️ Book here: https://littlegeorgia.co.uk/
10. Black Axe Mangal
Previously closed because of COVID, the iconic grill spot Black Axe Mangal is back and is serving up a fixed-price set menu designed for sharing lead by chef Lee Tiernan. With the old classics like the roasted bone marrow and oxtail gratin and lamb offal flatbread still available, there’s also fab options for veggies and vegans alike! Vaishnavi Pandey
📍Address: FKA BAM, 156 Canonbury Road, London N1 2UP.
🍽️ Book here: blackaxemangal.com