Harden's survey result
Summary
This “neighbourhood gem” near Archway (named in tribute to the tiny Fiat 500) is a “truly brilliant family-run Italian” with an “ambience that takes you back in time”. Opened in 2007 by chef Mario Magli, it’s “still a go-to for a top-notch Italian meal”, with “imaginative food and the feeling that the owner really cares”. Its fan club is more-than-local, and numerous best meals of the year are reported here.
Summary
Near Archway, this “great little local” (named after the diminutive Fiat Cinquecento) is both “reliable and good value”. It may “feel a tad old school”, but chef-patron Mario Magli and his team serve up “wonderful food with love and enthusiasm”. (“I have had many meals here with friends and it has always been delightful and an example of how delicious Italian cooking can be”.)
Summary
“This gem of a restaurant” near Archway “doesn’t look like much – tables are too close and it can be noisy” – but don’t be put off: you’ll find “excellent, inventive Italian food” and “always great service – I travel across London for a meal here”. Milanese-born chef-patron Mario Mugli named it after the small but perfectly formed Fiat Cinquecento.
Summary
This “proper neighbourhood gem” near Archway “fully deserves its loyal following” for the “exceptional Italian food and wonderful service” it provides. Inspired by the diminutive Fiat Cinquecento, it was founded 15 years ago by Milanese-born chef Mario Magli, who previously worked under Jamie Oliver’s mentor, Gennaro Contaldo.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at 500?
782 Holloway Rd, London, N19 3JH
Restaurant details
500 Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A good neighbourhood restaurant with friendly staff. Traditional trattoria dishes sometimes with a twist. "
"500 is a treasure. Family run, true Italian, puddings to die fo. One of London's secret treasures"
"small well judged place, short but interesting wine list, full flavoured food (excellent sea bass with braised fennel). Decor simple but rightly has lots of regulars. Proper food local restaurant."
"A friendly neighbourhood restaurant. Very accommodating with small children! Well executed trattoria fare - the homemade pasta and chocolate mousse were the highlights. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £21.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
782 Holloway Rd, London, N19 3JH
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
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