A Foodie’s Guide to Newington Green: Where to Eat, Drink, and Shop
- Matias
- Aug 15, 2025
- 7 min read
Newington Green might be one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods, and not just because I live here. For food lovers like myself, it is so much more than a leafy square and a few historic buildings. Strategically located between Islington, Stoke Newington, and Dalston, this North London pocket has transformed dramatically over the past five years. Having seen its transformation, I can't picture myself leaving this area anytime soon because it's become one of my preferred neighbourhoods in London.
I have watched gentrification reshape the area without pushing people away, and that is the magic because it has managed to keep its community soul. Today, Newington Green is a compact pocket of greatness with local grocers, independent cafés and restaurants, and traditional pubs (including the one voted Best Local Boozer in 2024).
Whether you are in the mood for a pre-night-out pizza, a drink, a fishmonger that serves wine with your oysters, or a cheese shop that hosts winter raclette nights, Newington Green delivers.
Here are my recommendations in Newington Green for finding the best places to eat, drink, and shop your way through what I like to call the “magic street.”
Food guide and shopping in Newington Green
If you love cooking like I do and want to get your hands on the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, along with access to more exotic produce, you can find it all along a single stretch of street in Newington Green. Shopping here is also more sustainable, as these businesses work with local producers, reduce packaging waste, and keep money in the community. It’s a win-win for everyone, including the lucky guests at your next dinner party.
Grocery shopping
All Green is the area’s oldest pantry and was my number one choice for many years when I lived in Highbury. Their amazing selection of seasonal fruit, vegetables, herbs, and imported goods is hard to beat. And in the past two years, they’ve expanded their offering to include bread and flowers.
Just a few doors down, Lily’s, my favourite green grocers, recently celebrated its second anniversary last week. They may offer slightly less variety than All Green, but the produce is even fresher and often better priced. They also sell drinks, pantry products, and wholesale, which is where I stock up on nuts and other essentials for my homemade granola. What really sets them apart is their friendly, welcoming service and beautifully arranged displays. And to top things off, right next door you can find Pablo Juice Bar and Coffee, which serves as the perfect pit stop for a freshly squeezed juice or a morning espresso. And here’s a bonus: spend more than £30 at Lily’s and you get a free juice. On a hot day, that’s an offer you can’t resist.
Pictures: Lily's
Deli and Cheese
Yield N16, now branded as a wine bar, has been steadily growing in popularity. What began as a small wine and deli shop has evolved into a vibrant meeting place for people who want to enjoy charcuterie, artisan cheeses, and a carefully curated selection of wines. It is the kind of spot where you can pop in for a quick glass but end up staying for hours, sharing boards and conversations.
And for the cheese lovers, Jumi Cheese is unmissable and unique. This Swiss artisan shop offers exceptional cheeses, chutneys, and breads, and in winter it transforms into a fondue and raclette haven. One of my weekly buys is their vintage Emmental, rich, nutty, and perfect for everything from sandwiches to cheese boards.
Pictures: Yield and Jumi Cheese
My favourite fishmonger in London
Oeno Maris took the neighbourhood - and perhaps all of North London - by surprise, completely redefining what a fishmonger can be. This upscale, environmentally conscious shop sells the best seafood as well as a wine and seafood tapas. You can enjoy oysters and sashimi with a glass of white or join one of their monthly events.
For me, it has been a complete game changer. Every week, I find the most incredible fish and shellfish for my dinner parties, often fresher than anything I’ve seen elsewhere. The fact that I've bought live prawns or langoustines here speaks volumes about their commitment to quality and freshness.
Pictures: Sashimi and seafood at Oeno Maris
A butcher with character
Stella’s may be small, but it is mighty, specialising in aged meat of high-quality cuts. If I am not mistaken, it is owned by the same team behind Hill & Szrok in Broadway Market. Unlike its sibling, Stella’s has not turned into a restaurant, but on Thursdays and Fridays it transforms into a casual wine and listening bar. Because in Newington Green, even your butcher knows how to put on a good evening.
Pictures: Local hipster, aged meat and DJ at the counter
Cafés to start the day or save your afternoon
Brags and Brams is one of the newer additions to the neighbourhood and has quickly become my local favourite for brunch. They also serve tapas and pizzas in the evenings, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I recently tried their pizzas. On selected nights, they offer a pizza and drink combo, which makes it even more tempting to stop by.
Lot 103 is the newest addition to the hood, and has been a hit with the locals since day one, which has been a few months open. They offer expertly brewed coffee, different take on breakfasts and tapas too. All in a beautiful and relaxed space where you can settle in for the morning or just grab a takeaway to enjoy on the green.
Lizzy’s on the Green is one of those spots that feels like it’s always been part of the neighbourhood’s essence. Right on the green, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or a slice of cake while watching the world go by.
Pictures: Lizzy's Brags and Brams, and Lot 103
Best restaurants in Newington Green
It is hard to believe that in just three blocks you can find such an impressive line-up of places to eat. From pizzerias to modern British bistros, Newington Green’s restaurant scene is a mix of cosy neighbourhood favourites and top dining spots, but without the tourist crowds. Here, it is mostly locals filling the tables, which makes the atmosphere even more inviting. But if you walk towards Green Lanes, you will find yourself stepping into the world of Turkish cuisine, but that is a story for another post. For now, here are my top recommendations right on the “magic street.”
Perilla | Modern British / Mediterranean
A restaurant I have written about several times, and one I never tire of. Their inventive modern British dishes, served without pretension, always strike the right notes.
Primeur | Seasonal cooking
Set in a converted garage, Primeur offers a daily changing menu, shared tables, and an exciting wine list. It is the ideal spot for a dinner that feels both casual and intimate.
Cadet | French bistro / bar
Since opening a few years ago, this French bistro and wine bar has been a constant favourite. Known for its charcuterie, small plates, and excellent wine, it is just as good for a quick nibble as it is for a long stay.
Canto 73 | Portuguese inspired
This supper club joined the scene shoulder-on-shoulder with Perilla and Yield. This hearty Portuguese inspired restaurant offers a unique experience, consisting of a single tasting menu. I went there for the first time just a few weeks ago, and I love the fact of everyone enjoys their food at the same time. All in a properly zero pretentious setting, letting the food speak and the chef / owner adding a narrating touch to the experience.
Oi Vita Pizzeria | Sardinian
This is your traditional pizzeria with some creative seasonal toppings, all served in a small but cosy space.
Korat Thai Café | Thai
A no-frills Thai eatery that serves classic curries and stir fries. I finally ate here earlier this year, and as a lover of Thai cuisine, I have to say this is pretty much the real deal for authentic Thai flavours.
Local pubs for the perfect pint
Now for my favourite part, the beating heart of London’s communities: the pubs. Newington Green’s pub scene is as varied as its dining options, with an impressive number of local boozers to choose from, including some true icons of the area. I have written about these before, but they deserve another mention here.
Friendly, lively, and always good fun. With its great retro DJs and cool decor, this place always delivers.
Even though slightly off the main track, but worth the detour for their craft beers, delicious burgers, and buzzing atmosphere.
A traditional local where regulars are greeted like old friends but propelled to a more mainstream audience of youngsters “thanks” to TimeOut’s mention. Still, I cannot disagree with them as it's the best local boozer in Hackney.
I'm ashamed to say that I've never been to it. And I know how special this place is, a true time capsule, offering everything from live jazz to bingo on weekends. It also serves as a filming location for TV series and movies, so there is always something going on.
Pictures: The Snooty Fox, Mildmay Club, The Alma, and The Army and Navy
Why Newington Green should be on your London food map
I think it’s clear why this small area is worth your attention and why you’ll want to keep coming back because it’s impossible to enjoy all these places in just one visit. With its mix of local shops, family-run restaurants, and lovely pubs, Newington Green has all the ingredients for a perfect day out, including some events at the green itself.
Whether you come for a quick grocery run or a proper foodie adventure, you’ll leave with a happy tummy, a well-stocked pantry, and a few new local favourites!
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