The best new restaurants in North London

The second London venture by Italian celebrity chef Giancarlo Caldesi, the Belsize Park branch of his eponymous restaurants is a charming and welcoming spot for indulging in authentic Italian cuisine. Boasting a commitment to artisanal Italian ingredients and fresh seasonal produce, the restaurant offers a menu that features a wide range of Tuscan favourites, with a particular emphasis on sharing plates.

Located in the heart of Camden Town, El Cenote is a bar and restaurant inspired by the traditions and flavours of Mexico. Visit for street food like carne asada and tacos, plus a dedicated vegan menu of plant-based takes on the classics. Vibrant cocktails and mezcal are also available here.

Soul Mama brings jazz, soul, gospel, and reggae vibes to Stratford, along with a fusion of South American, African, and Caribbean cuisine. For an added twist, the dishes are based on recipes passed down by mothers through the generations. The restaurant and live music venue is backed by acclaimed jazz musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown, and broke the record for the largest-ever Kickstarter crowdfund by a restaurant.

Goodbye Horses is a cosy wine bar and restaurant in Islington, offering a selection of sustainable, seasonal small plates with global inspirations. The menu is crafted by a former chef from Hackney's hyped restaurant Papi. This intimate neighbourhood gem also features a curated list of organic and biodynamic wines to complement the exquisite dishes.

The Breakfast Club, as expected, doesn't hold back on its breakfast and brunch menu, offering everything from burgers to pancakes from early morning until late in the day. Choose something sweet like the blueberry pancakes with bacon or stick with a classic full Monty breakfast with all the trimmings. The King's Cross branch is conveniently located right at St Pancras Station, so you won't be travelling on an empty stomach.

Yum Bug is a pioneering brand focusing on insect-based ingredients, especially edible crickets, touted as the future of food. Adventurous diners can choose from a menu offering an array of bug-infused dishes, such as cricket mince & pomegranate flatbreads, cricket kofte, or even whole roasted crickets as a snack. Yum Bug Restaurant was driven by the overwhelming popularity of the brand's pop-up events and features a stripped-down, industrial setting.

Freddie's, a New York-inspired deli in Belsize Park, offers an all-day menu featuring smoked fish platters, bagels, homemade soups, and classic sandwiches like salt beef and Reubens. Alongside a build-your-own sandwich option and breakfast selections, the deli serves craft beers, low-intervention wines, and desserts such as challah French toast, making it an ideal spot for lunch or brunch.

Led by Tel Aviv chef Maoz Alonim, Chapel Market Kitchen is a bustling counter located in Islington's Chapel Market. Taking advantage of its market location to source fresh produce daily, it offers a changing menu focused on seafood and other grilled delicacies. Enjoy freshly shucked oysters paired with a diverse and intriguing wine list in a lively setting.

Acclaimed restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi's Hampstead restaurant and deli features the group's largest terrace to date and the iconic salad and cake displays on white counters. In the morning, enjoy coffee, pastries, or classic Ottolenghi breakfast dishes like shakshuka or scrambled rosa harissa tofu. Later in the day, they offer a daily changing lunch menu and an à la carte dinner. You can also purchase bakery items and low-intervention wines to take home.

Iné, the younger yet larger sibling of the renowned Taku omakase restaurant in Mayfair, continues the tradition of delivering an impeccable omakase experience, but at a friendlier price point. Located in Hampstead, Iné also features booths for à la carte dining, offering a full sushi and sashimi menu. On the first floor, you'll find a sophisticated bar for sake and snacks.

The Four Legs team from popular local pub The Plimsoll has transformed this old Finsbury Park chip shop into a Spanish-influenced fish bar, maintaining original elements like the tiles and Formica flooring. This casual spot offers Spanish coastal cuisine, alongside beers, wines by the glass, and Spanish vermouth.

Yard Sale Pizza may have expanded across London, but it remains a local pizza shop at heart. This award-winning pizza has attracted famous fans like Macaulay Culkin. Pizzas come in two sizes and are generously topped with ingredients such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and truffle oil, or Sicilian sausage and chilli. Tufnell Park now has its own delivery and takeaway pizza shop.

Detroit Pizza London serves up Detroit-style pizza along with other popular Italian-American dishes. Diners flock here for a unique pizza experience, characterised by its rectangular shape and crispy, chewy crust. The menu is complemented by a selection of beers, including American brews, ensuring an authentic meal.