Cool Shit Happening in Islington this May

Food we like this month, but actually every month. We’re breaking our own terms by including this list of restaurants but we still want to highlight great food in Islington. These three places will be elite options based on our personal taste, but please tell us what are yours so we can highlight them as well. 

The Leconfield

Finding a great pub roast is tough these days. It feels like every Roast that’s on some best of list is overbooked every Sunday. I’m a bit reluctant to share then my recent fave, but it wouldn’t be fair to keep this intel inside. The Leconfield is hidden away under Clissold Park and as its closest public transport is the Canonbury Overground stop, it’s not the quickest to get to but that adds to its charm. It’s nothing overdressed or fancy, but with big tables to gather around with friends its the perfect place to enjoy food that tastes like it took real effort to make. Often I find the problem with a bad Sunday Roast is that the key ingredients sometimes taste like they were cooked all together and individual cooking times or preparation styles are ignored. Here the Yorkshire pudding could be its own dish as its that good. And the vegetables don’t taste like an afterthought but bring the fresh brightness you crave next to a dense meat based dish. Overall, when I’m craving a hearty roast I know that I won’t be disappointed by The Leconfield. 

Pizza Papagone 

Whether you’re a classic Margherita fan or prefer something a little more adventurous like the Diavola with spicy salami, Pizzeria Pappagone has got you covered. Truly what makes us keep coming back is the cozy atmosphere and friendly. But if you’re not in the mood to dine in, just like you’d imagine, Pizzeria Pappagone also offers delivery and takeaway options. One thing to note, is it can get quite busy, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation or plan to arrive early. All in all, if you’re looking for some top-notch pizza in North London, Pizzeria Pappagone is definitely worth a visit. Personally, I consider it the Godfather of North London Pizza. Just don’t blame me if you get hooked and find yourself coming back for more!

The Junction Market

With massive plates of pad thai or a deep bowls of tonkatsu ramen, you’ll definitely be satiated at The Junction Market. Small tables are crammed together in this market that should feel cramped but instead has the ambience of a cool Boxpark with food options from all over the world. I think what makes this food extra enjoyable to eat is that the staff clearly love sharing their culture in food. I’ll never forget when I asked, after recieving my food, how to say thank you in Thai, I was given a small piece of paper with “Kap khun ka” written out so I could try and pronounce it correctly. Having a simple human interaction like this can sometimes feel like a rarity in London where eye contact in most public situations is discouraged, but it’s the kind of atmosphere established by those that make the Junction Market feel not just cool but homey.