The best restaurants near Holloway Road

Amor Gastronomia brings a Roman feel to Holloway Road, both in its food and its vibe. Inside, whitewashed brick walls, wooden shelves stacked with wine bottles, and trailing greenery give the space a cosy feel, with a few tables outside when the weather allows. The menu is concise and centred on pinsa, a Roman-style flatbread, alongside antipasti like burrata, anchovies, and charcuterie. The wine list sticks to Italian bottles, with draft wine by the glass and a handful of cocktails.

Alcedo has been on Holloway Road for years, serving a menu of Italian dishes, built around Roman-style pinsa with both red and white bases, plus lots of things you'll want to order for the table. Pick from a list of dishes like burrata, anchovies, baked mussels, cured meats, cheeses, and piles of crostini. There's pasta if you're after something heartier, but it's the sharing plates that people tend to rave about. The room is relaxed, with a few outdoor tables when the weather behaves.

Lamezia is a family-run Italian restaurant right on Holloway Road, popular with locals for good reason. Pasta, bread, and pizza dough are made in-house daily, and the menu sticks to classic combos across pizzas, pastas, and a handful of larger mains. There's also a kids' menu, which makes it a handy option for groups and families. The room is friendly rather than showy, and the wine and cocktail list is short but well-thought-out.

El Rincon is one of Holloway's oldest all-day restaurants, serving an extensive menu that mixes Latin, British, and European dishes. It's open from morning onwards, with cocktails available from midday, making it as suitable for a late lunch as it is for dinner. Menus change regularly, but you can usually expect hearty plates like ribs, lasagne, and pasta, alongside smaller Latin dishes such as croquettes or calamari for sharing. The space itself is classic and comfy, with indoor seating and outdoor tables for people-watching along the road.

Trullo has been quietly setting the standard for Italian food in North London for over a decade, and it still feels as relevant as ever. Handmade pasta is the main event, prepped daily and served in simple but well-executed dishes like cacio e pepe or beef shin ragù. There's also plenty coming off the charcoal grill, all built around seasonal produce. The dining room is modern and bright without being cold, and the small wine bar next door is handy for a pre-dinner glass or a takeaway bottle.

Sambal Shiok has grown from local favourite to London-wide name, and the Holloway outpost still draws crowds for its punchy Malaysian cooking. This is a casual, no-frills spot focused on laksa: rich bowls with noodles and deeply spiced broth. There are four versions on the menu, including a popular vegan option, as well as rice dishes and classic Malaysian snacks. Drinks include beer, wine, and cocktails, and there's also takeaway if you'd rather eat at home.

Keren View is a well-loved local restaurant specialising in vegan Eritrean cooking, served in generous portions and built around hearty, spiced flavours. Meals typically arrive on large sharing platters with injera, making it a sociable option if you're eating with pals. The dining room is modest and relaxed rather than fancy, but the atmosphere is welcoming and perfect for taking into a communal meal. There's a small list of drinks, including non-alcoholic options, and a short selection of vegan desserts if you want to stick around for something sweet.

The Sitara combines traditional Punjabi cooking with live jazz, which makes it one of the more unique dining spots on Holloway Road. The interior is smart and colourful, with deep red walls decorated with photos of famous musicians, setting the tone for evenings with live music. The menu homes in on familiar Punjabi dishes like pakoras, chicken tikka, and biryani, all served in generous portions. It's an unusual but successful pairing, and works best when you're in the mood for a relaxed evening that's about more than just the food.

Just opposite the Emirates Stadium, Xi'an Impression is part of London's growing love for regional Chinese cooking, focusing on food from China's Shaanxi province. The menu includes hand-pulled noodles in various broths, Xi'an-style burgers, and more unusual street food dishes like shredded bread soaked in soup. The room is small and cosy, with a steady stream of regulars who know exactly what they're ordering. It offers something quite different from the usual Chinese menus found elsewhere in the area.

Opened in 1992, Lahmacino made history as London's first restaurant dedicated to lahmacun — crispy Turkish flatbreads topped with perfectly seasoned minced meat. Lively and laid-back, this neighbourhood favourite still turns out its signature lahmacun alongside oven-baked pides, flaky gözleme pastries, and comforting mains like rich casseroles and slow-cooked stews. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it's a buzzing spot that's always full of atmosphere.

At 500, classic Italian cooking takes centre stage in a warm, cosy setting. This intimate spot is run by a passionate small team who serve up truly authentic flavours. Start with tempting antipasti, then dive into comforting pasta and creamy risottos, or choose from beautifully prepared meat and fish dishes such as oven-baked rabbit or chargrilled tuna steak. Pair it all with a superb selection of Italian wines for a deliciously memorable meal. 🍷🇮🇹

Female-owned Mesi's Kitchen brings the bold, comforting flavours of Ethiopia to Holloway Road. This cosy neighbourhood gem is known for its warm welcome and traditional way of eating, with generous dishes piled high on spongy injera bread, best enjoyed with your hands. With plenty of hearty meat options alongside an excellent range of plant-based dishes, you'll definitely want to come hungry.