London Archway Restaurant Guide

“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.

“Still one of the best gastropubs in North London”, this Archway tavern “bounced back” from the pandemic and “the food remains as interestingly reliable as ever”. It’s a “lovely place for a treat”, especially under the “beautiful vaulted ceiling in the dining room” (originally built as a ballroom).

“Bringing the greasy spoon into the 21st century – Norman’s hits the spot of traditional British food with top-notch ingredients at bargain prices”. Chefs Elliot Kaye and Richard Hayes ditched jobs at Leroy and Lyle’s in 2020 to open this Tufnell Park café, complete with gingham curtains and a classic photo of Bobby Moore holding aloft the Jules Rimet trophy – it is one of the few places on earth where you can have ham, two eggs and chips washed down by a negroni or a skin-contact wine. “The queues around the corner says it all. Get there early to secure a table!”

“Two minutes’ walk from Archway tube”, this “tiny Italian” comes “recommended for its homemade pasta and specials” and “delicious Italian sourdough pizza”, all delivered by “polite and considerate staff”. Top Menu Tip – “the olives Ascolana appetiser – fried breadcrumbed green olives stuffed with minced meat”.