The best hidden gem restaurants in North London right now (in 2024)

Looking for the next best food in London – and want to get there before the TikTok trends? These mouth-watering North London eateries should be on every foodie’s radar. If you’re on the hunt for hidden gem restaurants in North London, you’ve come to the right place. 

Though North London’s food scene is sometimes overlooked, these underrated dining spots will have you ready to relocate to Angel – or thanking your stars that you’re already here. Local favourites? Check. Unmatched ambiance? Check. On the Northern Line? Check, check, check! Whether your stomach’s growling for the Mediterranean or you’re hankering for a British classic, this list has something for everyone. 

Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in North London:

• The Blue Legume – Mediterranean cuisine in Islington

• El Rincón – Latin American fusion in Holloway

• Margo’s at The Dally – Twists on well-loved classics in Islington

  
  

The Blue Legume, Islington

Mediterranean, 177 Upper St, Islington, N1 1RG

Can’t wait for that Barcelona trip to get out of the group chat? The Blue Legume, a cosy restaurant nestled in the heart of Islington, will transport you straight to the Med – no planning involved. The exposed brick walls and breezy atmosphere have a definite continental chic that will make you feel like you’re on holiday already. And from crispy fried calamari to creamy moussaka, everything on the menu is an absolute treat, with flairs of Spanish, Greek, and Italian flavour. The vegan falafel salad is unbelievably refreshing, and a total treat when washed down with a Margarita from the cocktail menu. I’ve also got it on good authority that you can’t miss the pan-roasted salmon with tender spinach and baby potatoes. As they say in Spain, deliciosa! It’s a definite yes from me. 

Book through the StoriBoard Dinner Club and get 25% off your meal!

El Rincón, Holloway

Latin American Fusion, 235 Holloway Rd, London N7 8HG

If fusion cooking is your thing, you’ve got to check out El Rincón in Holloway – a blend of Latin American, British and European dishes with a flavourful, home-cooked charm. A family-run business that opened 23 years ago, El Rincón is the favourite neighbourhood haunt among Holloway locals, and the perfect way to tantalise your tastebuds without breaking the bank. Mains start at an affordable £9.50, but it’s hard to hold back from indulging in a starter too: the feta cheese and watermelon salad is divine, and perfectly pairs with the avocado and mango shrimp. Or, if you’re on a date, you can’t go wrong with a sharing platter for two – if you’ve always wanted to try octopus, now’s your chance! Service is friendly, and the owners are happy to explain specials of the day or provide guidance on the menu. If you’re looking for tasty, honest food that suits a wide range of food preferences, El Rincón is your new go-to. 

Book through the StoriBoard Dinner Club and get 25% off your meal!

Margo’s at The Dally, Islington

Mediterranean, 181 Upper St, London N1 1RQ

Relatively hidden in a restored townhouse on Islington’s bustling Upper Street, Margo’s at The Dally is the place to eat for foodies looking for the next big thing. Head Chef Stefano Cirillo trained in France at the Michelin-starred restaurant The Belle Rives – and his menu at Margo’s absolutely proves it! Expect playful twists on classic, well-loved flavours, artfully crafted with fresh, seasonal produce. The roasted aubergine is a modern take on the traditional Ottoman “imam bayildi”, with creamy cashew cheese, stewed onion and a dash of lemon that takes the smorgasbord mouthfeel to a whole new level. Or if you’re more of a meat-eater, the duck breast in a rich red wine, plum and dark rum sauce is an exquisite, refined flavour that will have you feeling like bona fide royalty. Margo’s is sure to be a smash-hit – so hurry, and get there before the Michelin inspectors!

Book through the StoriBoard Dinner Club and get 25% off your meal!

Want access to amazing discounts on restaurants in London?

Join the StoriBoard Dinner Club! Take our short, 5-minute quiz and get matched with 5 cool foodies like you. Then, you’ll get 25% off dinner together at a local hidden-gem! It’s an incredible way to meet new people and discover great food at don’t-mind-if-I-do prices. 

Miranda Stephenson is a Marketing Executive at StoriBoard.