Oldroyd

"The main dining room at Oldroyd is so small that you throw a feather from one end to the other. The other room is even smaller, having to share the space with a kitchen no bigger many domestic ones. But don’t let the size fool you: this is Islington’s best restaurant. The food is based on Italy, France, and Spain, in roughly equal proportions, and the menu is divided – though this isn’t spelled out – into small, medium, and larger plates. We love that arrangement because it lets you put together a meal however you want to – you can do it all with small and medium or walk the conventional starter-and-main line. Menus change daily, but certain things are constant. There is always a croqueta, always home-cured fish, and always a pasta, fish, and meat main dish. We’ve never eaten anything here that was less than exceptional, and sometimes what sounds like a really simple dish blows you away. The size means that Oldroyd is definitely not a place to come with a big group, and it’s at its best as a date spot, in the evening. (Go for a cocktail at nearby 69 Colebrooke Row and then stroll down Essex Road to eat.) Lunch on Saturday – market day – is a lot of fun, and a bargain if you order the set menu. Even at full price, the place is not expensive. Not for quality like this. Just take your feather with you when you leave. Food Rundown Croquetas In a city crawling with croquetas, Oldroyd’s rank right at the top of the heap. You may want to order two portions, just to be on the safe side. Cured Fish They make it themselves and serve it simply. Pasta Often sauced with shellfish, always great." - Richard Ehrlich

"New to Islington, Oldroyd is a perfect restaurant from the former chef director of Polpo. You can book upstairs, walk in downstairs, and eat everywhere from breakfast to dinner. The food, using British ingredients, is modern European and really very yum. We also like their lights." - Present & Correct

"Oldroyd, Islington. New to Islington, Oldroyd is a perfect restaurant from the former chef director of Polpo. You can book upstairs, walk in downstairs, and eat everywhere from breakfast to dinner. The food, using British ingredients, is modern European and really very yum. We also like their lights."

"The area around Angel is packed full of restaurants. Some of them are good. Many of them are not. Oldroyd is. This is a restaurant that’s all about the food and the company, so make sure you’re taking someone you really like, and who really likes food. The menu changes daily, but it’s drawn from all over France, Italy, and Spain. Expect cured fish, handmade pasta, and a restaurant that will ensure you have an extremely nice time." - Heidi Lauth Beasley, Jake Oliver