The Blue Legume Islington

This bright, shiny new Mediterranean restaurant extends the repertoire of the original Stoke Newington branch, which gained renown for its fabulous brunches. Decorative tiles on the floor & gilt-framed mirrors on the ceiling fit in well with the livelier Upper Street location. Brunches are still brilliant here, with Mediterranean breakfast (grilled halloumi, spicy sausage, feta cheese, tomato, poached egg, marinated olives, jam & toast), croque madame or creamy mushrooms on toast served until 4pm. At lunch there are paninis, salads & a good selection of burgers, while in the evening the menu is particularly strong on fish (poached sea bass rolled with Parma ham, served with tahini sauce, for instance). Though the wine list is short, there are bottles you’ll want to drink, & staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome.