89 Social London

89 Social London brings a charming slice of Italy to Finsbury Park, tucked along Stroud Green Road with the easy confidence of a neighbourhood favourite. Equal parts wine bar and restaurant, it champions authentic cooking and a cellar curated from small, independent producers across Italy, France and Spain. The feel is intimate and unhurried; the kind of place where conversation stretches and the wine list invites exploration.

The kitchen keeps things beautifully focused. Handmade pastas carry bold, sunlit flavours — think nduja, scamorza and lemon rigatoni, or silky pappardelle al ragú. Crostoni arrive piled with burrata, anchovies and lemon zest, or layered with speck, friarielli and stracciatella. Nibbles such as nocellara olives and warm sourdough with UNTO extra virgin olive oil pave the way for generous sharing boards of cheese and charcuterie, all rooted in quality ingredients imported directly from Italy.

Wine is the heartbeat here: sparkling from France, whites that roam from Campania and Sicily to Burgundy, skin-contact gems from Sicily, and reds with a southern swagger from Calabria alongside classics from Piedmont and Tuscany. A cosy interior and heated outdoor seating set the scene, while friendly, knowledgeable staff guide pairings with ease. On Fridays, live music lifts the mood, making it as fitting for a spontaneous glass as for a special occasion.

Settle in, share a board and let the evening flow. Reserve a table and make it social.