Marathon Restaurant

Marathon Restaurant is one of the most acclaimed Ethiopian restaurants in North London -- an Islington institution on Caledonian Road that has been serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine since 2004. The Infatuation recommends it enthusiastically: "this Ethiopian restaurant on Caledonian Road is made for lingering over heaving platters and 'just one more' glasses of honey wine that turn into strong coffees and missed trains. Take on the feasting-sized mahberawi, with mild, buttery kitfo and smoky, moreish doro wot, before succumbing to the meat sweats in a room hazy with incense." London Online calls it "a little laid-back gem" with "enthusiastic staff passionate about their traditional recipes." Marathon has won Dine Awards London and is recommended by Thatsup and The Infatuation.

The signature dish is the Marathon Special Tibs -- a steak of lamb cooked in red wine with onions, green chillies, tomatoes, rosemary and black pepper. The mahberawi sharing platter (doro wot, awaze tibs, kitfo and more) is perfect for groups. Honey wine (tej) and traditional Ethiopian coffee are the essential accompaniments. Live East African music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings creates a convivial, festive atmosphere. Vegetarian options extensive. Takeaway available. Website: marathonrestaurant.co.uk.