If “POV: Romanticise your life” had a location, it would definitely be in Crouch End. This north London neighbourhood is home to delicious food, a healthy lifestyle, and independent artists.
Crouch End is a vibrant and creative place with lovely parks for long strolls, outdoor runs or picnics, health clubs and yoga studios. In this area, you can find cuisine from all over the world. Let’s look at the best restaurants Crouch Ends offers!
Best Restaurants in Crouch End
The Banc
What was a plot of a local Barclays Bank once today is a place mixing a modern-day London energy with a ‘Golden Era’ swag. The Banc restaurant and venue is a place that serves the new dining experience. The interior and decor, combined with the perfectly fitting playlists, can be easily called Instagram-worthy.
Wanna enjoy sunny days to the fullest? The open-air alfresco venue will let you grab some sunlight. The Banc serves dishes on a scale from the Mediterranean to Pan Asian to Modern Fusion.
Meat lovers will be in heaven – from Wagyu beef Sliders or a Mixed trio of Sirloin, rib eye and fillet on skewers with chimichurri glace sauce as starters to burgers, steaks or seafood options. And if you celebrate a special occasion, you can go for their Gold specials – 280 grams of Gold rib-eye steak, Gold wagyu sirloin or Gold wagyu rib eye.
But the magic is not done yet! Their special cocktail menu includes not only classic but also signature cocktails. Just try To None (vodka-based) or Kick Back At Lava Falls (with Tequila Reposado), or Mind Eraser (made out of White Bacardi and Kraken Spiced Rum).
After dinner, you can relax in the lounge and enjoy their shisha (hookah) service.
- Location: 261-263 West Green Road, London, N15 3BH
- Phone: 020 8888 8898
- What they are known for: Shisha service, designed interior, meat selection
Bistro Aix
Walking distance from the famous Alexandra Palace, there is a small chef-owned French bistro called Bistro Aix. Opened for more than 20 years, this place brings the charm and flavours of French cuisine to the locals and tourists visiting the Crouch End area. Their recipe for success is simple – authenticity on the place, well-sourced and high-quality ingredients, personalized service and a romantic atmosphere.
And what about the meals? Start with the French classics – Dorset Snails or Smoked Duck Salad. We suggest Steak Tartare or Organic Rump of Welsh Salt-marsh Lamb as the main course. Like a sweet cherry on the top, you can have world-famous Raspberry Crème Brûlée, Dark Chocolate Fondant, or own-made ice creams.
The decor is very classy, represented by murals, wooden furniture, crisp white table linen and big paintings on the wall. This place is perfect if you plan a first date, a friend’s reunion or a Sunday roast with your family.
- Location: 54 Topsfield Parade, Tottenham Ln, Crouch End, London, N8 8PT
- Phone: 020 8340 6346
- What they are known for: French cuisine, brunch, intimate date night out
Paesan
From France to Italy in 4 minutes walking distance! That is possible in Crouch End! Just behind the corner of the Bistro Aix, you can find another elegant place people call Paesan.
If you are craving delish pasta, try Paesan – they made their own! Paesan brings the traditional flavours of Italy’s countryside directly to the tables of hungry Londoners. The story began in 2018 when future owners found an impressive building and madly fell in love with its uniqueness.
The menu they have created is meant to be shared. Begin with antipasti (served for 2 to 6 people) or small starter plates, followed by freshly made pasta or gnocchi (gluten-free option on request) and a monthly special of meats and fresh fish.
Paesan has an open kitchen, so customers can see how their favourite food is made. How to feel like a true Italian? Get yourself an aperitivo (pre-meal beverage) or digestivo (served after the meal). You can enjoy your dinner indoors or on the small cosy terrace.
- Location: 48C The Broadway Weston Park Rd, Crouch End, Haringey N8 9TP
- Phone: 020 8347 0900
- What they are known for: open kitchen, Italian cuisine, homemade pasta
TOOTOOMOO
Are you ready for an Asian fusion on the plate? TOOTOOMOO mixes Malaysian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese influences. The ancient cooking style combined with modern techniques creates the original oriental cuisine. And looking at the menu, very well priced as well!
TOOTOOMOO has a lovely designed interior with decor, plants and mirrors. But this is not exactly why people chatter about this place – the food is. In-house they call it a “mouthwatering menu”, and after trying the meals, you understand why. Just try Korean Fried Chicken, Green Curry or Crispy Duck.
The dishes are usually not very spicy, but they ramp up on your request. There are plenty of meatless options here, so vegetarians won’t go hungry either.
While visiting, don’t forget to explore the cocktail menu. On Thursdays (here they call it #ThirstyThursdayss) from 5pm till closing (yes, you see it right), cocktails for £4 all night! Whether you are planning Margarita night or you want to enjoy some Spicy Cucumbaritas, this place has you covered!
- Location: 12 Crouch End Hill, Crouch End, N8 8AA
- Phone: 020 4512 7779
- What they are known for: reasonable-priced Asian food, cocktails for £4
Banners
When this place opened in 1992, no one knew what Jamaican jerk chicken or Caribbean goat roti was. From then on, Banners had become one of the Crouch End essentials, beloved mainly by locals but tourists too. Not only the basic crowd but also Bob Dylan stopped by in 1993. You can still book his table, proudly marked with the brass plaque.
The specific and slightly quirky decor, together with the Jamaican flag, gives away the Caribbean and Jamaican dishes served. But the truth is, the menu is way more international – starting with breakfast, brunch till 6pm (great for long sleepers), burgers, Jamaican meat, Thai coconut chicken, meze salad (greek style) or homemade chips with lemon and garlic mayo.
But why is the buzz around this place? Good food, big portions, friendly service and dogs allowed!
- Location: 21 Park Rd, London, N8 8TE
- Phone: 020 8348 2930
- What they are known for: big portions, tasty meals
Kalimera
Kalimera (good afternoon in Greek) is not a very well-known place, but we can guarantee it will be soon! This place began as a food truck serving mainly street foods and is currently located near Hornsey train station. This hidden gem offers everything from quick Greek lunches to delicious dinners.
Its founder, Telemaque Argyriou, has a deep passion for Greek ancient history, particularly that of meze and the Greek cuisine of the past. This is what makes this restaurant one of the best in Crouch End for Greek specialties.
In Kalimera, you can choose between a Three-course set dinner menu for £19,50, which is served daily 5:30pm – 7:30pm or the regular menu either with Mezzedes (something like tapas or starters, up to your choice) and main courses and desserts. And if you are eating here and will wonder why the meal tastes so good, you should know that the olives and olive oil come from his family’s 200-year-old farm in Greece. You’ll find a selection of Greek wines from small producers on the drink menu, including Assyrtiko from Santorini and many more!
- Location: 43 Topsfield Parade, Tottenham Ln, Crouch End, London, N8 8PT
- Phone: 020 8347 6667
- What they are known for: Greek cuisine, food truck
Lyon’s Seafood & Wine Bar
Every local from Crouch End knows where to go if they crave seafood. Near the Clocktower, there is a cosy wine bar and restaurant called Lyon’s, primarily focused on seafood. Their menu regularly changes and includes oysters, crustaceans, fish, and at least one meat dish.
The menu in this family-run restaurant is not vast but will not leave you hungry. You can choose between small and large plates, from Squid bolognese to Halibut with tenderstem, pickled lemon, and walnut miso. The meals are not only delicious but also beautifully crafted.
A romantic atmosphere pervades the entire setting. The bar is well equipped with a white marble counter and green banquette seating. Whether you plan a romantic anniversary or family dinner, this place will be a good choice!
- Location: 1 Park Road, Crouch End, London N8 8TE
- Phone: 020 8350 8983
- What they are known for: amazing seafood, charming ambience
Taste Of Nawab
For people who are missing some cardamom, coriander, turmeric or ginger in their meals, there is a place called Taste Of Nawab open every day, including weekends and banking holidays. The restaurant was established in 1996 and was dubbed “a new Indian restaurant sure to fail”. After 26 years and some Awards won (let’s mention the Quality Food Online Gold Award or Barnet Curry Chef of the Millennium), we can say that the prediction was definitely wrong.
Quality food and the extra mile that go with the service kept the restaurant alive. The charity work they do just enhances the excellent reputation this place has.
Doesn’t matter if you get delivery, take away or dine in; you won’t be disappointed. The menu has plenty of options – you won’t go wrong with any choices. But if still in doubt, get yourself something from the Chef’s recommendations section or Traditional Specialities section.
Planning a birthday party or a friend’s hangout? Feel free to bring a bottle of wine or two. Taste Of Nawab doesn’t charge you a corkage fee. The interior is simple, traditional and inviting, with framed drawings on the walls.
- Location: 97 Colney Hatch Lane Muswell Hill London N10 1LR
- Phone: 020 8883 6429
- What they are known for: one of the best restaurants for Indian meals in London
Final words
All the world’s finest cuisine is gathered in one London neighbourhood. Restaurants in the N8 area offer a variety – whether you are looking for healthy meals, quick bites, Sunday morning brunches or places to lunch with colleagues.
This is definitely not a place to hold onto old conventions and food habits. There are various tastes and cuisines to try. All that remains is for you to decide what your preference is.