Highbury & Islington isn’t the neighbourhood shouting for foodie attention, but that’s kind of its charm. It’s low-key, a little scruffy in places, and quietly full of spots that surprise you when you least expect it. The sort of area where you wander in for a bite and end up finding a new favourite without really trying.
Lupa
Nestled at 73 Highbury Park, Lupa is a fresh, cozy trattoria co‑owned by Carousel’s Ed Templeton and Theo James – yes, that Theo James (if you don’t know he starred in Divergent) – and designed to feel like an Italian provincial dream. Think lime-washed walls, terracotta tones, and handmade ceramics. Chef Naz Hassan turns out carbonara, cacio e pepe, carciofi alla romana, and more, with a chill yet elevated touch. And because tradition matters: match‑day porchetta‑sandwich takeaways? Absolutely.
Trullo
Trullo’s been holding it down since 2010 and still feels like the go-to Italian around here. No reservations, just handmade pasta, that beef-shin ragu everyone talks about, and a cosy open kitchen doing its thing. Candlelight, comfort, and food that’s been raved about in The Guardian and the FT (and now us). It’s worth checking out.
The Tamil Prince
Half pub, half Indian kitchen, The Tamil Prince has basically cracked the code on comfort food. Roti, masala dosa, grilled sea bream – it’s all there, plus cocktails that actually feel like a treat (rosewater + cardamom rum, say less). The space still feels like a proper neighbourhood pub – wood panelling, pints on tap – but the menu flips it into something way more interesting. You can go for dinner and stay for shots, that’s a nonchalant type of night out.
Sambal Shiok
Sambal Shiok is Holloway Road’s not-so-secret Malaysian gem. The laksa is the main event—rich, spicy, coconutty broth with just the right kick, pulled straight from Malacca-style tradition. It’s messy, comforting, and borderline addictive in the best way. Pair it with their fried chicken (crisp perfection) or a gado gado salad if you’re feeling a little lighter. The space itself is casual but buzzing – always full, always fragrant, always worth the queue.
Tofu Vegan
Tofu Vegan is the spot that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about plant-based food. It’s Chinese, it’s all vegan, and half the time you forget you’re eating tofu because the flavours are that bold – spicy, sweet, savoury, all hitting at once. The wontons in house sauce are a must, but the menu goes way beyond: sizzling mock-meat hot pots, rich aubergine dishes, and plates that arrive looking like comfort food but taste like a revelation. Good date spot for a carnivore who is dating a vegan and wants to impress (and we are not talking from experience..).
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Smokehouse Islington
Smoked pork belly, whole chicken, 52‑day‑aged sirloin. Smokehouse Islington is hearty without the heaviness, a proper roast but with that slow-smoked edge. Inside it’s all rustic charm- wood beams, low light, pints flowing – while outside, the leafy terrace is where Sundays tend to disappear once the weather behaves.
The Nook
The Nook took over the old Linden Stores space and turned it into a cosy Turkish-Mediterranean hangout that feels instantly familiar. The food’s bright and unfussy – crispy courgette dolma, burrata with almondy samphire, plates that taste like summer even in February.
Nonchalant xx
Babs heads up Logistics and Product here at Nonchalant Magazine.
