Galata Restaurant & Bistro

You're walking along the Regent's Canal towpath near King's Cross, and suddenly there's Galata — a proper neighbourhood restaurant that's managed to avoid feeling contrived about its canalside location. The vibe here is relaxed without being trying-too-hard about it. Order the mezze spread and watch it arrive in waves: hummus, smoky aubergine, proper charred flatbreads. Their grilled meats are the thing though — whether it's lamb or chicken, there's real skill in the seasoning and cooking. It's the kind of place where locals actually come back, not just Instagram tourists.