Islington has been a pioneer for many areas of the capital because of its noticeable transformation into the vibrant, diverse, and exciting cultural hub that it now represents. During the second half of the 20th century, Islington used its proximity to Central London as a hook to attract creative professionals to live in the area. Inevitably, they began to build a neighbourhood that suited the lifestyles that they wanted to experience and so a booming night-time and leisure economy started to flourish here with bars and restaurants popping up in between the grand houses and businesses of this vital part of North London. Now, there are hundreds of amazing restaurants to choose from that could often make planning for the ultimate Islington visit a tedious task.
Our guide to a selection of the very best will help you navigate through everything on offer to find the pick of places and menus that are perfect for you.
Caravel
Caravel is a converted barge permanently moored on the Regents Canal that offers the chance to dine below deck for a truly unique experience on the water. Everything is simple and uncluttered with neat décor and furnishings that make the most of the limitations upon the space for a cosy feel whatever time of year. The compact and incredibly efficient kitchen at the back of the boat is where this family of famous foodies dreams up some delicious delights for their seasonal menu. The owners here are brothers Fin and Lorcan Spiteri who have a fine heritage from their parents Jon and Michelle, the founders of Session Arts Club and Rochell Canteen respectively. Small plates are the perfect way to share, or start, with some particular highlights coming from the exquisitely delicate potato roti with sour cream and caviar. The wonderfully robust mains such as rabbit and pork rillettes, pickled endive, and sourdough ensure that your dinner time voyage will leave you feeling satisfied without ever actually setting sail.
12:51
12:51 is the signature restaurant created by the celebrated and award-winning chef, James Cochran, twice winner of the coveted BBC Great British Menu. With a mixed heritage from Scottish and Caribbean parents, it’s from 12:51 that he now creates his own unique combination of exciting and innovative flavours. The place itself exudes the cool expected from such an iconic place in the trendy enclaves of modern London, with a soundtrack of laid back tunes and attentive service full of warm charm and charisma. The taster menus of 5 or 8 courses are where the food really has the chance to impress through some thrilling flavour combinations such as chilled courgette soup with cured chalk stream trout and apple, and the roast hogget with a turnip & miso emulsion, salt-baked turnip, and spring onion. A delightful drinks pairing menu is also an option that can make the night go with a real swing. Be sure to take home a jar of their famous Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam while you are there too.
Prawn on the Lawn
Prawn on the Lawn is the charmingly named eatery on St. Paul’s Road that has long been kept a bit of a secret by those who have been coming here for a while. After spending an evening here, you will see why people want to keep it all for themselves . This was originally a much smaller concern as a fishmongers and seafood bar that eventually got so popular it evolved into the fully fledged restaurant that now serves Islington so well. The signature dish of smashed avocado on toast with grilled prawns on top, which this place takes its name from, is definitely a menu highlight to be enjoyed during your visit. All seafood here is sourced directly from the best fish markets in Devon and Cornwall to ensure that the ingredients are responsibly procured and daily fresh for every item on the menu. Prawn on the Lawn is fast becoming regarded as the best restaurant in all of Islington and consistently making the lists for the finest in London. Get down there while you can still book a table.
Westerns Laundry
Westerns Laundry is part of the emerging modern process of incorporating the history and heritage of the premises in the name, aesthetic, and overall atmosphere of a restaurant. For places in Islington there is such a fantastic variety of buildings and past stories to choose from, and what was once the garage of a commercial laundry provides the perfect foundation for Westerns Laundry. This is a romantic and intimate evening destination that has some spectacular seafood as its calling card. Langoustines with blush-pink Marie rose sauce and smoked eel atop pressed potato terrine are light, luxuriously tasty, and fantastically fresh options from a constantly changing menu that has been delighting its patrons for over a decade. Tucked away near Drayton Park station, Westerns Laundry is a treat for anybody visiting Islington who wants to be welcomed and wowed in equal measure.
Afghan Kitchen
Some places in Islington have seen the changes and developments come and go with the confidence that they don’t have to do anything differently to remain in style and attractive to discerning diners. Afghan Kitchen overlooking Islington Green is definitely in this category with its simple, compact, and clean décor of bright benches and worktops. The menu is created from 8 dishes, with a selection of 3 meat, 1 fish, and 4 vegetarian options that are all impeccable versions of succulent stews, hearty kebabs, and warming sauces that feel satisfyingly homemade. As you would expect from such a celebration of Afghanistan, there are also echoes of the Middle East and South Asia with a depth of flavours that use incredible herbs, spices, yoghurt, and mint to wonderful effects throughout. The premises and menu may appear straightforward here but the dishes themselves are out of this world.
Your Islington culinary odyssey is waiting for you, and with so much to offer, you may want to start planning a return visit before the first evening is complete. Why not make all five from our list a priority for date nights or family catch-ups this summer?
