Hungry for adventure in the foodie playground of North London? With a smorgasbord of dining options lining Upper Street and tucked away in charming corners, this trendy borough boasts a restaurant scene that's second to none. Whether you're craving classic Mexican fare or searching for the city's best burgers, eateries in Islington have something to satisfy every palate. So, without further ado, here are our picks of the best restaurants in Islington.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 22nd August 2025
Ciro's can be found on Northampton Street in the heart of Islington, offering delicious Italian small plates paired with wine and cocktails. The intimate space is perfect for picky bits with friends or even date night - choose from a wide range of appetizing dishes like its signature lasagne, gorgonzola dumplings and gnocchi with basil pesto and pair them with a negroni or Aperol spritz.
A feast for the eyes (and the taste buds), The Skinny Kitchen, A.K.A one of the best restaurants in Angel and Islington, is kitted out in highly Instagrammable lush greenery hanging from the ceilings, pretty pale pink wall tiles, forest green upholstery, and soft lighting. Whether you're in for a hearty breakfast, a healthy lunch, or a romantic evening meal for two, you'll find the menu brimming with colourful dishes like sweet potato burritos, salmon ceviche, sweetcorn fritters and much more to satisfy every palate. We don't know about you, but we're already drooling.
Nestled overlooking the leafy charm of Islington Green, Noci Islington is where the Noci story began - and it's still one of the area's standout dining destinations. Celebrated for its hand-crafted pasta, seasonal plates, and relaxed, neighbourhood feel, it's the perfect spot to enjoy classics like brown butter cacio e pepe, strozzapreti with creamed courgettes, or indulgent seafood like prawn linguine.
With warm hospitality and a bright, buzzy atmosphere, Noci sets the standard not just in Islington but across its sister locations in Richmond, Shoreditch, and Battersea, making it a must-visit for North London food lovers.
Located in the heart of Islington, Islington Blend is the place to go for a sophisticated drink in a cosy yet modern setting. The welcoming atmosphere, paired with an extensive drinks menu (check out its £7 cocktails during happy hour), makes it a perfect spot for a casual hangout or a more upscale night out.
Whether you're here for an after-work drink or a special occasion, you'll enjoy expertly crafted tipples, pizza and pasta, and an inviting vibe that keeps you coming back for more.
Sticks'n'Sushi in Islington brings a sophisticated twist to traditional Japanese dining, offering an exceptional selection of sushi, sashimi, and yakitori in modern, Danish-inspired interiors.
Inspired by the fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian culinary traditions, the menu features beautifully presented dishes made with the finest, sustainably sourced ingredients. With options ranging from fresh nigiri and maki to sizzling skewers, there's plenty to delight your palate.
Located just behind Angel station, The Tamil Crown is a buzzing South Indian gastropub that's housed inside a converted Victorian boozer. Spanning across two floors, this candlelit venue features checkerboard floors and a cosy fireplace, with plenty of room for dining.
Their menu features everything from aubergine curry to robata lamb chops and beef masala - alongside a unique Indian take on the classic Sunday roast.
Craving homemade taco treats made using free-range meat, eggs, milk, and sustainable fish? An industrial-chic venue right at the end of Exmouth Market's restaurant-lined street, Taqueria has a killer menu of Mexican treats like quesadillas and tostadas, with monthly specials to mix things up. Starting off as a stall on Portobello Road churning out tacos and aguas frescas to the Mexican-starved crowd of Notting Hill, this joint serves exclusively ethically sourced produce, with standout dishes including birria tacos, tuna tostadas, salmon ceviche, and hand-shaken margaritas.
One of the the best Islington restaurants for lunch, Sazón is where the party's at. Discover Latin perfection as you indulge in their vibrant menu stacked with mouthwatering small plates like prawn ceviche with rainbow peppers, bavette steak with tostones and chimichurri, as well as crispy cod strip tacos. And don't worry — they've got your thirst covered with an extensive selection of delicious beers and wines from all across South America as well as fresh pressed cane juice daiquiris and traditional café campesino.
A gorgeous Thai restaurant in Highbury, Farang is a popular North London hotspot with a Michelin Bib Gourmand and a Thai Select award from the UK Thai Embassy. Using fresh ingredients straight from Bangkok, this restaurant serves up a la carte delights such as salted turmeric prawn 'miang' bites and green curried fish cakes with wild ginger, coconut cream and sweet basil. Thirsty? They've got you covered with signature tipples like the Banana Full Moon made with Absolut vodka, banana liqueur, Kahlua and espresso coffee.
For a spot of dirty American-style burgers in industrial diner-like surroundings, make your way to carnivore's paradise MEATLiquor on Upper Street. Sniff the heavenly scent of sizzling patties and toasting buns as you scoff their classic MEATburger—a patty fried in butter nestled between two buns, also fried in butter. More of a hotdog kind of person? The chilli pork dog is the one for you, complete with a smoked pork frank, meat chilli, cheddar cheese, and mustard. It's the sausage of your dreams.
One of North London's most iconic Italian restaurants, trullo can be found on St Paul's Road. Expect relaxed, understated interiors that feature rustic wooden floors and large windows letting in lots of natural light. There's also an open kitchen, where you can watch your authentic meals being prepared.
Their seasonal menu changes all the time, but you can always expect the highest quality ingredients. Think handmade pasta, charcoal grilled meats and more, always including their signature 40-day-aged Hereford T-bone for two.
Serving up a tempting selection of laksa, from the classic tofu to the extravagant king prawn and chicken combo, and even a vegan-friendly aubergine option, Sambal Shiok is sure to satisfy all your soupy cravings. The mastermind behind this mouthwatering menu is none other than Mandy Yin, a Malaysian chef with a passion for fusion cuisine. With roots stretching back to Kuala Lumpur and a unique blend of Malay and Chinese influences, Yin's approach to this delicious canteen-style restaurant is truly one-of-a-kind.
Calling all seafood lovers. Originally a fishmonger's and seafood bar in Cornwall, Prawn On The Lawn ventured across the sea to London in 2013 and has been winning hearts ever since. Serving up some of the freshest fish in town, with daily deliveries from Cornwall and Devon, this seafood haven's small plates include delicacies like Porthilly rock oysters and Padstow-sourced crab with complementary wines straight from the South West's Trevibban Mill Vineyard.
Westerns Laundry is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant with a heavy focus on seafood and natural wines. Step inside this airy and modern joint to feast on British-inspired delicacies with influences from southern Europe and Asia, like oysters with shallots and lemon, as well as gnudi served with courgettes and chopped hazelnuts. The owners, Jeremie Cometto-Lingenheim and David Gingell, work with local day boats to source fresh seafood, while meat dishes come from small farms in North Yorkshire. What's more, they have over 200 bottles of organic and biodynamic wines from around the world, all waiting for you to uncork and enjoy.
