Le Sacre Coeur

Le Sacre Coeur, tucked into Islington, channels the quiet confidence of a classic French kitchen. The cooking relies on time-honoured techniques and generous, sauce-led flavours.

Mussels cooked in cream and onion, with a whisper of white wine and herbs, while dill and cream lift the salmon fillet. Slow braises define the menu: coq au vin offers a traditional chicken casserole, while beef bourguignon shines with Burgundy richness.

Vegetarians find plenty of variety here. Aubergine farcie combines spinach, mushrooms, and peppers under a mellow goat cheese and tomato topping, while the salade de légumes features grilled greens with a hint of pomegranate. Heartier cravings meet their match in jarret de porc or a choice of savoury crêpes.

Expect unhurried dining with French soul, where pleasure sits in the details, and the last mouthful lingers longest. Book a table to let these classics speak for themselves, seasoned with a little North London joie de vivre.