Caponata

Bright, stylish & the only joint in Camden to feature a huge vertical garden, Caponata scores highly in the looks department. It takes its name from a Sicilian sweet & sour aubergine dish, & the southern Italian island is the kitchen’s main inspiration. Gutsy flavours abound in the elegant first-floor dining room, whether in breadcrumbed sardines doused in saffron sauce, pappardelle with meaty ragù, or almond-crusted rack of lamb with green beans. Pistachio or espresso gelati are the real Roman deal to finish. At street level, the newly launched caffè specialises in brunches, soups & sandwiches, with alcohol & live music served later on. Given such a great package, it’s puzzling why the crowds are so sparse… the place is usually busiest when booked as a nifty private-party venue.