North London is well-known as a bustling cultural centre and is one area of the capital with a thriving food scene. No matter what kind of food you’re looking for, you’ll find a great range of must-visit spots serving stellar tasting menus and top-quality produce. From best-of-British farm-to-table eateries to restaurants serving global cuisine, adventurous foodies and home comfort lovers will find themselves well catered for. Whether you’re looking for somewhere special for date night or you want to catch up with friends, North London has some of the best restaurants in the capital.
Experience top-notch British produce, artfully prepared at a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant. In Islington, a vegan Caribbean hotspot offers up a unique plant-based take on traditional Jamaican dishes. If you love to sample far-flung cuisines, Thai and Peruvian restaurants offer mouthwatering, balanced flavours for a transportative culinary trip. These are the best restaurants in North London to try for an unforgettable meal out.
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Read on for the 10 best restaurants in North London for a great meal out
For award-winning Thai food at one of the best restaurants in North West London – try Farang London in Highbury/Islington
Focusing on premium, seasonal ingredients and traditional Thai flavours, Farang London in Highbury/Islington is one of the best restaurants in north west London for exceptional fine dining. Awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for five consecutive years, Farang has also featured in the National Restaurant Awards top 100 and has been recognised by the Thai Embassy with a Thai Select Award. If you’re heading out for a meal with loved ones, Farang offers a feasting menu that’s available to groups and gives diners the chance to sample a range of fabulous dishes. Popular favourites include crab and trout roe miang bites served with seasonal fruit and chilli lime dressing and the whole sharing seabass in Thai spices. You can also try the 42-day aged Swaledale beef in an aromatic Thai curry. Enjoy Thai-inspired cocktails while you soak up the relaxed yet refined atmosphere at Farang.
For one of the best date night restaurants in North London – head to Perilla in Islington
With a stunning rustic vibe and a focus on fresh, simply-prepared ingredients, Perilla in Islington is one of the best restaurants in North London and gives diners a taste of the continent from the heart of the UK capital. Sourcing premium produce from around the country, Perilla’s kitchen team blends best-of-British ingredients with European cooking techniques. Start your meal off with Orkney scallops with wild garlic or a crispy chickpea panisse served with Wye Valley asparagus. The Sunday menu includes seafood specials, like the monkfish with mussel and clam pil pil or the roast mackerel with radish and salted blackcurrants. The sophisticated wine list includes a range of unique European vintages and signature cocktails made using British herbs and botanicals. Farmhouse decor and a relaxed, smart casual feel make Perilla the perfect spot for a cosy date night or an intimate catch-up with friends.
For one of the best live music bars in North London – don’t miss The Blues Kitchen in Camden
Southern-style American soul food meets live blues performances at The Blues Kitchen – Camden in Camden Town – one of the best restaurants in north west London for a great night out. This stylish Camden hotspot has a swanky, speakeasy vibe and offers a range of soulful acoustic performances, live bands and weekend club nights. Tuck into hearty American bar snacks, like buffalo chicken wings or popcorn squid. For large plates, diners can enjoy jerk chicken with BBQ sauce or chow down on a St Louis pork rib burger served with salad and fries. The bar at Blues Kitchen is home to the largest rye whisky selection in London and offers a range of signature cocktails. On Wednesday nights, you can enjoy a special deal on £6 cocktails available until closing time. The casual dress code and energetic atmosphere make this location perfect for late-night celebrations.
For one of the best restaurants in North West London helmed by a celebrity chef – visit 12:51 in Angel
Headed up by celebrity chef and winner of the BBC’s Great British Menu 2018, James Cochran, 12:51 in Angel is one of the best restaurants in north London for stylish, modern dining. The restaurant serves a five-course tasting menu for £49 per person throughout the week, showcasing a selection of mouthwatering dishes made with premium, seasonal produce. Highlights include the truffle buttermilk fried chicken served with caramel dashi and the crispy corn fritters with scotch bonnet jam, which emphasise Cochran’s half-Caribbean heritage. Meanwhile, classic European dishes, like Dexter aged beef steak tartare or cured Cornish mackerel with oyster emulsion, make use of regional delicacies. On Sundays, the restaurant serves up a classic Sunday roast made with 65-day aged sirloin, truffle cauliflower cheese and beef dripping roast potatoes. Fine wines complement your meal, and the relaxed bistro-style decor gives the dining room a chic, welcoming vibe.
For one of north London’s best vegan restaurants – try Jam Delish in Angel
Bold Caribbean flavours are the order of the day at Jam Delish in Angel – one of the best restaurants in North West London for sumptuous vegan food. The restaurant is family-owned and inspired by traditional Caribbean home cooking with a plant-based approach. Spicy small plates, like jerk pepper aubergine with scotch bonnet kimchi or lemon pepper cauliflower, are the perfect light bites. For main meals, don’t miss the plant-based Jamaican goat curry made with fried plantain or the vegan take on jerk chicken skewers. Whet your whistle with vibrant tropical cocktails and signature mixed drinks that will make you feel like you’re on holiday. Try unique concoctions, like a Jus Jammin made with Hennessy, cinnamon liqueur and vanilla and apple mixers, or opt for a Caribbean classic Dark n Stormy. Book in with a group and enjoy the colourful modern decor and a chilled-out vibe.
For one of the best restaurants in North West London for fresh baking and natural wines – head to Jolene in Stoke Newington
Jolene in Stoke Newington is a charming bakery and restaurant that offers delicious fresh bread and pâtisseries in a cosy and inviting setting. The menu changes daily to showcase the freshly baked ingredients and fresh produce. Seafood dishes, like a mussel and crab bisque or cod with spinach and butter sauce, are perfect to pair with fresh crusty bread. The restaurant also serves pasta dishes, like tagliatelle ragu, and meat cuts. Fresh plant-based dishes are also perfect if you’re looking for something light or dining with vegetarians. As well as sensational main meals, Jolene is also known for its selection of natural wines that make for some truly unique drink pairings. Save room for dessert so you can try the bakery’s fresh cakes or a sweet treat from the dessert menu. The restaurant’s vibe is youthful, trendy and relaxed.
For one of the best Japanese restaurants in North London – don’t miss AUN in Stoke Newington
Inspired by the wakon yosai culinary technique that blends Western cooking methods and ingredients with Japanese cuisine, AUN in Stoke Newington is a high-end fusion restaurant and one of the best places to eat in North West London. Diners at AUN can try a tapas-style set tasting menu for £48 per head with a choice of seafood or vegetable options. Set menus include six stunning dishes, including seabass sashimi with hibiscus ponzu, squid ink yaki udon noodles with spicy cod roe and a cauliflower and oyster mushroom steak. Gluten and dairy-free set menus are also available. To pair with the meal, diners can enjoy a selection of classic Japanese beverages, including sake plum wine and YAMAZAKI whisky, or enjoy a fusion with western favourites, like a Japanese gin and tonic. Minimalist decor and a casual vibe make AUN great for a small celebration or a fun date night.
For Peruvian cuisine and cocktails – visit Mr Lobo in Angel
Sample traditional Peruvian cuisine and sip on craft cocktails at Mr Lobo, Angel, one of the best restaurants in North London. The small menu champions simple dishes with hearty Peruvian flavours and offers a range of meat, fish and vegetarian options. Sumptuous pork specialties include the chicharron pork belly and the pulled pork and sesame seed Cochonita bites. For seafood fans, mixed ceviche and mussels chalaca are must-try dishes, while vegetarians can enjoy a vegan saltado stir fry or Peruvian mushroom and sweet potato risotto. The craft cocktail menu makes Mr Lobo perfect for a night out with friends. Try a Mamarina – made with pisco and sugar cane and flavoured with strawberry, lime and ginger ale – or a Kiwi G martini made with gin, elderflower cordial and kiwi juice. Vibrant decor and friendly service give a taste of warm, Peruvian hospitality.
For MICHELIN-awarded farm-to-table cuisine in a converted garage – try Primeur in Stoke Newington
Awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, Primeur in Stoke Newington is one of the best restaurants in North West London for high-end farm-to-table dining. The restaurant’s ethos focuses on sustainable and regionally sourced produce to create delicious food that supports regenerative agriculture and food production. With a regularly changing menu, diners at Primeur can look forward to farmhouse-style dishes, like roast rabbit leg or chicken liver and broad bean stew. You’ll also find seafood dishes that celebrate the finest fresh catch – such as seam bream crudo or monkfish in a watercress sauce. Primeur also sources natural wines and boasts a huge cellar made up of unique, sustainable vintages. Cosy yet simple decor gives the dining room a rustic vibe that’s perfect for a cosy date night. The converted garage setting also allows for open-air dining as the sliding front door can be fully opened.
For one of north London’s best family-owned restaurants – don’t miss Frederick’s in Angel
Opening its doors in 1969, Frederick’s in Angel is a family-owned contemporary European eatery and one of north London’s best restaurants. Colourful modern decor and a lively atmosphere set the tone for a great meal out at Frederick’s, while the menu is built around fresh ingredients elegantly prepared. Open your meal in style with pan-fried scallops or dressed Colchester crab. For mains, luxuriant options include sesame-crusted rare tuna with Chinese noodles or a chargrilled fillet of Scottish beef served with triple-cooked chips. Finish off with dessert classics, like a summer pudding with mandarin sorbet or chocolate fondant with cherry ice cream. The wine list includes a range of premium European and New World wines, and the cocktail menu features all the classics, from negronis to Aperol spritzes. The warm, family-owned feel makes Frederick’s a neighbourhood gem that’s popular for special occasions.
For one of North London’s best Sunday roasts – head to The Draper’s Arms in Angel
Located inside a stunning London townhouse, The Draper’s Arms in Angel is a classic British gastropub and one of the best restaurants in North London for relaxed pub dining. The menu changes regularly and is designed around best-of-British seasonal produce, ensuring ultra-fresh meals. Popular starters include red prawns and cockles with fregola pasta and baked camembert with bone marrow on toast. Main meals include rustic, French classics, like bavette steak and chips or Morteau sausage stew with black pudding and bacon. Sunday lunch is a truly special occasion at The Draper’s Arms with hearty roasts – choose from chicken, lamb belly or beef – served alongside Yorkshire puddings. Sip on a pint of craft pale ale or enjoy regional wines. Elegant vintage decor inside and a stunning garden patio that is available to book make this an ideal spot for a day out with the family.
Located close to the fashionable Camden Town area, just a short tube ride from the city centre and within easy reach of the Soho theatre district, North London has plenty to recommend it. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy cocktails and light bites with friends or you want a family pub lunch, North London’s thriving food scene has something for everyone.
Tables at the best restaurants in North London are always in demand – book your spot now on OpenTable.
Want to learn more about London’s thriving restaurant scene? Check out these city guides:
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- 10 of the best steak restaurants in London to book right now
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- The 10 best Korean restaurants in London to try right now
- The best Sunday roasts in London for a memorable lunch out
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