Dobar

Dobar was already a very buzzy place before the pandemic struck. You really had to wake up early on a weekend if you wanted to avoid the line that would soon form out front, as surprising as that might be to anyone walking past the otherwise rather nondescript joint. Even more surprisingly, it managed to come out the other side of the lockdown even stronger, with a refined menu and well-prepared to meet the crowds that soon returned.

Dobar's popularity in combination with the somewhat cramped space seating forty in close quarters means you'll soon be rubbing elbows with your neighbours in the friendly, communal atmosphere. However, good vibes aside, the focus is definitely on the large plates stacked high with Mediterranean-inspired breakfast and brunch dishes of all sorts. As you might expect, there are plenty of eggs, avocado, sausages and sourdough flying around, with fry-ups served all day, but there are plenty of house specialties as well. The Medi Breeze combines spicy beef sujuk, halloumi, feta, eggs and sourdough with helva jam, tahini molasses, honey & cream and olives, while the pancakes are served as large fluffy tacos packed with fruit and clotted cream.

There's more to discover on the menu, including refreshing smoothies and signature French toast, and Finsbury Park right outside the door means that on sunny days, you can snooze off the meal lying in the grass. A nice bonus for those who paid heed and got up early.