Food & Drink
Food & Drink in Islington: The Ultimate Local Guide to Restaurants, Cafés, Bars & Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for the best food and drink in Islington, you’re in the right place.
From candle-lit neighbourhood bistros to late-night ramen joints, wine bars tucked down side streets and lively brunch cafés along Upper Street, Islington has quietly become one of North London’s most exciting dining neighbourhoods.
This guide brings together the best restaurants, cafés, pubs, brunch spots and cocktail bars across Islington and nearby areas including Angel, Highbury, Clerkenwell, King’s Cross and Dalston.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed Sunday lunch, hunting for the best brunch in Angel or looking for a great bar before theatre at Sadler’s Wells or the Almeida Theatre, our Islington Local Guide food hub connects you to the best places to eat and drink.
This page acts as the central hub for all our food and drink articles, helping you discover the latest openings, neighbourhood favourites and hidden gems across North and East London.
Why Islington Is One of London’s Best Areas for Food & Drink
Islington’s dining scene has evolved dramatically over the last decade.
Today the borough is known for its mix of independent restaurants, modern gastropubs, global cuisine and creative cocktail bars, with Upper Street and Angel forming the heart of the action.
Food lovers can discover everything from Mediterranean brunch cafés and Japanese sushi bars to Michelin-recommended restaurants and classic British pubs.
The area’s popularity also comes from its mix of local markets, theatre culture and vibrant nightlife, making it one of the best places in London for dinner followed by drinks or live music.
Within a short walk you can explore:
- Camden Passage restaurants
- Chapel Market street food
- Upper Street cocktail bars
- Angel brunch cafés
- Clerkenwell wine bars
- Dalston’s late-night eateries
Markets like Chapel Market near Angel have been feeding locals for generations, selling fresh produce and street food while attracting residents and visitors alike.
In short: Islington isn’t just somewhere to eat — it’s somewhere to explore.
Explore the Best Food & Drink in Islington
Below you’ll find our curated guides to the best places to eat and drink across Islington and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Each guide is researched and written locally to help you discover places worth visiting.
Best Restaurants in Islington
Islington’s restaurant scene is one of the most diverse in North London.
Within a few streets you’ll find everything from neighbourhood pasta spots to modern British kitchens and globally inspired menus.
Dining hotspots include:
- Upper Street
- Angel
- Camden Passage
- Islington Green
- Exmouth Market
- Clerkenwell
Restaurants here range from casual neighbourhood eateries to Michelin-recommended kitchens such as The Drapers Arms, Bellanger and The Tamil Prince.
Expect everything from:
• handmade pasta
• modern British seasonal menus
• Mediterranean sharing plates
• Japanese sushi counters
• innovative vegan dining
👉 Read our full guide
Best Restaurants in Islington
Best Brunch in Islington
Weekend brunch is practically a ritual in Islington.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings the cafés around Angel, Highbury and Camden Passage fill with locals ordering flat whites, eggs Benedict and stacks of pancakes.
Brunch hotspots include:
- Camden Passage cafés
- Upper Street brunch spots
- Highbury neighbourhood cafés
- Finsbury Park brunch restaurants
Popular brunch restaurants around Angel include Mediterranean cafés and neighbourhood favourites serving poached eggs, fresh pastries and seasonal brunch menus.
👉 Explore our guide
Best Brunch in Islington
Best Pubs & Sunday Roasts in Islington
Islington has some of the best gastropubs in North London.
Many traditional pubs here have been transformed into excellent dining destinations serving modern British food and exceptional Sunday roasts.
Expect:
- slow-roast beef
- Yorkshire puddings
- seasonal vegetables
- craft beers and natural wines
Neighbourhood favourites include:
- historic Upper Street pubs
- canalside pubs near Regent’s Canal
- cosy Highbury locals
👉 Explore our guide
Best Sunday Roasts in Islington
Cocktail Bars & Late-Night Drinks
Islington is also a great place for a night out.
Angel and Upper Street are packed with cocktail bars, late-night lounges and stylish wine bars where you can start — or end — your evening.
You’ll find:
• speakeasy cocktail bars
• rooftop drinks spots
• craft beer taprooms
• neighbourhood wine bars
The nightlife scene stretches from Angel through to Dalston and Shoreditch, meaning there’s always somewhere open late.
👉 Read our guide
Coolest Late Night Bars in Islington
Best Cafés & Coffee Shops in Islington
Islington is home to some fantastic independent cafés.
Perfect for remote working, catching up with friends or simply enjoying a quiet morning coffee, these cafés are dotted across neighbourhoods including:
- Angel
- Highbury
- Clerkenwell
- Dalston
- Finsbury Park
Expect:
• speciality coffee
• artisan pastries
• brunch menus
• relaxed neighbourhood vibes
👉 Explore our guide
Best Cafés in Islington
Food Markets & Street Food
If you prefer street food and casual dining, Islington has plenty of options.
One of the most famous is Chapel Market, a historic street market near Angel selling fruit, vegetables, food stalls and local produce.
Nearby markets and food hubs include:
- Urban Food Fest (weekends)
- Exmouth Market food stalls
- King’s Cross street food markets
- Dalston street food vendors
Markets are some of the best places to experience London’s multicultural food scene in one place.
Hidden Gem in Islington
Some of the best restaurants in Islington aren’t the obvious ones.
Across quiet side streets and tucked-away neighbourhood corners you’ll find small independent restaurants loved by locals.
These hidden gems often include:
- family-run restaurants
- neighbourhood wine bars
- cosy bistros
- creative chef-led kitchens
Our guides regularly highlight new openings and under-the-radar spots worth discovering.
👉 Explore our section
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Islington
Food & Drink Near Angel Station
Angel is the epicentre of Islington’s restaurant scene.
Within minutes of the station you’ll find dozens of restaurants covering cuisines from across the world, making it one of the easiest places in London to find somewhere great to eat.
Expect everything from:
- Mediterranean brunch spots
- sushi restaurants
- Italian trattorias
- gastropubs
- cocktail bars
Many theatre-goers also dine here before visiting nearby venues like:
- Almeida Theatre
- Sadler’s Wells Theatre
- King’s Head Theatre
👉 Read our guide
Where to Eat Near Angel Station
Food & Drink Across North & East London
While Islington is our main focus, we also cover restaurants and bars across neighbouring areas including:
- King’s Cross
- Shoreditch
- Hoxton
- Dalston
- Hackney
- Clerkenwell
- Finsbury Park
Each neighbourhood has its own food culture — from Dalston’s late-night eateries to Clerkenwell’s wine bars and King’s Cross’s modern restaurants.
Our guides help you explore the best places across the wider North and East London food scene.
New Restaurant Openings in Islington
London’s restaurant scene changes constantly.
That’s why we regularly cover:
• new restaurant openings
• chef-led pop-ups
• new cafés and bakeries
• cocktail bar launches
These updates help locals discover the newest places to eat before they become widely known.
Why Trust Islington Local Guide
Islington Local Guide is a North and East London discovery platform dedicated to helping locals and visitors explore the best of the area.
Our guides focus on:
• locally researched recommendations
• independent businesses
• neighbourhood discoveries
• real dining experiences
Unlike large national directories, our content focuses specifically on Islington and nearby North London neighbourhoods, helping readers find places worth visiting.
Our coverage includes:
- restaurants
- cafés
- bars
- markets
- nightlife
- local events
Every guide is designed to help people discover the real food scene across Islington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants in Islington?
Islington has a diverse restaurant scene including gastropubs, modern European restaurants and international cuisine. Popular areas include Upper Street, Angel and Exmouth Market.
Where is the best brunch in Islington?
Angel and Camden Passage are some of the best areas for brunch, with cafés serving Mediterranean-style brunch menus, speciality coffee and pastries.
Are there good pubs in Islington for Sunday roast?
Yes. Islington is known for excellent gastropubs offering traditional Sunday roasts with modern seasonal cooking.
What food markets are in Islington?
Chapel Market near Angel is one of the best-known markets in the area, offering produce and street food stalls.
Discover More Food & Drink in Islington
If you want to explore more restaurants, cafés and bars, browse our latest food and drink guides below.
👉 Explore all articles in our
Food & Drink section