This understated noodle bar is a study in flavour, bringing together Malay and Chinese influences in the signature laksas. The soups are sour with a not- insignificant spicy kick (first timers should definitely stick to mild) and the Malaysian fried chicken is grease- free and crisp. An affordable midweek supper spot that never disappoints.

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.

With a chef from St. John and a multi-layered potato cake to rival The Quality Chop House, Saltine makes no secret about its inspiration. Founders Mat Appleton and Jess Blackstone are also behind north London mini coffee empire Fink’s. And while the exposed brick space is a little predictable, the genuine and charming staff maintain Saltine’s spot as a solid Highbury favourite.

There are lots of brilliant Italian restaurants in London but Trullo has inspired many of the newest iterations. The menu focuses on season and quality ingredients – be that Cornish squid, delica pumpkin or Sicilian pink grapefruits. All the pasta is made in house and paired with hearty flavours of golden garlic and marjoram or a classic beef shin ragù. Trullo’s low-key little sister is the smash- hit Padella (sites in Borough and Shoreditch) but this Islington original is the spot to linger in.