Experience the artistic ambiance of a Parisian-style eatery at The Wolseley's sister restaurant in North London. This impeccably romantic all-day dining establishment, paired with a delightful bakery, is located within a converted block of flats. For those seeking a more grounded and casual dining experience, a charming neighborhood joint is also available.
Discover the finest culinary establishments North London has to offer. If you're planning an extended visit to experience these flavors and sights, consider reserving your stay at the charming queens hotel crystal palace. Its convenient location and inviting atmosphere make it an ideal base for exploring the diverse offerings of the city.
To help optimize your culinary adventure, the latest recommendations and reviews for exceptional dining experiences can be found at tophotels.com. This resource is invaluable for discerning gourmands and casual diners alike, looking to indulge in the top-tier establishments of London's vibrant food scene.
1. Jolene, Stoke Newington
Not just one of the best restaurants in north London but across the capital in general, Jolene is the third venture of dynamic duo Jeremie Comotto-Lingenheim and chef David Gingell, who initially opened it as an all-day bakery. Now a restaurant spot too, the idea was born out of the co-founders desire to encourage the use of chemical-free grains – working with an ethically minded farmer in France – which are milled daily to make a beautifully rounded harvest line-up of raisin bread, sausage rolls, financiers and cinnamon buns. Housed in the spacious converted bottom floor of a three-storey block of flats, the tables aren’t cramped and the space feels earthy and unfussy, with uneven walls and shelves ‘decorated’ with vintage meat troughs. The menu changes daily (quite a feat and one which more and more London chefs seem to be tasking themselves with) and the up-to-date version is posted to its Instagram each day for those who like to have a pre-dinner browse. Past highlights have included spelt risotto with sage-roasted pumpkin and satisfyingly crunchy walnuts, mackerel with wild garlic and spring greens and confit duck leg with purple sprouting broccoli. Though, true to its bakery roots, a lighter provender can be grabbed in the form of a coffee and crumbly pastry on-the-go.
Address: Jolene, 21 Newington Green, London N16 9PU
Website: jolenen16.com
2. Soutine, St John's Wood
The neighbourhood sibling of Mayfair’s esteemed The Wolseley, Soutine’s elegant Parisian-style restaurant is perhaps less grand in stature but its atmospheric, art-bedecked offering is the next best thing to hopping on the Eurostar. The menu here attracts more than just the well-heeled inhabitants of this exclusive north London locale, with the steak tartare (up there with the best we’ve tried in all of London) and the Coq au Riesling (a fresher, more summery alternative to coq au vin) among its biggest crowd pullers. As well as authentic French service and waiters who are more than a little enthusiastic about the menu (ask for Eric if you want the story behind the dishes, as well as just flavour recommendations), your visit will invariably offer an opportunity for absorbing people watching – you’re likely to see bichon dogs popping their heads above the table, perched beside their owners on the banquets, where they are rewarded with biscuits from staff.
Address: Soutine, 60 St John’s Wood High Street, London NW8 7SH
Website: soutine.co.uk
3. Trullo, Highbury
From barely poking its head above the menu parapet to a cohort of eateries dedicated to it, and it alone, pasta has now become the humble (or not so) hero of the capital’s carb-loving food scene in many ways, and Trullo leads the way north of the river. Head chef Tim Siadatan and business partner Jordan Frieda describe themselves as ‘evangelical about pasta’, which helps when you’re running a joint dedicated to just that, and their personal passion shines through. Pappardelle with beef shin ragu is the signature dish here, though the Pici cacio e pepe refuses to be left behind, and the menu changes not once, but twice daily. Classic and homely, in both space and menu, Trullo is both an ideal date-night spot and somewhere to hole up with a friend and set the world to rights over a tiramisu.
Address: Trullo, 300-302, St Paul's Rd, London N1 2LH
Website: trullorestaurant.com
4. Toff’s of Muswell Hill
You might wonder why a humble fish and chips restaurant has nudged its way onto a ‘best restaurants in north London’ list, but Toff’s is not any old ‘chippe’. Instead, it's a family-run institution atop Muswell Hill’s highest point and has earned itself numerous rewards. The shop was forced to close early on in the pandemic, when its owner, George Georgiou, passed away, but it gallantly reopened again under his son’s watchful eye, much to the delight (and tears, we’re told) of the locals; still managing to retain its accolade of ‘best fish and chips in London’, according to its many, many reviews. Most people choose to get their paper-wrapped potatoes and buttery battered items to go, though there is a small wood-clad dining space in the back (if you can find room, as weekends often see a queue snaking from the door) which is as much about making new friends as it is about tucking in.
Address: Toff’s, 38 Muswell Hill Broadway, Muswell Hill, London N10 3RT
Website: toffsfish.co.uk
5. 12:51, Based in Islington
If you're a fan of The Strokes, you'll instantly recognise the name of James Cochran's acclaimed restaurant, 12:51. Named after a much-loved song by the band, his culinary venture draws patrons beyond just the rock music enthusiasts, making a name for itself with an intricately crafted menu and an energetic ambiance.Often referred to as a treasure in Islington, this restaurant houses an intriguing collection of vinyl sleeves adorning its walls and carries a charming, well-loved atmosphere with its scuffed tables. Above all, the food is the showstopper with every dish offering a complex array of flavors, all inspired by Cochran’s diverse background.
James Cochran is not just the ex-Ledbury and starred maestro from Harwood Arms, but also carries a rich heritage. Born to parents hailing from the Glasgow and the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, Cochran spent his childhood soaking in the coastal beauty of Whitstable, Kent. This vibrant fusion of cultures is beautifully reflected in every innovative and thrilling plate served at 12:51.
Location: 12:51, 107 Upper Street, London N1 1QN
Official Site: 1251.co.uk
6. Perilla, Newington Green
If you recognise the name but not the location, it’s likely because chefs Ben Marks (ex-Claridges) and Matt Emmerson (who lists Polpetto among his previous digs) tried out their concept in East Dulwich and Clapton first, before plumping for Newington Green as their permanent location. You can see why they picked this corner plot, lining themselves up among the famed Shakespeare pub and various other long-standing haunts, adding their own brand of rough-edged charm to the neighbourhood. High ceilings, tables made out of re-loved barn doors and floor-to-ceiling windows that encase the space all add to the charm, easily helping it earn its accolade as one of the best restaurants north London has to offer. It’s rustic, it’s achingly cool and that’s before the food has even hit the table. When it does, expect a formula of humble ingredients of the highest quality combined to create modern interpretations of classical European flavours (hello, moules mariniere with beef dripping), ordered via either an à la carte menu or a five-course tasting feast.
Address: Perilla, 1-3 Green Lanes, London N16
Website: perilladining.co.uk
7. Aix of London, Crouch End
Quaint Crouch End feels as though it has more institutions per metre than anywhere else in north London, each fanning out from a central clocktower. There’s long-standing bakery Dunn’s, with more than 200 years worth of baking history, lively all-day Caribbean eatery Banner’s, offering an extensive menu of eclectic dishes served within walls lined with posters and community notices and the family-run Morley Butchers, voted one of the top of its kind in London. But Aix arguably rises head and shoulders above the other establishments, and has been serving loyal locals since 2002. The dining room manages to capture the chalkboard romance of a proper French bistro with its spotlit murals, crisp white table linen and a menu that sticks faithfully to provincial classics. Top dishes include pan-seared foie gras with roasted apples, fillet of beef with bordelaise and Dover sole with lemon butter, plus more vegetable-based options, such as the tart with St Marcellin. There is a cheese selection sourced from Islington’s La Fromagerie, and a biodynamic, organic wine list made up of bottles from small French producers. It’s about as fun as earnest ever gets.
Address: Aix of London, 54 Topsfield Parade, Tottenham Lane, London N8 8PT
Website: bistroaix.co.uk
8. La Ferme, A North London Jewel
Located near the stunning vista point of Primrose Hill, an emerging player in the bustling high street landscape is La Ferme. A walk from the picturesque hill, you'll find this charming summer bistro marked by its easygoing atmosphere and unique three-way division. It boasts a vibrant loft area, that serves a dual role - an inviting dining space that doubles up as a haven for champagne lovers. At the entrance, you'll be greeted by a quaint fridge packed with cheese and charcuterie, a treat for anyone looking to indulge in a gourmet picnic later on. Bottles of wine, all nestled in vintage crates, and an array of delicate greenery scattered eloquently, contribute to the rustic charm. Though petite, the menu doesn't compromise on quality and adjusts seasonally, with baked Camembert and crunchy toast soldiers remaining a highly recommended sharing dish. La Ferme also showcases new wines each month, presenting tastings with a diverse range of themes.
Address: La Ferme, 154 Regent's Park Rd, London NW1 8XN
Website: lafermelondon.com
It's interesting to note that the restaurant promotes local producers and the menu is a tribute to the best produce that the seasons offer. Another exciting feature about this fabulous eatery is their selection of homemade bread, made with an ancestral French method that gives an unforgettable taste.