Islington readers who've been wandering up and down Chapel Market recently may have spotted the under-the-radar arrival of a new seafood spot on the market. Head up to the Penton Street end of the street and you'll find Chapel Market Kitchen.
The man behind this new oyster bar and grill is chef Maoz Alonim who for many years had a huge reputation for his restaurant Basta in Carmel Market in Tel Aviv. In recent years he's been living in the UK, having followed his wife here for her academic career. On the heels of a well-received pop-up in Cambridge, he's now opened this permanent restaurant in North London.
From one market to another, the new restaurant is taking full advantage of its location. As Maoz explained to us: "I get most of my produce from Chapel Market directly. It’s a real ‘market restaurant’ that gives prominence to the quality of the raw materials in our dishes (what you see is what you get!). The menu changes often (sometimes daily), depending on what is fresh on the market that day."
On that menu, you'll find oysters (obviously) from Mersea and Maldon along with a range of small and large plates. Examples, when we popped in, included a signature dish of kingfish sashimi with tomatoes along with a range of dishes from the grill - popular choices included grilled beef heart and, one of our favourites on the night, blue runner crab.
As for picking this location, "I love London and all it has to offer," he says. "We were looking for a location that is central enough, but removed from the hustle and bustle of more touristic neighbourhoods, and I love being embedded in the everyday life of a real, local, trading market."
Just as Basta was known for its wine list, that looks like being the same here in Islington where Maoz is promising an 'unruly' wine list. Come, sit up at the counter, and enjoy watching your oysters being shucked while you enjoy a great glass of something interesting.
More about Chapel Market Kitchen
Where is it? 2 Chapel Market, London N1 9EZ
When does it open? Open now
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @chapelmarketkitchen
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