Best restaurants in Islington

Come for the tropical décor and stay for the delectable small bites at this quirky, concept-led cocktail bar on Upper Street. Although experimental drinks are the venue’s main focus (try the rum making experience and live your tiki dreams), we think anyone would find the steamed scallops topped with fried garlic or the deep fried crispy tofu skin served with peanut sauce hard to turn down.

Housed in a former garage space, this intimate restaurant is effortlessly cool. Its non-flashy approach and ever-changing menu of small plates, combined with chic interiors, make it a great neighbourhood spot to go with friends. 

Carnivores assemble; Rotunda is a meat-eater's heaven. The restaurant specialises in beef and has its own farm in the heart of Northumberland, where grass-fed cows roam the fields and are delivered straight to diner’s plates (butchered, of course) in the freshest of fashions. Located near King’s Cross station, a brief jaunt from the main Islington drag, its central location and sleek modern design make Rotunda the perfect place for a post-work dinner and drinks.

If you’re want to impress 69 Colebrooke Row could be just the place. This speakeasy-style bar is made all the more exclusive by its ambiguous façade (it has no real name, and is only recognisable by a lone outdoor lantern). Inside, the drinks are experimental and the small snacking menu compliments them perfectly, drawing on European influences with dishes like mini Saucisson and Jamon Iberico.

Thought eating your kebab ‘in’ had to mean your shoes sticking to the floor and dining from a polystyrene box? Well, not at Berber & Q. This Middle Eastern restaurant cooks shawarma rotisserie style and specialises in slow-cooked meats over charcoal and wood, combined with delicious vegetarian dishes like blackened aubergine and charred tomato with lemon yogurt and freekah. Oh, and the botanical-inspired décor is right up our street too.

There’s nothing worse than style over substance, so we’re big fans of Trullo’s no-fuss feel. From the gorgeously rustic wooden floor (each pane made unique by marks and texture that haven’t been buffed out) to the cool industrial lighting overhead, the (still very appealing) environment leaves the food to take centre stage. And boy does it. Pick from dishes like wild line-caught seabass on the charcoal grill or appardelle with beef shin ragu – it’s Italian but not as you’ve had it before.

This friendly neighbourhood pub is the perfect Sunday afternoon haunt, with a beer garden out back for when that English sunshine decides to show itself. Inside, we love the bright green bar (which is just asking for a spot on your Instagram) and the monochrome floor. Food wise, it’s hearty grub all the way with stand-out dishes including suet crust salt beef pie and a mean Sunday Roast.

Prawn on the Lawn is the place to go in Islington for super fresh seafood, with a seasonally changing menu and a dedication to working with sustainable suppliers. Try one of the signature shellfish platters to really experience it in all its glory. 

The clue’s in the name with this barbeque specialist which promotes working with small, family-owned farms and sustainable suppliers in the UK, but also takes inspiration from far-flung locations, such as Argentina and Korea. If you really want to see what Smokehouse Islington has to offer, we suggest checking out the ‘feasting’ menu.

Westerns Laundry is the kind of place a very cool friend would take you to. Light and airy with doors that fold out onto the street, this spot is ideal in summer because of its outside-inside feel, but also thanks to the fresh-as-can-be seafood menu.

This two-time Michelin star-winning restaurant offers a plethora of dishes from the garden, land and sea to create a British twist on tapas, at surprisingly reasonable prices. Lead by Chef James Conran, the menu takes inspiration from his dual Caribbean-Scottish heritage, using a wide range of ingredients.

Set in the heart of N1, The Baring is a polished gastropub decorated with refurbished woods, dark green panelling and cream walls. The brainchild of chef Rob Tecwyn and general manager Adam Symonds, the pub sees the duo bring their experience together to create a venue where food and service are equally as important as one other.

You wouldn't expect to find a portal to San Sebastian on Holloway Road, but here it is. Topa is a relaxed but lively wine bar and pintxos restaurant showcasing Basque dishes. With Michelin-starred Simon Shand in the kitchen, this is a great date night spot and a perfect excuse for casual snacks and wine. 

Part of The Wolseley Hospitality Group, this classic brasserie combines vintage interiors - think red banquets and ornate cornicing - with comforting, French-inspired food and elegant cocktails. Dishes span classic French-European favourites, from steak frites with bearnaise sauce to chicken schnitzel. 

Frederick’s may have been around for an impressive 50 years, but it still feels like one of Islington’s best-kept secrets. The menu is extremely varied and takes inspiration from all over the Mediterranean, but we particularly like the extensive wine cellar and hidden garden.

Tapas restaurant Moro on Exmouth Market is somewhat of an institution. It was opened in 1977 by husband and wife team Sam and Samantha Clark after an inspiring trip to Spain, Morocco and the Sahara, each of which is reflected in the menu. Since then, they’ve opened two more restaurants both named Morito in a neighbouring location and in Hackney, which have a dedicated following. In other words, you simply need to try the original.

This cosy pub stands out from the rest thanks to luxe touches and an indulgent menu, which is laden with the kind of fare that makes you hungry just reading about it. We’re talking about starters like a porky sausage roll and Macsween’s haggis Scotch eggs, alongside mains such as seasoned aubergine and courgette steaks and sausage and mash.

The Gate is a renowned vegan and vegetarian restaurant which serves up a great vibe as well as fantastic food. It follows the already well-loved Hammersmith original and a branch in St John's Wood, meaning the name comes complete with a dedicated following – and for good reason. Make sure you try the beetroot cheese burger. 

All aboard for an evening of seasonal British cuisine served in one of London’s more unique dining settings: on a barge moored along Regents Canal. Founded by Fin and Lorcan Spiteri, who are the sons of St John co-founder Jon Spiteri and Rochelle Canteen co-founder Melanie Arnold, you can go ahead and expect great things here.

Combining the nostalgic comfort of a great British pub, and the warming flavours of a much-loved Indian curry house, The Tamil Prince brings a slice of Tamilian culture to Islington. For context, it’s founded by ex-Roti King chef Prince Durairaj and ex-JKS general manager Glen Leeson.

Jam Delish is doing great things for vegan cuisine, opening the eyes of those who thought it couldn’t taste THIS good. The team takes pride in their ability to build flavour, whether it be to create something completely new or mimic a meat alternative, and have found themselves with a loyal fanbase in the process.

If you’re looking for a light bite and a good time atmosphere, the Irish hospitality at the heart of Homeboys will serve you well. This lad pad-ish bar focuses mainly on cocktails (its founders have been at the helm of the likes of Callooh Callay and The Dorchester) but make sure you check out the boxty (Irish potato pancakes) and the 'Traditional Irish Stew' to line your stomach.