Filó Dining

Grab one of Filó Dining’s outdoor tables in the late afternoon sunshine, order a caipirinha or a pint, and you could almost be forgiven for thinking you’re at a bohemian São Paulo bar, not in Islington. Inside it’s a pub-cum-restaurant and exudes fun, with colourful murals and Brazilian flags adorning the walls. Whether ordering from the snacks (what Brazilians call petiscos), starters, or mains sections of the menu, the portions are generous, featuring Brazilian classics with modern twists. Pork ribs are rubbed in molasses atop moreish creamy cassava. Minas cheese, which chef Aline Quina makes herself, is salty, squeaky, and drizzled with truffle honey. A “ceviche” of palm hearts, mango, and avocado is a rare good vegan dish at a Brazilian restaurant. The star is feijoada—rich, creamy, with all the trimmings. Go when there’s live music and you’ll probably stay, snacking until closing time. Quina’s homemade pão de queijo, by the way, are possibly the best in the city.

photo credit: Koray Firat

photo credit: Koray Firat

photo credit: Koray Firat

photo credit: Koray Firat