Sonora Taquería, Stoke Newington
Our favourite taco spot – and we should know, as we’ve been to Mexico once, so we know exactly what we’re talking about. There will be a queue, but it goes quick. Don’t hesitate to order more than you think you need. And make sure you get the cabeza – it’s filled with all the stuff from inside the cow’s head and slow-cooked, which sounds mad, but it makes for a banging taco.
208 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 7HU; sonorataqueria.com
Nandine, Camberwell
A great introduction to Kurdish cuisine, with classic regional dishes from Iraqi Kurdistan served in a contemporary way, including lots of vegan options for all the “new” people that have moved into the area.
45 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8TR; nandine.co.uk
Cafe Helen, Edgware Road
The best shawarma in London. For years, this has been the go-to spot to finish the night off in West London. Order one chicken and one lamb shawarma with pickles, chilli and garlic. And a mango juice, so you’re getting your daily vitamins as well as nourishing your soul.
105A Edgware Rd, London W2 2HX; facebook.com/105AEdgwareRoadLondonW22HX
Trisha’s, Soho
This unpretentious little bar is usually the place we start the night and mostly decide to stay until we end our night there. Nothing fancy, it’s the last piece of old-school Soho, and it should be cherished. You always bump into interesting characters here, and if you’re lucky you’ll get a jazz band providing the soundtrack to the debauchery.
57 Greek St, London W1D 3DX; instagram.com/trishas.soho
Smokey Jerkey, New Cross
One of the best examples of Jamaican jerk cuisine we’ve ever had: not too sweet, incredibly smoky, with a great spice level. Get the jerk pork and the lamb, and eat them enjoying the smoke fumes wafting all over your face.
158 New Cross Rd, London SE14 5BA
107 Wine Shop & Bar (formerly P Franco), Hackney
Great place to drink natural wines by the glass. Not a sausage of wine knowledge is needed – just say what you like and they’ll bring you something. They have guest chefs on rotation, who cook up tasty small plates of stuff to eat while you drink. It’s the perfect place to meet up with an old friend and pretend you know loads about wine.
107 Lower Clapton Rd, London E5 0NP; instagram.com/107_e5
Blankita, Tottenham
This North London Colombian spot specialises in comforting dishes such as sancocho (a beef and vegetable soup), beef-stuffed empanadas, and chicharrón (a dish with meat, rice and plantain). A solid option for when you need a Colombian fix on the north side of town.
Seven Sisters Market Unidad 6-7, London N15 5BT
The Auld Shillelagh, Stoke Newington
Probably our favourite Guinness this side of the water. A lovely drop and an even lovelier backdrop: a tiny sliver of a pub, drenched in history with a nice little beer garden out the back.
105 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0UD; theauldshillelagh.co.uk
Singburi, Leytonstone
Hands down the best Thai we’ve ever eaten in London. They cook no-frills legit Thai food here, with specials changing depending on produce, but one thing that stays the same is that it’s always consistently delicious. This unassuming little Leyton restaurant has become hugely popular, so be warned and book way in advance.
593 High Rd Leytonstone, London E11 4PA; instagram.com/singburi_e11
Rochelle Canteen, Shoreditch
Owned by the legendary Margot Henderson, this is a slightly higher-end option, with an ever-changing menu of classic seasonal dishes that always leave us impressed and satisfied. Set inside the old Rochelle school garden, it’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon or evening.
16 Playground Gardens, London E2 7FA; rochellecanteen.com
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