Providing easy access to the city's vast array of restaurants, The London Underground is not only a convenient way to travel around the capital, but a greener alternative too. The simplest way to pay is to tap your contactless card or smartphone. You can also buy an Oyster card (a pre-payment card which you can top up as required). In this article series, we take a look at some of the Inspectors’ favourite restaurants within easy reach of the Tube network. For information on London's transport network, we've got that covered too.
We couldn’t finish our exploration of the capital’s tube lines without tipping our cap to the Overground. Not so much a line as it is a whole other network, made up of six separate routes, the Overground is a wonderful tool for London’s diners and is filled with fabulous neighbourhood restaurants. Without it, the city’s foodies wouldn’t have as easy access to the thriving Hackney dining scene, or the many wonderful eateries tucked away in suburbs both north and south of the Thames. Here are a few of our favourite restaurants found among the Overground’s complex sprawl.
Kentish Town West: The Parakeet
Modern British
One of many London establishments getting in on the wood-fired cooking trend, The Parakeet is an old boozer that’s been renovated into a smart pub and dining room for the residents of Kentish Town. Founded by two former Brat chefs, that restaurant’s ethos is clear to see on the menu of stripped-back dishes simply cooked over fire, with big, gutsy flavours prioritised over pretty pictures on the plate. In keeping with that approach, the atmosphere is firmly relaxed and it pleasingly still feels like a pub.
Hackney Downs: Casa Fofō
Modern Cuisine
Fine dining is often thought to be the preserve of city centre districts like Soho and Mayfair, but there’s also a feast of good cooking in that northeastern pocket of London that includes Hackney, Haggerston, Hoxton, Homerton and other areas that don’t begin with an ‘H’. Chief among these restaurants is the MICHELIN Starred Casa Fofō, where a well-priced tasting menu mixes understatement with creativity. Interesting flavour combinations abound in simple yet delicious dishes, while smooth, warm service is the icing on the cake.
Dalston Junction: Angelina
Italian, Japanese Contemporary
There are few restaurants in London where you’ll find mezzelune and chawanmushi on the same menu, but that’s exactly what you get at Angelina. Intrigued? Then make your way over to the trendy neighbourhood of Dalston. The Italian-Japanese fusion cuisine at this relaxed, friendly restaurant showcases original combinations that prove surprisingly successful; combined with laid-back yet efficient service, as an overall experience, it’s as fun as it is unique. Sit up at the kitchen counter to see the chefs at work.
Shoreditch High Street: Smokestak
Meats and Grills, Barbecue
With a multitude of restaurants within walking distance of the station, you’re spoilt for choice around here. If you're feeling indecisive, let us steer you towards proof that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the greatest. Barbecued meat – generously portioned and well-priced – and served by a friendly team is a winning formula at this buzzing restaurant. What sets it apart from the myriad other eateries of this type is the care taken in both sourcing quality ingredients and cooking them so well. The crispy ox cheek with anchovy mayo is a must.
Queens Road Peckham: Naïfs
Vegan
Plant-forward dining is going from strength to strength these days. Not only are more restaurants offering proper vegetarian and vegan options, but there are fabulous eateries that focus solely on flavour-packed dishes minus the meat. Peckham is home to one such place – this big-hearted neighbourhood bistro with an entirely vegan menu, served family-style. Cooking like this is ideal for sharing, but you might be reluctant to do so once you’ve tasted dishes like the grilled portobello and smoked king oyster mushrooms.
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Other restaurants that we love on The London Overground include:
Crouch Hill: Les 2 Garçons
French
Stoke Newington: The Clarence Tavern
Traditional Cuisine
Kentish Town West: The Parakeet
Modern British
Caledonian Road & Barnsbury: Tamil Prince
Indian
Highbury & Islington: Trullo
Italian
Canonbury: Primeur
Modern British
Homerton: Nest
Modern British
Hackney Wick: Silo
British Contemporary
London Fields: Pophams
Italian
Haggerston: Planque
Modern British
Cambridge Heath: Cafe Cecilia
Modern Cuisine
Hoxton: Marksman
Traditional British
Clapham Junction: Soif
French
Peckham Rye: Levan
European Contemporary
Why not complete your culinary trip around London with a stay in a MICHELIN recommended hotel?
Hero Image: Silo (© Sam A. Harris)
