Ottolenghi, London

A recently opened offshoot of its Notting Hill namesake, this hip and artsy café, deli and take away in Upper Street has the look and feel of an art gallery, with a strikingly minimalist all-white interior, wooden communal tables and funky furniture.

A recently opened offshoot of its Notting Hill namesake, this hip and artsy café, deli and take away in Upper Street has the look and feel of an art gallery, with a strikingly minimalist all-white interior, wooden communal tables and funky furniture. The cooking is inspired by the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and the ingredient quality is absolutely top-notch. A, menu which changes daily, may include pan-fried red mullet on chickpea and chard salad with goats cheese sauce; pasta with black tiger prawns, scallops, tomatoes, olives and feta, and venison, mushrooms and herbs baked in puff pastry with cardamom sauce. Puds include roast peach with raspberries and warm tokaji sabayon. Also noteworthy are the cakes and pastries such as malt and banana macaroons, and lemon, mascarpone and polenta tarts. Breads include European and East European varieties, and are created by master baker Dan Leppard. Breakfast dishes such as granola and croissants are also available. Service from beautiful, uber-trendy staff is efficient as well as friendly. An all-round excellent choice, whether you're doing brunch, lunch or supper in Islington.

Ottolenghi, 287 Upper Street, London 020 7288 1454, www.ottolenghi.co.uk, Mon-Sat 8.30am-11pm, Sun 9am-7pm. Meal for two, excl wine: £50