500 Restaurant

500 Restaurant on Holloway Road in Upper Holloway N19 is one of North London''s most consistently praised neighbourhood Italians. Chef-patron Mario Magli has run this intimate trattoria for the best part of two decades, with Hardens describing it as a "just fabulous neighbourhood gem" that has delivered quality and consistency for nearly 20 years. Fans make special journeys from across London for the seasonal à la carte menu: warm beef carpaccio with hazelnuts and Grana Padano, homemade pasta and gnocchi, seafood pastas, freshly made ravioli. Everything is prepared on the day. Named for the Fiat Cinquecento — another small Italian delight — the restaurant captures the spirit of the car it is named for: compact, elegantly designed, made with craft rather than scale. One of Upper Holloway''s enduring culinary landmarks.

Available for dine-in at 782 Holloway Road, Upper Holloway N19. Book ahead — popular with regulars. Phone 020 7272 3406. Website: 500restaurant.co.uk.