London Upper Holloway Restaurant Guide

Chef-patron Mario Magli’s “just fabulous neighbourhood gem” near Archway has delighted all-comers for the best part of two decades and is going from strength to strength (accounting for some diners’ best meal of the year, with fans visiting from as far afield as Balham). “Over many years, the quality and consistency has been fantastic” for “traditional trattoria dishes, sometimes with a twist” and “perfect” service, all at “fair prices”. The restaurant takes its name from the Fiat Cinquecento – another “small Italian delight!”

Dining in a large annex – originally built as an Edwardian ballroom – boosts the occasion at this “favourite Archway local”, which serves “proper pub food and drink” of an elevated nature, with a “reliably interesting” menu of a Mediterranean bent. It is “well-priced for the standard”, with “attentive service”, but can be “noisy”.

“Every neighbourhood deserves a Crudough”, declare fans – but only Archway (the “relatively no-frills” original) and Angel are lucky enough actually to have a branch! Their “fresh, thin and crispy sourdough pizzas” are “served up with charm and a great range of beers and wines”. Top Menu Tip – “their Melanzane Parmigiana is superb”.

2023 Review: “Two minutes’ walk from Archway tube”, this “tiny Italian” comes “recommended for its homemade pasta and specials” and “delicious Italian sourdough pizza”, all delivered by “polite and considerate staff”. Top Menu Tip – “the olives Ascolana appetiser – fried breadcrumbed green olives stuffed with minced meat”.

“So different – Jay Rayner was right, it’s an amazing place” – The Observer critic’s February 2025 review of this converted pub on a residential street near Archway (fka The Prince Alfred) put it on London’s culinary map and many reports in our diners’ poll reference his write up. “OK, so we went on Mr Rayner’s recommendation, but the food really was very good” and its “proudly advertised gastropub ambitions are successful”. Chef Jolly of MasterChef India provides a “distinctive menu” of “unusual dishes” that “avoid Indian restaurant clichés”. The ambience follows the gastropub strap line, with tables squeezed together, but its decor is a cut above most pubs while service is “friendly and efficient” (although one or two reports suggest “it can be a victim of its own success thanks to Jay”). Top Menu Tips – “smoked poppadums are an excellent start to the meal as are the lamb roti tacos. The cocktail menu is well worth a look as well”.