Where? Lower Kentish Town Road, just a few feet up from Anima e Cuore, in fact. But the two couldn’t be more different, with one dishing up high-end Italian at very good prices, and the other reworking an Italian streetfood staple. Well, kind of.
What? We like the Moroccan lamb and tzatziki wrap best (£6.50), deeply meaty with a crisp salad of courgette, beans, sweetcorn, peppers and red onion.
Why? Owners Dave and Dave were something like pioneers, launching in a difficult spot back in 2011; it became such a hit that they have branches now across London. A recent lunchtime visit happily proved that the area’s bearded freelancers and girls-with-laptops still frequent the joint.
Don’t: come with the pooch. It ain’t dog-friendly, although it really should be (like The Fields Beneath and nearby Mario’s Café.)
Notes: There are also risotto burgers, hot stews, salad boxes and daily specials. Not to mention a counter heaving with sweet temptations. Oh, and excellent Arabica beans too, should you fancy a post-prandial stimulant.