Eat The Tube: Best Restaurants Near Highbury & Islington
For this edition of Eat The Tube, we’re heading North to Highbury & Islington, a food oasis that has a legitimate claim to have London’s best Italian, Indian and Malaysian restaurants. We’ve rounded up eleven of the best spots under a 15-minute walk from the station, many of which double up as unofficial Arsenal support clubs on match day. Scroll down to see these spots mapped out.
The Tamil Prince
One of the city’s favourite Indian spots, the Tamil Prince serves up an incredible spread of delights. More on the restaurant side than its sister spot, The Tamil Crown, expect classics like masala dosa, paneer butter masala and whole Tawa grilled sea bream. Best enjoyed with a pint or cardamom-infused cocktails. As of recently, you can also get yourself a traditional South Indian breakfast – we’re talking madhu vadai, dosas, filter coffee, and all the classic favourites.
where: 16 Elia Street, London, N1 1bz
Website: www.thetamilcrown.com
Tofu Vegan
Thought you hated tofu? Think again. Here to prove that tofu is as versatile as your average cut of meat is Tofu Vegan.
The menu is entirely plant-based and centres around (you guessed it) the misrepresented block of tofu. Their dynamic team comprises chefs from Sichuan, the Cantonese south of China, and the northeastern Dongbei region, resulting in a menu packed with an exciting range of flavours and tastes.
Here to prove that tofu is as versatile as your average cut of meat
A staple table order has to be the wontons in their special house sauce. Spicy and delicious, you’ll want to lick up every last speck of the sauce.
where: 105 Upper St, London N1 1qn
Website: www.tofuvegan.com
Rake at Compton Arms
Since January, Rake has held a long-term kitchen residency at The Compton Arms, serving restorative British fare. The Compton Arms has garnered a reputation for incubating some of London’s brightest chef talent, from Four Legs, who now have Tollingtons and The Plimsoll, to Tiella.
The focus, among other produce, is on whole-beast butchery and sustainable Cornish fish. Think dishes like beer-battered cockles and clams, beef ribeye and onion rings, steamed crab claw, laverbread & bacon and St Emilion tart.
where: Compton Arms, 4 Compton Ave, London N1 2xd
Website: www.comptonarms.co.uk
Draper’s Arms
This neighbourhood spot also happens to be one of the best Gastropubs in the country
This neighbourhood spot also happens to be one of the best Gastropubs in the country – it was named as the 40th best by the Gastropub Academy. Expect European-leaning fare like suet crust bourguignon pie, smoked hummus with pickled chilli and short rib croquette alongside classic British dishes like slow-cooked lamb shoulder and arguably London’s best chips.
where: 44 Barnsbury St, London N1 1er
Website: www.thedrapersarms.com
Shambal Shiok
One of London’s finest Malaysian restaurants, owner Mandy Yin founded Sambal Shiok back in 2013, and it has gone from strength to strength since then.
Of course, Laksa is a must here – their signature laksa is based on a
‘Campur’ style laksa found in Malacca, a cross between Kuala Lumpur’s curry laksa and Penang’s fiery assam laksa. Start with either a mild or hot broth, and customise from there.
where: 171 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LX
website: www.shambalshiok.co.uk
Xi’an Impression
This small Chinese spot has achieved cult status in North London, especially among Arsenal fans – it sits directly opposite the Emirates Stadium. It can fuel optimism pre-game, enhance joy post-win, or help ease the pain post-loss.
Try classic dishes like Biang Biang hand-pulled noodles, dumplings with special Xi’an sauce, and their liangpi cold noodles.
This small Chinese spot has achieved cult status in North London, especially among Arsenal fans
where: 117 Benwell Rd, London N7 7bw
Website: www.xian-impressions.com
Prawn on the Lawn
Fishmongers by trade, the team at POTL mean business when it comes to seafood and has built up one of Islington’s best-loved restaurants. With no actual lawn in sight and a lot more to offer than just prawns, they specialise in small and sharing plates, from cod with feta, dill, mint, basil and pine nuts to lemon sole dripping in ‘nduja butter and tarragon. Then there are oysters from all over the British Isles, whole grilled fish for the table and the signature POTL fruits de mer (served chilled on ice).
where: 292 – 294 St Paul’s Road, London N1 2lh
Website: www.prawnonthelawn.com
Zia Lucia
Zia Lucia’s unique variety of Italian 48-hour slow-fermented doughs is inspired by ancient traditions brought from Italy to London. The recipes range from the traditional flour dough to an unusual vegetable charcoal black base, from a healthy wholemeal option to special dough made without gluten.
Choose from four different types of dough, and now there are four different London sites in Islington, Kensington, Aldgate, and Wandsworth. Plus, don’t forget to stay afterwards for the Tiramisu.
where: 157 Holloway Rd, London N7 8lx
Website: www.zialucia.co.uk
Smokehouse
Smokehouse manages to achieve the rarest of rare things – put on a pub roast that’s better than your own. Their smoky take on the British classics, such as Tamworth pork belly, smoked whole Cotswolds white chicken, and 52-day-aged Charles Ashbridge Hereford beer sirloin, is seriously good and uses the best produce Britain has to offer. Book a table inside for a buzzy feel or outside on the leafy terrace when the sun’s shining.
where: Smokehouse, 63–69 Canonbury Road, Islington, London, N1 2dg
Website: www.smokehouseislington.co.uk
Trullo
A local favourite since opening its doors in 2010, Trullo is home to the finest seasonally focused, Italian-inspired menu. With dishes changing daily, the menu always boasts something new, different and vibrant.
Located in Highbury East, Trullo’s interiors are simple, with a mix of industrial thrown in. Handmade fresh pasta is a menu staple, whatever the season, alongside heroes changing dishes freshly prepared from their very own charcoal grill.
where: 300-302 St Paul’s Road, Highbury East, N1 2lh
Website: www.trullorestaurant.com
