Guide to the best restaurants for takeaway in North London

When it comes to takeaway, fish ‘n’ chips is a classic. For about two decades, the family-run Sutton & Sons chippies have been serving chips that are as fluffy as it gets, along with crispy battered goodness and homemade pickles that make every order just a wee bit better. Vegans aren’t left to flounder either, as they can enjoy a version of the staple dish made from banana blossom that’s been marinated in seaweed and samphire, then battered and deep-fried.

Gökyüzü, a classic Turkish restaurant, has multiple branches around North London for full coverage with its generous dishes. You can choose pide with various fillings, different hot and cold meze, sharing platters, wraps and all sorts of other Turkish specialities that travel well. Breakfast and brunch options such as menemen are also available.

East West in Tufnell Park serves up a unique fusion of Italian and Indian cuisine. Crowned in 2022 as the best pizza takeaway in the country, you can enjoy a classic Italian pizza or one with Indian-inspired toppings like paneer and tikka sauce. Sides with an Indian influence are also available. There's a classic dining space but takeaways are a popular option.

Part of the wave of cuisine originating in China’s Xi’an province that’s been sweeping the British capital recently, Xi’an Impression is an unassuming eatery opposite Emirates Stadium. The menu features intriguing streetfood options such as shredded bread in broth and Xi’an-style burgers, as well as different takes on the famous hand-pulled noodles. Classics such as salt and pepper squid or hot and sour soup are available as well.

Voted best poke bowl in town, the tropical Island Poké outposts bring the fresh taste of Hawaii to the Big Smoke. Choose from the range of ready-made bowls of fresh, healthy ingredients, for example the classic ahi tuna topped with pineapple chilli salsa, wakame seaweed and sesame, or build your own bowl. Other options, such as warm miso broths and bao buns, are available as well. 

There usually isn't much overlap between fine French cuisine and delivery, but the Patron brasseries have found the sweet spot. Their Maison Patron line of French delicacies such as duck confit is prepared and cooked in the restaurant, chilled and vacuum-packed. With minimal prep required – basically just heat it all up according to instructions – it's as close to Paris as you'll get without actually leaving your house. You can order wine and cocktails as well, of course.

Having started out as a streetfood venture, the Nanny Bills burger joint is well-versed in the intricacies of the takeaway. Their indulgent burgers and croquettes are hand-pressed and available in combos such as the Bacon Double Cheese with a double beef patty, American cheese, smoked bacon and BBQ sauce in a seeded bun. There’s a variety of plant-based options to choose from as well.

Berto is a North London pasta destination from the team behind Zia Lucia, serving fresh pasta and tantalising sauces such as amatriciana, carbonara or pesto, as well as a changing weekly special. You can also order Italian snacks, cheese starters such as burrata with roasted aubergines, delicacies such as parmigiana, tiramisu and other classic desserts, and even wines from Italy.

Influenced by a well-travelled Sri Lankan coastal journey, Hoppers has made a name for itself with the eponymous crispy rice flour pancakes, a breakfast staple in the country. Their flavourful takeaway feasts feature all the hits, from rotis to curries and rice, and there are plenty of street food-style single items to choose from as well, including exclusives. You can also pick up cocktails and the house beer.

This simple Lebanese restaurant cooks authentic food, letting patrons explore a broad range of Levantine flavours through its extensive menu. A broad selection of hot and cold mezze is available, including various salads, sambousek pastries, halloumi in all its forms. You can also order grilled meats and fish, or the dhearty daily stew.

Chinese takeaway specialists Zing Zing cook up authentic specialities without using any preservatives. The MSG-free dishes on the menu include both familiar staples and creative house specials, for example chunky shredded beef or firecracker chicken. A dedicated plant-based menu is available to order from as well, as are desserts, bubble tea, savoury pancakes and more.

Following a traditional Greek recipe, Camden’s casual streetfood joint Pittabun specialises in hand-stretched pitta buns, packed with different fillings. Choose between open, pocket or burger buns and fillings such as spicy chicken, souvlaki, hot dog or mushroom, all plumped up with Mediterranean spices and various condiments, and enjoy.

If you want to beat the queues that have been a King’s Cross fixture since Dishoom first opened here in 2014, head online and order takeaway. All the house classics are available, from naans and kati rolls to samosas and the signature silky black daal, slowly cooked over 24 hours. Order a lassi to go along, or grab a branded tea towel or some vinyl tunes to make the house Dishoom experience complete.

The award-winning Farang restaurant in Highbury is known for its authentic takes on Thai specialities such as pork belly, blooming onion and different curries. The food is made fresh to order on the day of collection. Farang also features a larder that stocks hot food, ready-made meals to go, and even Thai ingredients so you can try your hand at a pad thai at home.

Boasting a multitude of different awards, this North Finchley-based Indian takeaway is regarded by many to be the best in the UK. It’s a family-run affair, with the concise menu revolving around curries. Each one is cooked individually, guaranteeing a unique, flavourful taste without the use of additives. Vegan and vegetarian options are available as well.

Palmyra's Kitchen next to Finsbury Park station is a popular local choice for Lebanese food. You can eat in the compact restaurant or order a takeaway. There are hot and cold mezze dishes, wraps with a wide range of different fillings and hearty mains like aubergine stew or a mixed grill.

Crowned the best kebab restaurant in North London at the 2022 British Kebab Awards, order from Devran Kitchen and you'll be in for a treat. This bustling Green Lanes restaurant is open until 2am for your late-night kebab needs. You can also order hot and cold mezze, grilled meats, casseroles, pide, and a wide selection of other classic Turkish recipes.

For great-value Turkish cooking, order food from popular Haringey restaurant Selale. This award-winning restaurant serves generous portions of favourite recipes and is just as popular for takeaways as for dining-in. Expect mezze dishes, pides, falafel, and grilled meats. Every order comes with complimentary bread and salad so you can even more bang for your buck.

Diners in Holloway and Kilburn choose Go Mezza for Lebanese street eats. These fast food spots have a bold and vibrant look and whilst there are some seats available, takeaways are a popular choice. Sample wraps with fillings like chicken shawarma or halloumi, bowls laden with tasty ingredients and sides, plus extra bites like pastries and chicken wings.

Renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi's establishment in Hampstead offers a spacious terrace, the biggest so far, along with the signature salad and cake showcases on pristine white counters. Mornings here are perfect for sipping coffee, indulging in pastries, or enjoying classic Ottolenghi breakfast favourites like shakshuka. The deli section is stocked with various products and takeaway salads, quiches, and other dishes to enjoy at home or in the office.

If you fancy authentic Greek food in North London, order from Tasty Gyros in Enfield. This compact local restaurant is lively and is popular for takeaway meals. Expect massive gyros and Greek wraps, plus souvlaki and gyros boxes. Children's meals and vegetarian and vegan dishes are also available.

Bring home authentic flavours from India and Pakistan with a meal from Jashan in Turnpike Lane. This local restaurant is small and bustling, with some tables for dining-in. It's a popular choice for takeaway meals, offering kebabs, daal, curries, biryani, and classic Indian breads. This food is affordable as well as loaded with flavour.