1. Anima e Cuore
The finest meal out in the area, at a decent price, with the additional joy of BYO wine. Great service too, a quirky interior and now open five nights a week. A unique experience. Read our full review here. 129 Kentish Town Rd NW1
2. Beef & Brew
Unfailingly tasty steak at reasonable prices in hip, pared-back space. We’ve eaten here several times this year, and we’re pleased to say each has improved on the last, especially since our early review here. 323 Kentish Town Rd NW5
3. Laksa Kitchen
Arguably the food event of the year in NW5, this pop-up, whose current run ends this weekend, offers a delicious take on the Malay dish. Read our full review here. 327 Kentish Town Rd NW5
4. Knowhere Special
Local booze story of 2016: small but perfectly formed cocktail bar makes triumphant return against the odds with an even cuter interior and more out-there cocktails. Read our latest review here. 296 Kentish Town Rd NW5
5. Lazy Hunter
Awesome interior, a great location next to Arancini Brothers – and damn tasty comfort food: an instant classic. 117 Kentish Town Rd NW1
6. Tapping The Admiral
Go on Thursdays to this packed backstreet institution for impromptu live sets by Whiskey Mick and his merry band; and cocktail pop-ups on the first Thurs of the month. What’s not to love? Read an interview with manager Phil here. 77 Castle Rd NW1
7. Patron
Most atmospheric new wine bar and deli in town, and seriously seasonal at this time of year. Shame about the small measures! (Just kidding, wine by the 50 ml glass, courtesy of the enomatic dispenser, is good for us). Read more here. 16 Fortess Rd NW5
8. Rose & Crown
From Squid Kitchen to current Singaporean faves Lion City, who are in situ till the end of January, this lovely two-floored pub is the place in Kentish Town for captivating streetfood pop-ups. Read more here. 71-73 Torriano Ave NW5
9. The Oxford
Classy revamp with new cocktail bar upstairs and strong cooking downstairs has reinvented this stalwart. Read our full review online this Friday 16th Dec. 256 Kentish Town Rd NW5
10. Flaxon Ptootch
Legendary (and still relatively secret) once-a-month art show launches, with awesome mixologist cocktails and snacks by local chefs at Anima e Cuore. Still not been? Follow them on Twitter for more info on the next one @flaxonptootch. 237 Kentish Town Rd NW5
Don’t forget our Top 10 Best New Openings here
