Tierra Peru

You're walking up Essex Road in Islington and suddenly you're somewhere properly different. Tierra Peru doesn't mess about with fusion nonsense or Instagram theatre—it's just genuinely good Peruvian food cooked with actual technique. The ceviche is sharp and balanced, the seafood actually tastes like it arrived yesterday, and they take their pisco seriously enough that you'll want to order a second round. It's the kind of place where locals have their spots at the bar and the kitchen knows exactly what it's doing.