Harden's survey result
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.
Summary
“Lovely, authentic and interesting Italian food” is on the menu at this “great neighbourhood restaurant” near Archway, named after the equally “small and fabulous” Fiat Cinquecento. Founder Mario Magli learned his chops under the late Antonio Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo, Jamie Oliver’s mentor, before setting up in his own right 12 years ago.
Summary
“Lovely, authentic and interesting Italian food” is on the menu at this “great neighbourhood restaurant” near Archway, named after the equally “small and fabulous” Fiat Cinquecento. Founder Mario Magli learned his chops under the late Antonio Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo, Jamie Oliver’s mentor, before setting up in his own right 12 years ago.
Summary
“Almost invisible from the outside”, this 10-year-old local near Archway “makes you feel like you’re in Italy” and serves “excellent Sardinian/Sicilian food”. The name is a tribute to founder chef Mario Magli’s favourite Fiat Cinquecento, and a nod to the minuscule proportions of the venue (“whose hard walls can make it noisy”).
For 31 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).
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Restaurant details
500 Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Up to usual very high standard"
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £21.00 |
Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
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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‑5 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
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