Oui Madame

Oui Madame is a modern European restaurant in Highbury & Islington that does the whole elegant-yet-low-key thing admirably well. No wonder, as the local bistro is run by the man behind another neighbourhood favourite, Martin Lange of Salut.

Having grown up in Germany and picked up the tools of the trade at his family's restaurant, Lange has brought a touch of that same warm hospitality and small-town charm to North London. With its rough-hewn planks, mismatched furniture, and home kitchen vibes, Oui Madame is a charmingly bucolic bistro where the guests' comfort is prioritised above all else. 

Open for dinner only, Oui Madame serves contemporary European cuisine with notable Mediterranean influences. Changing with the seasons to highlight the freshest produce throughout the year, the menu features an assortment of small and large plates that diners can mix and match in their own way, from sardine bruschetta or grilled scallops to seafood orzotto and lamb rack, with the dishes striking the sweet spot between refined and still enjoyable to eat.

Considering the food and convivial setting, it goes without saying that Oui Madame's wine game is on point as well, with a carefully curated list covering everything from crisp whites to elegant reds and more.

Taken altogether, this is the kind of quaint restaurant that isn't loud about its qualities, but instead goes quietly and efficiently about its business, ensuring a memorable meal in doing so – in short, a true hidden gem.