The original Ottolenghi deli-café on Upper Street, with a bright white interior, a long communal-style table and a front counter piled with salads, pastries and prepared dishes to eat in or take away. The cooking reflects Ottolenghi's signature style - Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours built around vegetables, spice blends and citrus, plated with visible care.
The Islington branch of Ottolenghi on Upper Street was Yotam Ottolenghi's original deli and restaurant, and remains the birthplace of the food philosophy that has since expanded into a global cookbook and restaurant brand. The space functions as both a retail deli, with a striking display counter of salads, roasted vegetables, and pastries, and a sit-down restaurant serving a rotating menu built on bold Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. Signature dishes include roasted cauliflower with pomegranate and tahini, lamb meatballs with yogurt and pine nuts, and a meringue roulade with seasonal fruit that reflects Ottolenghi's reputation for standout desserts and pastries. The dining room is bright and minimal, with white walls and an open display of the day's dishes that doubles as inspiration for what to order — much of the appeal comes from seeing the food before choosing. Lunch is the most popular time to visit, when the counter is fullest and the widest range of dishes is available; weekend brunch draws a similarly strong crowd. Reservations are accepted for dinner service but lunch and weekend brunch operate on a walk-in basis, so waits are common during peak hours. Pricing is moderate for the quality and creativity of the food, at £15–£25 per person for lunch. The Upper Street location places it in the heart of Islington's restaurant strip, within walking distance of the Almeida and King's Head theatres and Islington's independent shopping streets. Because Ottolenghi has since opened multiple London locations, the Upper Street branch retains particular significance as the original site where the brand's vegetable-forward, spice-driven cooking style was established.
| Price | £€€ — lunch £15–£25/person (~$19–$32) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday–Friday 08:00–22:00; Saturday 08:00–22:00; Sunday 09:00–19:00 |
| Reservations | Accepted for dinner; lunch and weekend brunch walk-in |
| Address | 287 Upper Street, London N1 2TZ, United Kingdom |
Signature dishes
- Roasted cauliflower with pomegranate and tahini — £9 (~$11)
- Lamb meatballs with yogurt and pine nuts — £16 (~$20)
- Meringue roulade with seasonal fruit — £7 (~$9)
Good to know
- Known for
- Yotam Ottolenghi's original Upper Street deli and restaurant; the birthplace of the Ottolenghi food philosophy — bold vegetables, Middle Eastern spice, and extraordinary pastries
Location
287 Upper Street, London N1 2TZ, United Kingdom
51.5384, -0.1032 View on map
Highlights
- The original Ottolenghi deli and restaurant on Upper Street
- Signature roasted cauliflower with pomegranate and tahini
- Bright, minimal dining room with an open display counter
- Notable pastry and dessert selection, including meringue roulade
Tips for visiting
- Visit at lunch when the display counter is fullest and most varied
- Dinner accepts reservations; lunch and weekend brunch are walk-in only, so expect a wait at peak times
- Look at the counter display before ordering — it's the best way to choose
- Weekend brunch is popular; arrive early to avoid the longest queue
Accessibility
The Upper Street shop has step-free access from the street; the dining area is compact, which can make navigation tighter for wheelchair users during busy periods.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is this the original Ottolenghi location?
Yes, the Upper Street branch was Yotam Ottolenghi's first restaurant and deli.
Do I need a reservation?
Dinner accepts bookings, but lunch and weekend brunch are walk-in only.
What is it known for?
Bold Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, and an especially strong pastry and dessert counter.
Is it good for a quick lunch?
Yes, though it can be busy — visiting slightly outside the core lunch rush helps avoid the longest waits.