The best restaurants in Islington

This corner restaurant in Islington is one of the area's hidden gems – a retro-styled hideaway decorated with Soviet-era posters, serving comforting Georgian cuisine in a cosy setting. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home as you enjoy great big khachapuris, flavour-packed dumplings, and other traditional dishes. With Georgia considered the birthplace of winemaking, there's a wine list that's well worth your time available as well.

Rabieng Thai is a cosy neighbourhood spot on Upper Street in Islington where you can settle in for classic Thai dishes in a warm, welcoming space. The menu sticks to favourites like tom yum, green curry and pad Thai, plus sharing plates such as chicken satay and prawn cakes. Portions are generous, and the BYOB policy keeps things cheap and cheerful. The staff are welcoming and happy to offer suggestions if you need a steer on what to order.

North London osteria Lupa, co-owned by actor Theo James and Carousel co-founder Ed Templeton, draws inspiration from the Eternal City, serving a menu of comforting dishes, including stuffed artichokes and lasagne. Accompanied by aperitivos and fine Italian wines, it's a cosy, unpretentious spot that has all the makings of a neighbourhood favourite with a city-wide reputation – the kind of place you don't want to leave in a hurry, much to the frustration of the eager punters queuing up outside.

One of London’s most iconic Italian restaurants just happens to be in Islington. Trullo serves classic Italian cuisine, with freshly-prepared pasta and seasonal and sustainable produce on the menu. This clean, contemporary local restaurant has been in business for over 10 years and continues to attract diners from Islington and further afield.

Farang is an award-winning restaurant in Highbury that serves Thai street food. Diners come here to discover authentic dishes like blooming onion and curries. Tasting experiences are available to book too. There's also a larder at Farang where you can buy Thai delicacies to bring the flavour home with you.

After taking over The Cuckoo pub in Islington, The Tamil Prince quickly shot up the ranks of London's gastropubs and became one of the hottest bookings in town. The cosy, welcoming pub showcases South Asian cuisine as taught by the famed Roti King. Flavourful dishes such as onion bhaji, butter chicken masala and crispy roti have won widespread praise from local punters and professional critics alike.

Dita London is a 27-seat spot helmed by chefs Louis Korovilas and Taylor Sessegnon-Shakespeare (formerly of Pied à Terre and Bancone). The restaurant offers refined tasting menus with French and Italian influences, built around seasonal produce and thoughtful technique. Its intimate dining room makes it one of the area's most atmospheric places to eat, with flickering candlelight, tables draped with white tablecloths, and gorgeous Tiffany lampshades.

Warm and cosy restaurant Afghan Kitchen cooks up traditional recipes from Afghanistan. Seated at communal tables in the simple dining room, you can sample comforting classic dishes, including vegetarian options. The portions here are generous and the flavours are unique. Locally-brewed beers are available to wash it all down with.

Caravel is a Dutch barge that’s been converted into a contemporary restaurant with an open kitchen. Its limited size gives it an exclusive feel that really creates a buzz. The menu features vibrant dishes with a range of European influences, like duck croquettes, crab and fennel tagliatelle, and mussels and chips.

Islington is home to St. John, a well-established restaurant that’s been leading the food scene since 1994. It’s held a Michelin star since 2009 and gives diners classic British cooking, with dishes like potted pork and grilled ox heart on the daily-changing menus. It’s a meat-centric menu but vegetarians are catered to.

Luca is a leader in London for contemporary Italian food made from quality British ingredients. Enjoy cocktails and snacks at the bar, choose the express menu for lunch, or luxuriate over a long meal in the airy dining room or private dining spaces. Luca is a hotspot for innovative versions of classic dishes.

Located in a Grade II-listed building, Sessions Arts Club comprises a bar, restaurant, and performance space. The minimalistic yet beautiful decor complements an international menu featuring the likes of 'nduja, quail, and white asparagus, and the entire establishment emphasises creativity and collaboration. Private hire of the various event spaces is also available.

If you fancy seafood, Westerns Laundry is a simple and modern venue with industrial touches. The menus change regularly, including both small plates and larger dishes. Expect dishes like baked cuttlefish and mackerel tartare. Diners can also choose from a concise wine list that concentrates on natural bottles.

Around since the 19th century, The Quality Chop House has evolved from a traditional chophouse into an acclaimed modern British restaurant with an accompanying shop. The menu here changes daily, but always places an emphasis on quality produce and premium cuts of meat. The unique historical setting offers both à la carte and set menus, and though the focus is on meat, vegetarian alternatives are available as well.

Seafood favourite Prawn on the Lawn has fresh fish delivered every day from Devon and Cornwall. The menu of small plates changes each day, but fish for the table, oysters, and shellfish are always available. A list of international wines is on offer and you can also buy fresh fish here to take home.

The cheerful blue exterior of Le Sacre Coeur stands out, and welcomes diners into an elegant French bistro. The art on the walls creates a cosy atmosphere. Choose from several menus, including a set menu and a lunch option. Expect classics like confit duck and mussels, washed down with French and international wines.

Few pubs nail the residency model quite like The Compton Arms. Right now, it's Rake taking the reins, helmed by Jay Claus and Syrus Pickhaver (formerly of Brat and Acme Fire Cult). Dishes are seasonal and rooted in British produce – expect to see things like crab claw, beer-battered cockles, and sardines on toast on the menu. It's cool, clever, and all about great food served in a hip, laid-back space.

Tofu Vegan has become an Upper Street legend, thanks to the delicious vegan Chinese fare they sling out day by day. Housemade silken tofu swimming in Sichuan sauce, convincing mock meats like Chongqing “chicken,” and dim sum such as tofu and mushroom xiao long bao make this place such a hit. The dining room's big, and the pavement tables are often just as busy.

This Malaysian laksa bar on Holloway Road is chef Mandy Yin's love letter to this cuisine. Each bowl of creamy laksa is filled with a rich, spicy broth, springy noodles, and pillowy tofu puffs that make it oh-so moreish. The fried chicken is crispy and addictive, and the casual space makes every lunch or dinner feel easy and satisfying.. 

Tierra Peru is a family-run spot tucked away on Essex Road. Expect a menu filled with Peruvian-inspired plates, like zingy ceviche, tender cordero huánuqueño (lamb chops in huacatay sauce) and the picante chalaco (spicy seafood stew), all served in a warm, welcoming space where the hum of conversation takes over.

This Caledonian Road Ethiopian spot is all about big feasts best tackled with a group of people and washed down with plenty of honey wine. Order the mahberawi and you'll get to tuck into buttery kitfo, smoky doro wot and a spread bursting with authentic dishes and flavours.

Part wine bar, part restaurant, Goodbye Horses is a chic wine bar serving food in the heart of trendy De Beauvoir Town. Hand-painted curtains and stacks of records set the scene, while the oak counter is filled with glasses of natural wine and plates like oxtail ragout. When you're not quite ready to call it a night, their dessert sibling, The Dreamery, is just across the road with ice cream and another drink to round off the night.

This Islington café is built for lazy mornings and fluffy brioche French toast when the hangover is lingering from last night's antics. It's all about classic breakfast and brunch dishes here, like perfectly scrambled eggs and fluffy pancakes. Just know that if you rock up on a weekend, you'll be queuing, because everyone else has the same idea.

After a string of successful pop-ups, siblings Jordan and Chyna have opted for something more permanent with Jam Delish, a vegan Caribbean restaurant. In the kitchen, Bajan-Jamaican chef Nathan Collymore (ex-Jamie Oliver's Fifteen) works his magic with seitan, jackfruit, tempeh and soy, turning them into proper West Indian dishes. Think jerk “chicken,” “goat” curry, saltfish tostones and beef patties.