Ottolenghi

Fans of Yotam Ottolenghi's fabulous Middle Eastern/Mediterranean-style cookery books Ottolenghi, Plenty and Jerusalem will love his mini chain of cafes/stores. The Islington branch is the largest and a proper restaurant, the only one where dinner bookings are taken. Brunch is particularly busy, so be prepared to queue.

The portions are mezze-sized and include delights such as grilled marinated burrata wrapped in vine leaves with roasted red grapes and coriander seeds or roasted aubergine with feta yoghurt, pickled cucumber, pink peppercorns and herbs.

You can also pop in for a coffee and a delicious cake in the afternoon, or take food away with you from the counter selection. Don't leave empty-handed as there are countless tempting cakes, bags of biscuits (I love the pistachio and Parmesan ones) and exotic cooking ingredients to take home with you.

Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 08.00-23.00
Sun 09.00-19.00