This is the original London restaurant from Jeremie Cometto-Lingenheim and David Gingell (also behind Jolene and Westerns Laundry). The converted car garage is a Canonbury institution, but the success of the group’s most recent openings has only made it even more of a destination. A dreamy local celebration of British ingredients with a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

In a former laundrette in a slightly obscure corner of Highbury is the fishy sibling of north London favourites Primeur and Jolene. The old industrial block space is dominated by communal tables, the menu by the Cornish catch of the day – from mussels to monkfish. A banger of a neighbourhood restaurant in a previously overlooked enclave.

A lively neighbourhood joint co-founded by the Three Sheets guys, with a short bistro menu and lots of natural wine. The online Shop Cuvee, born during the pandemic, is still the best destination for the prettiest bottle gifts, but head to the restaurant to chat to friendly staff who will happily guide you through the largely French wine list. Take their pick and then get stuck into plates of charcuterie, pickles and bread.

People make a pilgrimage from south London to slurp bowls of spicy soup in this tiny Chinese canteen – few foods are more restorative than its slippery hand-pulled biang biang noodles. Regulars will go for the cold sesame version paired with lots of pork and seaweed pot-sticker dumplings. Quick, easy and affordable, it’s a brilliant insider address.