Islington is one of London’s most dynamic food neighbourhoods, blending cosmopolitan dining, neighbourhood bistros, and independent restaurants with a strong creative edge. Stretching from Angel through Upper Street and into the quieter residential streets, it has become a go-to destination for everything from date-night fine dining to casual global eats and late-night social spots.
What makes Islington stand out is its density of independent restaurants. You’ll find Michelin-recognised dining rooms sitting just minutes away from small family-run kitchens, modern wine bars, and buzzy neighbourhood favourites. It’s a place where food culture feels constantly evolving but still grounded in local character.
Whether you’re visiting for a theatre night, a canal-side walk, or a weekend in North London, Islington delivers one of the most varied dining scenes in the capital.
The Baring
Where
Located on Baring Street near Islington’s canal-side residential area.
Why It’s Quirky
A modern neighbourhood restaurant that feels deliberately understated from the outside but delivers highly refined cooking inside.
What to Expect
Expect seasonal tasting menus, modern British plates, excellent wine pairings, and a calm, intimate dining atmosphere.
Trullo
Where
Located on St Paul’s Road near Highbury & Islington.
Why It’s Quirky
A simple, rustic Italian restaurant that focuses entirely on technique and ingredients rather than flashy presentation.
What to Expect
Expect handmade pasta, daily changing menus, minimal décor, and some of the best Italian food in North London.
The Gate
Where
Located on St John’s Way near Highbury.
Why It’s Quirky
One of London’s longest-standing vegetarian fine dining restaurants, blending global influences in a refined but relaxed setting.
What to Expect
Expect creative vegetarian and vegan dishes, global flavours, and beautifully plated seasonal menus.
Ottolenghi Islington
Where
Located on Upper Street in the heart of Islington.
Why It’s Quirky
Famous for its vibrant deli-style counter and Middle Eastern-inspired small plates, it’s both a restaurant and a foodie destination.
What to Expect
Expect colourful salads, mezze dishes, fresh pastries, and bold Mediterranean flavours.
Bellanger
Where
Located on Islington Green.
Why It’s Quirky
A grand Parisian-style brasserie that brings classic French dining to a busy London neighbourhood.
What to Expect
Expect steak frites, seafood platters, French wines, and a lively, elegant brasserie atmosphere.
The Drapers Arms
Where
Located on Gaskin Street in a quiet residential part of Islington.
Why It’s Quirky
A traditional pub that has become one of London’s most respected food pubs, known for its understated quality.
What to Expect
Expect seasonal British dishes, excellent Sunday roasts, and a cosy pub atmosphere with a strong local following.
Smokehouse
Where
Located on Canonbury Road.
Why It’s Quirky
A relaxed neighbourhood restaurant with a focus on smoky, grilled flavours and sharing plates.
What to Expect
Expect rotisserie meats, small plates, craft beers, and a lively casual dining vibe.
Sunday in Brooklyn (Islington)
Where
Located on Upper Street.
Why It’s Quirky
A New York-inspired all-day brunch and dining spot with a stylish, Instagram-friendly aesthetic.
What to Expect
Expect pancakes, burgers, brunch plates, and a trendy all-day dining atmosphere.
Juno
Where
Located on Upper Street.
Why It’s Quirky
A modern all-day dining restaurant that shifts from brunch café to evening wine bar seamlessly.
What to Expect
Expect brunch dishes, seasonal small plates, cocktails, and a relaxed but stylish interior.
Islington’s food scene is strongest in its independent, slightly hidden venues that locals return to again and again:
- Canonbury & Barnsbury side streets - home to cosy bistros and wine bars
- Upper Street side alleys - packed with independent restaurants and cafés
- Canal-side dining spots - relaxed waterside restaurants and pubs
- Chapel Market area - budget-friendly global street food and casual dining
- Small neighbourhood wine bars - focused on natural wines and sharing plates
These areas highlight Islington’s strength: it’s not just about big-name restaurants, but about depth and variety within walking distance.
Why Islington Is One of London’s Best Food Neighbourhoods
Islington combines the best of London dining: independent creativity, international influence, and strong neighbourhood identity. Unlike more corporate restaurant districts, Islington thrives on personality-driven venues, chef-led restaurants, and evolving food concepts.
It’s also one of the best areas in London for “restaurant hopping”, you can easily move from a Michelin-recognised tasting menu to a casual wine bar or late-night pizza spot in the same evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Islington known for?
Modern European cuisine, Italian restaurants, Middle Eastern flavours, gastropubs, and creative independent dining.
Does Islington have fine dining restaurants?
Yes, restaurants like The Baring and Trullo offer refined modern dining experiences.
Where is the best area to eat in Islington?
Upper Street, Angel, Canonbury, and the canal-side streets are the main food hubs.
Is Islington good for a food night out?
Yes, it’s one of London’s best neighbourhoods for diverse dining, wine bars, and casual-to-fine dining progression in one area.
Stay in Islington
For flexible, professionally managed stays, explore Pass the Keys for comfortable homes ideal for weekend getaways and longer stays in London.
From stylish apartments near Upper Street to quiet residential homes in Canonbury and Angel, Pass the Keys offers convenient access to Islington’s vibrant restaurant scene, canal walks, and central London connections.