Should you ever find yourself hungry at Wood Green station, there's little of quality in the immediate vicinity to tempt most people. Head down the High Road and you'll encounter a series of identikit kebab grills, Greggs and the usual fast food joints. Turn right out of the station and walk five minutes up the road, however, and you'll happen upon cheerful Mediterranean restaurant Fatisa.
Perched on the corner of Woodside Park, directly opposite the recently enlarged and super-secure police station, this former public toilet has become a much-loved neighbourhood restaurant serving up fresh food in greedy person sized portions, at reasonable prices, with unflappable friendliness.
Pizza at Fatisa is close to the best we've had in London. The menu includes some combinations (like the Fatisa Fresh, pictured) that we've not found anywhere else and all for £7-9. The Vegetable Gnocci (pictured) is a summer special, full of flavours and perfectly cooked. As for grills and mains, the pan-fried king prawns with chilli and garlic are finger-licking lush and the Fatisa Homemade Burger is satisfyingly meaty, and a challenge to the hungriest diner.
The brunch menu spans full English and Turkish set breakfasts as well as a make-up-your-own option, where you can pick from a list which includes vegetarian sausages (and chips and halloumi, and wonderful mushrooms mixed up with nice stuff). At £7-8 it's not cheap, but we assure you the size and quality of it justifies the price. Fatisa also offers a fine line in brunchy, lunchy stuff like omelettes and panini, which turn out to be full meals, served as they are with really good fries and a lovely dressed salad (£6-7).
Want further proof of its popularity? Over the past couple of years Fatisa has added a first-floor dining area, extended its front veranda for al-fresco eating and added a garden area where smoking is allowed. The restaurant is always spotlessly clean, the food beautifully presented and the welcome warm. With the addition of some super summer planting this year, Fatisa has been confirmed as a true oasis on the High Road.
Fatisa, 292 High Road, Wood Green N22 8JZ. Browse the menus here.
On our anonymous visit we paid £20.75 for two mains and one dessert and cheekily added a bottle of Prosecco at £22.50. Service excluded.