London Finsbury Park Restaurant Guide

“Crowded, buzzy and fun” – this “atypical Italian” (“one of the waiters even breaks into operatic arias”) “round the back of Finsbury Park station is a real neighbourhood gem”. “Owned and run by the incredibly friendly and attentive Paola”, its “cuisine ranges across Neapolitan and southern Italian in general and is totally unpretentious – it could be described as a little rustic”. “No dish disappoints but to nit-pick, the menu hardly changes”.

“Delicious thin-crust pizzas” win consistently high ratings for this 10-strong chain across north, east and south London. They are a socially conscious bunch who contributed 8,000 meals to NHS staff during the pandemic.

“Tasty, good-value noodles” in a “relaxed environment” make this 12-year-old London chain (14 branches, plus Brighton and Brum) “worth a visit”. The “ramen is deep and fabulous” if “limited in range (no fish-based dishes except prawn)”, and is augmented by “quite acceptable katsu curry”. Aficionados should head to the Haggerston branch to watch the noodles being made.

“Legendary Dexter cheeseburgers and well-flavoured small plates” of “delicious, unfussy grub” hit the jackpot at this “crowded Finsbury Park local” near the old Arsenal stadium, “if you want to eat down-to-earth cooking, served up with charm in a proper boozer”. “With the exception of the burgers the menu changes constantly”, and “attention is on the food not the decor” – although the ‘Four Legs’ duo, Jamie Allan & Ed McIlroy, did strip out the previous incarnation’s Oirish-themed interior before launching here two years ago.

Opening June in a former Finsbury Park chippy, a Spanish-inspired seafood spot from Four Legs, the team behind The Plimsoll nearby. Expect casual drinks and standing bites at the front bar and restaurant seating at the back.