Islington remains one of London's most transient restaurant areas - new projects come and go here like passing ships, but Frederick's remains resolutely in its rightful place on Camden Passage. This beloved Islington institution has been here for over 50 years now, and customers (some of whom have visited for a number of decades) will all tell you - it's as good as it always has been.
The unassuming frontage doesn't give any clues as to what to expect on the inside. Frederick's has a gorgeous, airy courtyard dining room that doubles as a conservatory. The domed glass roof bathes the restaurant in light, and there are planters with bushes and trees among the tables. In the summer, we'd venture that this is one of London's most delightful dining rooms.
Frederick's serves a smart modern European menu full of well-executed classics. Starters include Frederick’s gazpacho with basil sorbet, dressed Colchester crab with avocado, pickled ginger, fennel and radish salad, alongside feta, pear, baby spinach and pomegranate salad.
There's a focus on quality meat and fish dishes among the mains such as Welsh lamb chop with mint sauce and organic Scottish salmon with new potatoes and chargrilled broccoli, but there's also a separate vegetarian menu as well. Desserts like pistachio creme brulee and cinnamon beignets with cinnamon cream are worth saving space for. It's also important to mention that the wine list is equally well curated, with a mix of affordable and fine wines from Europe and the new world.
If you love Frederick's so much that you'd like to be the backdrop of an important event, then you're in luck as the team are well equipped to deal with celebratory bookings.