Bistro Aix

Bistro Aix is a characterful independent bar and grill on Topsfield Parade in Crouch End, offering what owner-bartender Stephen Irvine calls "Scotalian" cuisine -- the unlikely and delicious fusion of Scottish and Italian cooking. The inkl.com guide to the best restaurants in Crouch End describes it as "a cosy but minimalist restaurant with a handful of tables in the back, counter seating for drop-ins, and a jolly menu of Scotalian small plates." Signature dishes include haggis arancini with neeps puree, Stornaway black pudding and pumpkin bruschetta, wild Scottish venison with pickled walnuts, and a range of Italian pasta and risotto dishes. The bar carries an impressive list of Scotch whiskies alongside a thoughtfully curated Italian wine selection. Excellent vegetarian options. Listed on TheFork and AllInLondon.

The name is a nod to Aix-en-Provence, dropping the 'e' with a characteristically self-effacing touch. The result is a restaurant with real personality: convivial, unpretentious and deeply good value. A Crouch End original. Website: bistroaix.co.uk.