On the rise: Camden

There was a time not that long ago when Camden was poor where dining was concerned. This always seemed at odds with the fact that tourists flood the area for shopping at weekends, and there is a multitude of pubs and live music venues attracting people in the evenings. But at last this is changing, and now this neighbourhood famed for its rock ‘n roll history is starting to gain recognition for its restaurants, which range from Gordon Ramsay to quality fish and chips. We predict even greater things for 2014.

Honest Burgers
One of the best of the new burger joints in London, Honest Burgers have made a name for themselves thanks to their carefully sourced ingredients, such as beef from Ginger Pig and free range chickens.

Namaaste Kitchen
The food on offer at this Indian restaurant on Parkway is of fine dining standard, but without the hefty prices.

Asakusa
One of our favourite Japanese restaurants in London, the menu looks like a densely packed bible, and it’s always full of Japanese people.

Bar Solo
Most live music venues in Camden can’t boast about offering superior food, but this one can. Hearty dishes of lamb kofta, sirloin steak and BBQ ribs are skilfully prepared and inexpensive.

Hache
Hache’s seemingly endless choice of burgers include patties made from lamb, chicken, duck and tuna as well as beef, with clever toppings like the “Catalan”, which has grilled chorizo, chilli and tomato jam.

Gilgamesh
This glitzy restaurant in the Stables Market cost £14 million to build and is popular with celebrities. The exquisite pan-Asian menu comes courtesy of Ian Pengelley.

Coco Bamboo
This Brazilian/Caribbean bar does an excellent picanha steak and hearty feijoada alongside tropical-inspired cocktails.

Bintang
One of our top cheap eateries, there is a highly accomplished pan-Asian menu and it’s also BYOB. In the evenings it benefits from dim lighting, adding romance to the dining room.

Market
Market offers great British food and they pride themselves on using sustainable, local ingredients.

Made In Camden
It’s part of the Roundhouse venue, but Made In Camden is a worthy destination in itself. The menu is inspired by food from around the world, such as chorizo-stuffed chicken and risotto with artichoke hearts. Their lunchtime deals are exceptionally good value.

Yokoya
Yokoya does take away as well as having a restaurant that opens till 2 am at weekends. There are katsu curries, tepanyaki-grilled dishes occasional specials like steamed egg custard with foie gras and truffle.

York & Albany
Gordon Ramsay’s Camden restaurant is well priced (compared to his other eateries) and has a modern British menu, as well as operating a pizzeria.

Porky’s
Barbecued meats, slow-cooked pulled pork and other American goodies like fried catfish and cheesy corn hush puppies are served at this Memphis-inspired eatery.

Poppies
This fish and chip shop opened their first eatery in Shoreditch when the interest in 1940s fashion was its peak – cue waitresses dressed in tea dresses and a jukebox in one corner of the room. They did a roaring trade, and in 2013 opened a second branch on the former site of Pier 1, another posh chippy.

And coming soon…
Q opens in January, a BBQ joint courtesy of ex-Ivy Des McDonald.