The Best Islington Restaurants

Embark on a wild dining and drinking adventure at Hoxley and Porter in Islington. Sporting turn-of-the-century-style interiors complete with mahogany furnishings, golden pineapple lamps, and palm print wallpapers, you'll be transported back to the 1890s in no time. As for the food, the menu is a mix of classic British dishes with international influences featuring delicacies like seafood risotto, chateaubriand and slow-cooked wild boar ragu, all with a twist of flavours from Asia and beyond.

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.

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.

Probably the quirkiest on our list and one of the best restaurants in Highbury and Islington, Karen's Diner is a blast from the past in the best way possible. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a retro wonderland decked out in checkered floors, vintage booths, and walls filled with classic movie posters and vibrant neon signs. Taking the classic "Karen" stereotype and turning it into a comical dining experience, the staff here channels their inner Karen, adding a bit of sass and humour to the service. They may roast you a little, but don't worry; it's all part of the fun and worth it for the fantastic spread of spicy chicken burgers, loaded nachos and Biscoff thickshakes.

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.

James Cochran's 12:51 restaurant in Islington offers modern British dining with a Caribbean twist. The menu features Kent-sourced produce and flavorful sharing plates, including a signature goat sharing board. The restaurant also serves organic wines and unique cocktails. Head down to revel in the contemporary ambience with rotating artwork and a classic funk, soul, and hip-hop playlist.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.