Top 6 foodie places in East Finchley + Muswell Hill
By Rachel Davies
Having moved to East Finchley recently, I thought I’d share the places that make me love the area. Every postcode has its gems, and as the Michelin Guide recognises, some are appreciated by locals, or are good to know about if you’re in the area, and others are worth travelling for.
So here is my line up of N2, whether you happen to live here, be passing through, or are making a special journey here (and these are definitely worth the trip!).
1. Campbell and Syme (9 Fortis Green, East Finchley, N2 9JR)
This café takes its coffee seriously. For coffee fiends, choose your drink from the various beans, along with tasting notes on each one. But even without sniffing and swilling, the coffee is totally delicious, and the cakes are great too.
Check the opening hours, as they close early to roast beans for the café and their wholesale business.
2. La Dinette (3-5 Fortis Green, Muswell Hill, N10 3HP)
Led by talented pastry chef Claire, this just-opened café is a gem. Everything is made from scratch, from the delicious macarons to the best cannelés I have ever tasted. They do mail order too, but if you’re in Muswell Hill this is too good to miss.
3. Tony’s Continental (140 High Road, East Finchley, N2 9ED)
Everyone needs a good greengrocer, and I have only learnt the value of one since living in East Finchley. Tony’s is a family owned greengrocer, stocking everything from fresh produce to artisan bread, sticky dates, Greek cheeses, local honey and frozen kaffir lime leaves. People travel to East Finchley just to stop in and pick up their lovely produce.
Just one thing – if you manage to get your hands on the amazing almond croissants they sell on Saturday mornings, please don’t take the last one!
4. Margot Bakery (121 East End Road, N2 0SZ)
Known for their sourdough everything, from the bread to their babka, Margot is worth a visit. I’d never had sourdough croissants before coming here, and they’re amazing. The place is generally tranquil, with tables outside, everything is wonderful and their coffee is nice too. (Photo Ed Reeve)
5. ChrisKitch (7a Tetherdown, Muswell Hill, N10 1ND)
Chis Honor has built up his beautiful café in Muswell Hill from a tiny residential space to the beginnings of an empire.
He’s opened a second shop in Hoxton, has written an amazing cookbook, and welcomes his customers with open arms and a table heaving with salads, cooked fish and meat, cakes and breads. Go when the sun is shining and sit in the little front garden – it’s lovely too!
6. The Bald Faced Stag (69 High Road, East Finchley, N2 8AB)
The best gastropub in the area, with surprisingly good food, a beautifully decorated interior and a beer garden for the summer. Well worth a visit.
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